This is a non-degreed position that will require the advocate to work collaboratively in a consulting role with CPI child welfare staff, facilitate or co-facilitate DV training with/for DCF staff, safety plan with participants, explain DV services available, provide service management and referrals. The advocate will complete registration paperwork and service documentation for victims of domestic violence who enter Outreach or Shelter services and provide information, referral and counseling to survivors of domestic and sexual violence and the public and facilitate support groups with required documentation attached. The advocate will act as liaison with community partners including law enforcement and judicial system and provide support to Victim Services Division for special projects such as community awareness/training; monitoring preparation and back up shelter coverage on as needed basis. The ultimate goal of the program is to bridge the gap between child welfare and domestic violence service providers to enhance family safety, create permanency for children, and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. DCF DV Program Office will provide technical assistance and training to DV staff and child welfare organizations to build collaborations that benefit survivors of domestic violence and their children. DV Advocates play a significant role in ensuring the safety of survivors and their children and provide their expertise in cases where child abuse and domestic violence intersect. The collaboration will support the State of Florida’s efforts to keep children with non-offending, protective parents.

General Expectations:

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the following:

1. Adhere to all PRC policies and Code of Conduct standards and always exhibit all PRC’s Core Values.
2. Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
3. Interact professionally with other employees, customers and vendors.
4. Work independently, while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations, as required.

Essential Duties/Requirements:

• Ability to arrive/report to work on time and ready to work.
• Ability to abide by principles of EEO compliance and a workplace of dignity and respect.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a group/team setting.
• Ability to show respect and professionally communicate with others.
• Ability to take guidance and direction from supervisors.
• Ability to report to work with clean hygiene.
• Ability to adhere to company/program dress code standards.
• All services will be provided regardless of gender or disabilities.
• Provide information, referral and counseling to victims of domestic violence, including but not limited to those with an open child abuse investigation, diversion case or is in the dependency process.
• Read Communication Log and Residents Board at the beginning of each shift.
• Communicate with off-going shift regarding participants and the facility at the beginning of each shift.
• Know and understand relevant Domestic and Sexual Violence Laws and Statutes.
• Maintain professional relationships with community partners and judicial system, reporting observations concerns, and any changes to your direct supervisor or Director of Victim Services.
• Maintain strict confidentiality.
• Document daily services accurately and timely in the ALICE computer system, files, SAL’s, and required logs.
• An employee in this position must be able to react to change productively.
• Provide for the special needs of the participants at the Shelter.
• Must learn, understand and carry out all Domestic Violence Program Procedures.
• Know, understand and respect participants’ rights.
• Conduct initial and ongoing safety planning with participants.
• Consult on the development of safety plans and/or case plans that enhance survivor safety while holding batterers accountable for their violence.
• Inform participants of Crime Victim’s Compensation Assistance and complete paperwork.
• Complete registration paperwork and service documentation for victims of domestic violence who enter Outreach or Shelter Services.
• Participate in staffing on a weekly basis with DCF staff where survivors have an open child abuse investigation, diversion case or is in the dependency process, providing consultation for services to enhance survivor and child safety while holding batterers accountable.
• Provide assistance in injunction assistance.
• Share information regarding cases to the extent allowable by law, ensuring information released to community partners adheres to confidentiality and victim/advocate privilege.
• Receive referrals from DCF and CBC staff.
• Document in participant’s file regarding groups, service management and incidents.
• Complete required PRC paperwork as it pertains to assigned shift and/or job duties in a timely manner. To include CPI project log and monthly status report.
• Document daily activities for your supervisor and turn in monthly.
• Provide phone crisis counseling as trained, pertaining to sexual and domestic violence victim callers.
• Will provide a minimum of three on-site presentations/ trainings for local child welfare staff per year and with other CBC providers as requested. Participate in the planning, coordination and facilitation of cross-training with other community partners.
• Working knowledge of community resources especially in areas of housing, training and employment.
• Attend all scheduled work hours, meetings, training, and other grant and center functions, including on-call as required.
• Facilitate support groups within the Shelter and the community and complete the required documentation.
• Submit monthly reports to meet all contract deadlines and position requirements Comply with reporting requirements designated by Peace River Center’s contractual obligations.
• Provide transportation for shelter participants, as needed.
• Transport incoming survivors from designated safe places (i.e., police station) to Shelter.
• Document activities in participant’s file according to procedural standards.
• Complete required PRC paperwork as it pertains to assigned shift and/or job duties in a timely manner.
• Provide shift coverage at the Sebring Domestic Violence Shelter, as needed and the Lakeland Shelter for emergency coverage.
• Ability to intervene with and redirect participants to ensure a violence free environment.
• Shift assignments will be flexible with occasional evening and weekend work required and occasional need to fill in on other shifts due to vacancies, illnesses and vacations.

Qualifications:

Education:

High School diploma or equivalent.

Experience:

Preferred a minimum of one year working with individuals or families in crisis.

Domestic Violence related preferred.

Certifications/Training:

30 hours DCF DV Program Core Competency training (provided)

30 hours FCASV ACT training (provided)

Other annual trainings as required by PRC, DCF DV Program & FCASV.

Knowledge and Skills:

Bi-lingual preferred.

Ability to self-motivate and self-start.

Excellent organizational skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office software package.

Demonstrated teambuilding skills.

Demonstrated planning skills.

History of regular work attendance.

Demonstrate the ability to lift 25 lbs.

Working knowledge of community resources, especially in areas of housing, training and employment.

Safety Equipment

Universal Precautions

Comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations

Life Safety Equipment (fire extinguisher)

Transportation:

Must have reliable transportation.

Machines, Tool and Equipment Used:

Computer, telephone, fax, copier.

Technology Requirement:

As an employee of Peace River Center, if you are not assigned a company-issued phone, you will be required to authorize the use of the Microsoft Authenticator app on your personal mobile device. This is necessary to access our payroll and communication system, Datis, and Microsoft email, as examples. This will ensure secure and efficient communication with the organization.

Supervisory Relationship(s):

Reports to Domestic Violence Outreach Manager. Meets with supervisor bi-weekly for individual supervision to discuss/manage program needs and evaluate any training needs or issues of professional staff or participants.

Work Environment:

The work environment is fast-paced and consists of exposure to physical conditions typical of a normal office environment. The populations cared for will include patients who are confused, delusional, irrational, agitated, or uncooperative. Most of the work is performed while sitting, although the work may require occasional standing or walking and/or the lifting and carrying of small objects. A small amount of travel may be required for meetings, etc., to another PRC location.

EEO Statement

One of the greatest assets of the PRC is the ethnic, cultural, and social diversity of its employees. PRC takes great pride in the diversity and values and respect of all its employees, regardless of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, age, disability, gender identification, or sexual orientation.