Victim Advocate

Job Summary: 

The Victim Advocate supports AFG’s mission, and its goal to provide domestic violence advocacy services to victims/survivors of domestic violence in order to promote self-determination and safety. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Provide crisis intervention and empowerment-based, trauma-informed advocacy.
• Coordinate advocacy needs,informationand referral services for AFG clients.
• Provide info and education to help clients understand the dynamics of domestic violence.
• Provide ongoing advocacy-based counseling and safety planning.
• Engage in community networking activitiesto bothincrease access to services for individuals as well as to assist community service providers in understanding the dynamics of abuse.
• Support clients as they navigate the civil and legal systems.
• Collaborate with community partners such astheMichigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCEDSV),JPand others.
• Record relevant clientdata, serviceusageand referrals intothedatabase in a timely manner.
• RepresentAFGanditsprograms in a positive light to clients, volunteers,fundersand the community.
• Provide advocacy and support via the 24/7 emergency crisis line,as needed.
• Provideon-goingtraining to AFG staff,volunteersand the community,as needed.
• Perform otherduties,as assigned.

Demonstrated Abilities: 

• Solid organizationaland crisismanagement skills
• Goodcommunicationskills,diplomacyand tact
• Good decision-making,conflict-resolutionand effective listeningskills
• Ability to workwith a diverse group of people whileexhibitingcultural sensitivity
• Ability to handle crisis,cope with job stress andmaintainconfidentiality

Acquired Knowledge: 

• Requires an associate orbachelor’s degree insocial work, human services or another related field of study and 2-3 years of experience working with domestic violence survivors
• Additionalrelevant experience may be substituted for the degreerequirement
• Requiresbasic computer software andInternetskills
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred

This position requires regular driving.  Incumbents must have reliable transportation, must possess a driver’s license and automobile insurance, and must have a good driving record.