We are hiring an advocate to work with the homeless community and survivors at risk of homelessness! 

JOB TITLE: Sexual Assault Victim Outreach Advocate

HOURS:

40 hours a week, hourly, nonexempt.
This is a grant-funded position. Currently, the grant runs through December 2020 but the agencies are committed for reapplying for the funding or finding other funding.

SALARY/ BENEFITS:

$22.50/hour with a raise to $23.00/hour upon completion of a 90-day introductory period.
Medical benefits for the employee are instated after completion of the 90-day period.
There is generous accrual of vacation and sick leave, in addition to 12 paid holidays.

REPORTS TO: Crisis Intervention Manager

OVERVIEW:
This advocate will work primarily off-site in the field with a team, implementing crisis intervention to engage homeless and at-risk-of-homelessness victims of sexual assault and other crimes. Sexual assault includes, but is not limited to sexual abuse, human trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation, and rape. This position will provide support, advocacy, information, and connection to resources within the realm of the Family Justice Center Sonoma County and the Victim Services Division of the office of the District Attorney. This person will also work with off-site federal grant partners and present community presentations on the dynamics of sexual assault and related crimes and the effects on homeless or at-risk-of-homelessness persons. Candidates must be committed to working with a diverse client population, providing immediate assessment, and service delivery, as required. The right candidate will have the capacity to work both independently and as a team member and to track data and system delivery daily.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS:

Crisis Intervention/Accompaniment/Advocacy Services:
• Provide outreach services victims of sexual assault, as well as other crimes, to individuals that are homeless, or at-risk of becoming homeless, both in the field and at the Family Justice Center
• Outreach sites include jail, day centers, County social services, clinics, hospitals/emergency rooms, FJCSC, open area such as bridges/overpasses/fields, homeless encampments, shelters, and others
• Coordinate with other agencies in XC grant to ensure broad outreach without duplication of efforts
• Utilize crisis management skills to help support clients who may come in escalated, upset, have substance abuse, or mental health needs
• Screen outreach clients with Vulnerability Index Service Priority Decision Assistance Tool, which is the system used to get clients into housing 
• Provide follow up & ongoing advocacy services and referrals via phone and in person to victims via case management as delineated in case notes/client plan
• Provide accompaniment to law enforcement interviews, medical/forensic exams, court appointments/dates
• Coordinate with the Verity team and other partner agencies to ensure adequate service delivery and follow through 
• Present at community meetings on homeless persons who are victimized by sexual assault

Administrative:
• Attend weekly Verity staff meetings, providing input and updates regarding client needs 
• Attend meetings at Victim Services unit of the District Attorney’s office and at least one meeting out of state annually regarding the grant and overall implementation
• Complete monthly paperwork such as mileage
• Work as a team player, collaborating effectively with other staff members
• Collect, maintain and input timely and accurate confidential client information into Verity’s and HMIS database systems
• Adhere to all Verity personnel policies and protocols
• Additional duties and responsibilities as required by the Executive Director or supervisor to facilitate the overall effective operation of Verity

MAJOR QUALIFICATIONS:

The offer of this position is contingent upon completion of Family Justice Center Sonoma County background check and Department of Justice fingerprint check. To be considered for this position, a candidate must have:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent career experience
• State certification within three years, in current standing, as a sexual assault counselor/advocate. If not certified, the candidate must be able to complete Verity’s Crisis Line Counselor training
• The ability to maintain a high level of client confidentiality
• Working proficiency with Google Apps (Gmail and others), database systems, and Microsoft Office
• The agency to be a self-starter who can work in a team environment and handle a variety of tasks with urgent deadlines
• Bilingualism in English and Spanish is highly desirable

TO APPLY:

Applications must include all of the following three items:
1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. Completed Verity Application

These materials may be provided by email to [email protected], by fax to 707-545-8136, attn: Communications or by mail to:

Verity 
835 Piner Road, Suite D
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Verity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without discrimination. We are committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. People of color, differently-abled people, and LGBTQ persons are strongly encouraged to apply.