Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate

Chenega Corporation; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

Overview

CHENEGA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, LLC

Edwards AFB, CA

The Department of the Air Force (DAF) Family Advocacy Program (FAP) is designed to identify, prevent, and provide treatment to families, couples, and/or intimate partners impacted by domestic abuse (DA). FAP offers the support of Domestic Abuse Victim Advocates (DAVA) to provide DAF personnel, their family members, or intimate partners who are victims of DA non-clinical emergent and urgent service whenever requested. With the exception of mandatory state, federal, and military reporting requirements (i.e., domestic violence, child abuse, and duty to warn situations), the DAVA provides a private and confidential service to encourage victims in seeking assistance.

Responsibilities

• Provides 24 hour/7 days a week response to victims alleging DA by maintaining an emergency contact number via cell phone.
• Establish a Victim’s Safety Plan on a case-by-case basis.
• Partners with the Family Advocacy Treatment Manager (FATM) and Family Advocacy Intervention Specialist (FAIS) or mental health on-call provider to establish safety plans, prioritizing the victims’ safety.
• Review the safety plan during each victim contact.
• Develops safety plans based on initial and ongoing risk assessments; notify the FAO, law enforcement, and Command if imminent risk of serious harm or death is established.
• Immediately reports any changes in the victim’s circumstances impacting the safety plan to the FAP treatment/case manager.
• Advises each victim at the initial contact that:
  • DAVA services are voluntary.
  • DAVA has limited confidentiality IAW AF policy.
  • Medical examination and documentation of victim’s injuries is highly recommended.
  • Victims may choose to make a restricted or unrestricted report of DA.
• Advises victims of military or civil actions available to promote safety.
• Offers victims information regarding their identified needs (e.g., emergency shelter, housing, childcare, legal services, clinical resources, medical services, transitional compensation).
• Offers follow-up DAVA services to each victim to empower them in advocating for their needs.
• Advises victims on the impact of domestic violence on children and supports assessments and treatment for children as needed.
• Accompanies the victim to appointments or court proceedings when requested.
• Collaborates with the FAP treatment/case manager to support the victim and promote safety for the victim and children.
• Submits Victim Impact Statements as requested by the victim.
• Maintains DAVA contact files securely and marked as either “Open” or “Closed.”
• Supports the Family Advocacy Intervention Specialist (FAIS) in developing System Advocacy, Education, and Public Awareness.
• Collaborates and establishes protocols with relevant agencies regarding DA incidents.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in disciplines such as Social Work, Psychology, or related fields.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience providing advocacy services to victims of DA or sexual assault.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to clearly read, understand, speak and write English.
• Ability to obtain the Basic Advocate credential within six months of hiring.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Physical Demands: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

• While performing the duties, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear, and may occasionally lift/move up to 25 pounds.

Estimated Salary/Wage

Up to USD $33.41/Hr.