On-Call Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocate

Summary

Under general direction of the Family Violence Response Program (FVRM) Manager, the On-Call Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocate is responsible for providing high quality crisis counseling and advocacy with Mercy Medical Center patients identified as domestic violence (DV) and/or sexual assault (SA) victims. Advocates will intervene during evenings, weekends and holidays with patients presenting to Mercy to provide assistance in safety planning, danger assessment, emotional support and resource linkage with a special emphasis on providing "supportive advocacy" and "warm hand-offs" to other area providers.

Requirements

Education/Experience

Required: Human Service-related college degree. May substitute suitable 2 years work experience with domestic violence and sexual violence victims. Preferred: Masters in Social Work or health- related field.

Preferred: Two years experience working with victims of violence. Experience working in an acute healthcare setting.

Licensures/ Certifications

• Current MD Driver's license, automobile and proof of automobile insurance

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to pay close attention to detail during intervention work time.

• Must be able to sit, stand and walk for up to 80% of the work time.

Working Conditions

• Emergency Department and Maternal Child Health hospital unit work environments.

• Some normal office work environment, use of office equipment not limited to computers, copiers, printers, fax machines.

• Working with interdisciplinary staff up to 70% of time with varied levels of stress.

• May be exposed to communicable disease, clinical environment, unpleasant conditions and hazardous chemicals.

Skills

• Demonstrates knowledge of domestic violence and sexual assault dynamics and the impact on health and wellness.

• Skill in using computers including documentation in electronic medical records and use of Microsoft Office Word and Excel.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Advanced skills in working effectively and sensitively with persons in crisis.

• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communications and the ability to work collaboratively with all levels of personnel, both inside and outside of the organization, including health care providers, community providers and law enforcement.

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and tact; ability to maintain poise and professional courtesy under pressure.

• Demonstrates ability to constructively and sensitively provide feedback to providers regarding care delivery to domestic violence and sexual assault patients.