This is a non-degreed position that will require the advocate to work collaboratively in a DV subject matter expert consulting role with CPI child welfare staff. The Partners in Protection (PiP) Advocate will co-locate between the VS Office and their assigned DCF Service Center and shall collaborate with Department CPIs to provide case consultation to assist in accurate identification of the underlying causes of violence and whether the dynamics of power and control are present, assist in the identification of risk factors, survivor protective capacities, and development of safety plans in accordance with CFOP 170-5, Chapter 10.

The PiP advocate provides comprehensive advocacy, support, and individual counseling services to survivors of domestic violence involved in the child welfare system by conducting safety planning, crisis intervention, referrals, and counseling, completing required registration, service, and relocation documentation. Facilitates and co-facilitates training and presentations for Department of Children and Families (DCF) staff, community partners, co-workers, and the public; leads survivor support groups with appropriate documentation; and supports the Victim Services Division through special projects, community outreach, monitoring preparation, and backup shelter coverage as needed.

CPI Program Description:

Co-located PiP domestic violence advocates are domestic violence subject matter experts that work from an empowerment-based approach and are skilled at identifying survivor protective capacities. Advocates’ expertise in this area assists child welfare professionals in partnering with survivors by building on the protective factors of the non-offending parent. The co-located advocates’ domestic violence expertise also serves to assist child welfare professionals in identifying batterers’ patterns of coercive and controlling behaviors, gathering information to address batterer-generated risks, and assessing the impact of the batterer’s behavior on the children.

The Partners in Protection Program is a collaborative effort between PRC, DCF Child Welfare staff and other CBC child welfare professionals to provide an optimal coordinated community response to families experiencing the co-occurrence of domestic violence. The advocate provides consultation to child protection staff, referral services to survivors, and attends monthly meetings between all partnering stakeholders to develop strategies to resolve any barriers or issues. The 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. The Department’s designated training and technical assistance provider 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.

General Expectations:

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

• Adhere to all PRC policies and Code of Conduct standards and always exhibit PRC’s Core Values.
• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Perform quality work within deadlines, independently and collaboratively.
• Communicate and coordinate with staff, agencies, and community partners

Essential Duties/Requirements/Activities:

• The Partners in Protection Advocate shall be co-located at least 60% of the time (24 hours per week) within the Department’s regional CPI unit as assigned.
• The Partners in Protection Advocate shall collaborate with Department CPIs to provide case consultation to assist in accurate identification of the underlying causes of violence and whether the dynamics of power and control are present, assist in the identification of risk factors, survivor protective capacities, and development of safety plans in accordance with CFOP 170-5, Chapter 10.
• The Partners in Protection Advocate shall participate with Department CPIs in case staffing’s where active or potential DV is identified. Case staffing is defined as a formal meeting with Department CPIs and community partners to coordinate services.
• The Partners in Protection Advocate shall collaborate with local Community Based Care (CBC) Lead Agencies and subcontracted service providers to offer consultation, increase knowledge of the resources, services, and advocacy available to survivors of domestic violence that are involved in an open child abuse investigation, diversion case or dependency case and are the nonoffending parent.
• The Partners in Protection Advocate shall provide advocacy support and referral services to survivors of domestic violence with an active child abuse investigation, diversion case or dependency case.
• The Partners in Protection Advocate shall provide survivors with accompaniment to CPI interviews, case staffing, court hearings, or other meetings/events resulting from child welfare involvement.
• The Partners in Protection Advocate shall provide case specific consultation to Child Protection Professionals to help enhance survivors and child safety and hold perpetrators accountable.
• Case consultations may include helping Child Protection Professional identify power and control dynamics and the impact of coercive control on survivors and children while maintaining confidentiality.
• The Partners in Protection Advocate shall provide training to Child Protection Professionals, Community Based Care Lead Agencies (CBCs), or service providers on topics including, but not limited to, the dynamics of domestic violence, the intersection of domestic violence and child abuse, batterer accountability, safety planning, or center services.
• The Partners in Protection Advocate shall participate in all statewide CPI Project calls and center-specific technical assistance facilitated by the Department’s designated training and technical assistance provider.
• The Partners in Protection Advocate shall coordinate and participate in quarterly meetings with leadership from child welfare and community providers to identify and address any barriers in service delivery to meet the needs of survivors.

Other Duties/Requirements/Activities

• Maintain accurate records, files, receipts, and required reports.
• Assist with shelter coverage and crisis counseling as needed.
• This position may be assigned additional “position duties” by a supervisor, other than those listed as is consistent with business necessity. On-going assigned duties will be added in the form of an addendum to this job description.

Qualifications:

Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Training:

• 40-hour DCFDV Core Competency Training (provided)
• 30-hour FCASV ACT Training (provided)
• FLDVC Child Welfare New Advocate Orientation (within 90 days)
• Ongoing annual training as required

Knowledge and Skills:

• Must meet the DCF state-mandated background and screening requirements.
• One year of experience with individuals/families in crisis preferred.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Strong organizational, planning, and team-building skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Self-starter with ability to prioritize tasks.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Able to lift 25 lbs. and adapt to diverse work environments.

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.
• Will drive personal vehicle for job duties:
• Must be over 21 with a FL driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Must carry & maintain $50,000/$100,000 bodily injury coverage on personal vehicle and provide proof of coverage annually.
• Will drive a PRC vehicle:
• Must be 25 years of age with a FL driver’s license and clean driving record.

Supervisory Relationship(s)

Reports to Domestic Violence Services 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.

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

Machines, Tool and Equipment Used:

Computer, telephone, fax, copier

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.