Bilingual Domestic Violence Advocate
JOB HIGHLIGHTS: As part of a dynamic, diverse team of passionate advocates, committed to transforming the world, you will deliver culturally relevant, trauma-informed, advocacy and supportive services for the adults and teens experiencing domestic violence in Westchester County.
MAIN AREAS OF FOCUS: Domestic Violence Advocacy Services; Crisis intervention; Client Accompaniments, Outreach and Community Engagement.
LOCATION: This opportunity is based out of the White Plains office in northern Westchester County, New York. Advocacy services are delivered in a variety of settings to meet the needs of the client whether that is remote (phone and/or TeleHealth) or in-person.
JOB OVERVIEW: As an Advocate – you will work to further MSP’s mission in accordance with our guiding principles as a key role as part of the Adult Services Program. The Domestic Violence Advocate is expected to provide critical supportive services to adults and teens in a way that is compassionate and adheres to culturally appropriate best practices and agency expectations. You will be trained in Anti-Racist principles, to provide trauma-informed, client-centered advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals. Services will be mobile and delivered in a variety of settings to reduce barriers to participation and accessibility.
You will maintain strong connections to all other MSP program areas, including our Residential Shelter, DSS/CPS Collaborative Program, DVEP and the Karen Cheeks-Lomax Center for Legal Services. In a highly visible role, you will build and maintain cross-referral partnerships and improve the overall response to domestic violence in the Yonkers area of Westchester County.
YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR:
- Providing crisis intervention, safety planning, support and advocacy to individuals impacted by intimate partner violence
- Facilitating ongoing support group(s) for adults/teens impacted by intimate partner violence
- Providing support & coverage to the Web Chat/Text Line, and as needed, the 24-hour hotline
- Providing clients with information and referrals to outside services for themselves and their children
- Providing personal advocacy and accompaniment to clients as required, including, but not limited to, law enforcement, the Department of Social Services, medical and criminal justice providers
- Providing information on, and assisting victims with completing OVS Compensation Claims
- Collaborating with other programs and departments within MSP
- Participating in all staff meetings, trainings and/or professional development sessions as directed
- Maintaining program statistics in compliance with funding requirements and objectives
- Representing MSP at community presentations in outreach to establish and strengthen partnerships
- Representing the agency at community meetings and coalitions
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor
YOU MUST HAVE:
- Bachelor’s degree and/or minimum of two years of experience working with victims of domestic violence and/or providing counseling to victims of trauma
- Bilingual English/Spanish required
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively and on a team
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, assess priorities, take initiative, handle multiple assignments, and meet deadlines
- Experience working with children and families, providing counseling, support and advocacy in a variety of settings is a plus
- Knowledge of gender-based violence, domestic violence, human trafficking, or trauma
- A passionate commitment to principles of anti-oppression
- Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving and leadership skills
- Ability to manage crises with tact, diplomacy, and sound judgment
- A willingness to promote integration across agency departments
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Technology proficiencies including using Excel, Apricot and other web-based platforms
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Valid driver’s license and reliable, insured transportation (optional)
YOU’LL BE SUCCESSFUL IF:
As a passionate advocate for social justice, you adopt an anti-oppression lens to understand gender-based violence. You recognize that clients come to MSP while navigating different structural and social injustices that affect their experiences of survivorship. You also understand that this work requires an ongoing commitment to developing the language and tools we need to undo institutional oppression.
You are flexible and work well as part of a team and independently. You have excellent time-management skills and demonstrated ability to multi-task. You are accountable to doing what you say you are going to do.
TEAM OVERVIEW: MSP’s Adult Services Team consists of a Director, a Coordinator of the Non-Residential Case Management Program, a Senior Domestic Violence Advocate, an Adult/Teen Advocate, three Domestic Violence Advocates, an Intake Coordinator and a RISE Domestic Violence Advocate. All residential and non-residential services staff work with MSP’s Emergency Shelter, a confidential site in Westchester County, NY.
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW: At MSP, we strongly believe that integrating a world-changing approach into all areas of our work is essential to ending domestic violence and human trafficking. Our dynamic and diverse team of compassionate advocates is working to create a world in which every individual has the basic human right to be free from gender-based violence and to engage in relationships that embrace the principles of respect, equality, and safety.
MSP is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, responding to domestic violence and human trafficking in Westchester County, New York, by providing multi-lingual, trauma-informed legal and supportive services. We bolster our work with clients by engaging in extensive outreach and community education, strengthening the systemic response to all forms of gender-based violence. \
GREAT BENEFITS AND PTO PACKAGE: MSP employees enjoy a generous health benefits package that includes dental and vision care. Our Financial Savings Plan reflects a commitment to the future well-being of our employees. PTO and self-care are important to us and we offer a PTO plan that includes, vacation, sick time, personal days as well as summer Fridays.
Job Classification: Regular/Full time/Flexible/Non-Exempt
Salary: commensurate with experience
Application Instructions: NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements via email to Micheline Chretien, Coordinator of Non-Residential Case Management, mchretien@mspny.org. Please put job title in the subject line of your email.
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MSP values you, your growth and your contributions. My Sisters’ Place believes that an effective, broad-based movement for social transformation must be rooted in anti-oppression principles as we work towards a more just and equitable society. People of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ Community are encouraged to apply. MSP policy prohibits discrimination due to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and national origin in employment and delivery of services.