STRIVE Police Advocate - Domestic Violence Outreach

Equinox Inc•City of Albany, NY

About The Position

Equinox is a non-profit human services organization in the Capital Region. For more than 40 years, Equinox has reached out to people who need us most with innovative and effective programs that truly change lives, allowing us to fulfill our purpose of helping those we serve move forward on their paths to recovery, healing, and independence. Equinox is Albany County’s primary provider of services for victims of domestic violence. Our Domestic Violence Programs provide safety for victims of Domestic Violence, including the elderly, and offer the support, assistance and tools they need to escape abusive situations and take control of their lives. Domestic Violence Services are available to all victims and their dependent children, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Position Summary: The STRIVE Police Advocate is co-located at the local Police Department to be available for crisis intervention and ongoing follow-up. Provides crisis intervention, information and referral, accompaniment, safety planning, support and liaison services to survivors of domestic violence in area courts and police departments. Also provides other service advocacy e.g. law enforcement, social services, medical and employment.

Requirements

Ability to negotiate stairs.
Ability to lift and carry minimum of 15 lbs.
Ability to handle basic facility emergencies.
Ability to drive and transport clients at times with agency vehicles.
Ability to wear a ballistic vest as needed.
High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of four years’ experience in human services.
Must have a clean, valid NYS Driver License, with access to reliable transportation as needed.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in a human service-related field preferred with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in human services OR a Bachelor’s Degree in a human service-related field preferred with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in human services.
Fluency in Spanish and/or an additional language.
Prior experience working with domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, human trafficking, mental health or substance abuse populations preferred.
Prior case management/crisis intervention services experience preferred.
Prior experience working with law enforcement or within a police department setting is preferred
Preferred Qualifications: Monday - Friday

Responsibilities

Accompanies Police on domestic calls, home visits, provides crisis intervention and follow up.
Responsible for On-Call Rotation for 24-hour field response and emergency response for Strive Project
Coordinates immediate safety plans, intake, shelter placement, medical care, during On-Call shifts
Will accompany and advocate for clients at court, police and other agencies as needed. Assists clients in obtaining orders of protection, custody orders and child support. Provides safety planning, information, referral, and domestic violence education to clients.
Assist clients in developing and monitoring goals, with overall goal of client self-sufficiency and violence-free living.
Adheres to strict confidentiality and federal protections surrounding victims of domestic violence.
Adheres to strict confidentiality policies set forth by Equinox and Law Enforcement due to position being co-located at police department
Maintain client records according to the program and regulatory requirements. Maintain statistics requirements for the agency and funding sources.
Participate in department staff meetings, as well as individual supervision.
Participates in Coordinated Community Response Meetings and STRIVE partnership meetings
Responsible for being a backup co-facilitator for the Strive Coordinated Community Response Meetings on a routine basis.
Responsible for providing in-service training to new officers, new strive project partners and new DV staff
Meets with walk-ins to provide crisis intervention, supportive listening, information and referral; develops safety plans with clients and conducts eligibility assessment for all Domestic Violence services.
Respond to the 24-hour hotline, crisis chat line and provide direct services to advocacy and case management clients, including shelter placement and alternative options.
Develops and maintains positive working relationships and linkages with other community services, including domestic violence programs, human services and resource programs in the region.
Acts in accordance with Equinox mission. Maintain the highest level of professional ethical standards. Ensures confidentiality when dealing with employees, clients and the public.
May represent the agency in formal and informal groups related to domestic violence services.
Comply with all documentation requirements.
Reports suspected cases of child abuse/maltreatment as a mandated reporter
Performs other duties as requested for the enhancement and continuation of programming.