Advocacy Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Advocacy Specialist is responsible for assisting survivors in dealing with the immediate and long-term impact of victimization. The Specialist will be subject to call-out to assist in providing immediate crisis intervention to victims and witnesses of crime. Other responsibilities include: assisting survivors with victim compensation applications, completion of applications for Orders of Protection and Injunctions against Harassment, navigation of the criminal justice system, referrals to community service agencies, and assistance in exercising statutory rights. This position involves case management, referrals to community service agencies, and acting as a liaison between victims of crime, police officers, and social service agencies.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

DIRECT SERVICES                                                                                                                                (65%)

·         Provide crisis intervention, emotional support and guidance, advocacy services to sexual assault survivors and victims of crime as needed.

·         Assist in developing and/or coordinating supportive activities to individuals and groups.

·         Provide medical, criminal justice, and personal accompaniment services when requested and/or needed.

·         Provide advocacy services when requested and/or needed.

·         Provide direct service duties like staffing the 24-hour hotline and facilitating support groups.

·         Help develop initial case plans and ongoing strategies for advocacy.

·         Provide assistance in completing crime victim compensation applications.

ADMINISTRATIVE                                                                                                                               (10%)

·         Maintains DOH Rape Crisis Counselor/Advocate certification via successful completion of mandatory continuing education hours.

·         Keep service data, create reports about funded projects, and meet other project objectives according to grant specifications.

·         Maintain case files.

·         Assist in preparing monthly & quarterly statistical reports.

·         Provide office coverage as assigned.

·         Attend staff meetings and assist in the evaluation of the program.

·         Participate in program planning.

·         Assist county coordinator in developing and maintaining community-agency relations.

·         Perform other duties as assigned within a team-based work environment.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT                                                                                                    (20%)

·         Inform key professional groups in the community about available services for crime victims including sexual assault, interpersonal violence, and homicide.

·         Inform and implement outreach plan to raise awareness about and available services for victims of crime in the community.

·         Develop cooperative working relationships with other agencies and organizations.

·         Plans and prepares exhibits for community events and assists in planning and promotion.

·         Facilitate sexual assault prevention education to children, adolescents, and adults in schools, colleges and community-based organizations.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATION                                                                                                        (5%)

·         Assist in the recruitment, training and supervision of volunteer staff.

·         Provide assistance and consultation for volunteers as needed or when requested

·         Participate in volunteer evaluation.

CORE COMPETENCIES

·         A demonstrated commitment to PPGNY’s mission related to bodily autonomy, health equity, and gender and racial justice

·         A demonstrated commitment to learning about and enhancing practices related to racial equity and its impact on healthcare systems.

Strong relationship building and communication skills, including an ability to work and build trust across cultural differences related to related to race, class, age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin or ability; and to reflect on one’s personal identity with humility.

·         Ability to provide compassionate, non-judgmental and culturally responsive care across race, class, age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin or ability; and demonstrates deep sense of accountability to patient experience

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Interpersonal

·         Excellent customer service and communication skills

·         Ability to remain focused and calm in stressful situations

·         Excellent interpersonal and verbal skills

·         Ability to develop and maintain effective, professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders

·         Ability to work effectively as part of team

Technical

·         Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software

·         Familiarity with Microsoft Excel

·         Familiarity with Client Database.

Work Habits/Attributes

·         Excellent organizational skills

·         Comfortable and proficient with public speaking and facilitating curricula

·         Outstanding time management skills, including the ability to work under deadline

·         The ability to produce high quality work in a fast-paced environment with changing and/or competing priorities

·         Ability to exercise sound judgment and independent decision-making skills

·         Ability to produce reliable, high quality work with minimal direct supervision

·         Ability to exercise discretion in the handling of confidential information

·         Ability to demonstrate and document evidence-based clinical judgment

·         Ability to work a flexible or extended schedule, including evenings and weekends, as operational demands require

·         Well-developed problem-solving and critical thinking skills

• Education in the field of specialization such as social work, psychology, counseling or women’s studies. Professional experience sufficient in scope, depth, and performance may serve in place of academic requirements.
• Ability to work cooperatively with different types of personalities.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and case management responsibilities; human behavior and needs at times of crime and crisis; behavioral health, social services, and other community resources; the criminal justice system, NYS Criminal Code, and Rights of victims, police department operations, policies, and procedures.
• Work in community, external agencies & organizations
• Flexible schedule necessary: evening and/or weekend work may be required
• Keep confidential all client information.
• Understand and accept PPGNY’s Personnel Policies.
• Follows all safety and security guidelines.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License with use of personal vehicle is required.
• Ability to travel is required

• Bilingual- Spanish/English

• Requires prolonged sitting and repetitive tasks including use of a computer. Periodic standing, walking, bending. Requires lifting or moving of up to 25 pounds of programming or event materials. Must be able to occasionally walk up and down stairs. Visual acuity sufficient to perform frequent work on a computer screen and review printed reports and other materials. Requires the ability to hear and to communicate orally with others. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets, and will require reaching, grasping, pushing and pulling.

• This job operates in a professional office environment. Potential exposure to communicable diseases and other conditions in a health center environment. Requires travel to various indoor and outdoor environments to conduct programming or events. Requires flexible schedule and during peak activity periods work in excess of 7.5 hours per day and/or 37.5 hours per week.

PPGNY's benefits package includes:

Generous PTO and holiday schedule

Medical, dental and vision coverage options for you and eligible dependents

FSA, HSA, Commuter pre-tax reimbursement funds

Short- and Long-Term Disability, Free Basic Life and AD&D

401(k) Retirement Plan with Safe Harbor contributions after 1 year of employment

All positions at PPGNY require:

Proof of immunization or immunity to certain communicable diseases (including influenza during the flu season and Covid-19) and testing for tuberculosis. These certifications are required by the NYC DOHMH Health Code, NYSDOH and OSHA.

Planned Parenthood of Greater New York (PPGNY) is a leading provider, educator, and advocate of sexual and reproductive health care in New York State. PPGNY is proud to provide a wide-range of family planning services at our brick-and-mortar health centers and mobile care units. We care for everyone regardless of their immigration status, zip code or ability to pay. PPGNY’s education and outreach programs are backed by medically accurate, evidence-based information that allows people to make informed decisions about their health and future. As a voice for reproductive freedom, PPGNY supports legislation and policies that ensure all New Yorkers have access to the full range of reproductive health care and education.

At PPGNY, we provide the absolute best care to our patients and our communities through innovative health care delivery and education programming. We care for everyone who walks through our doors regardless of insurance, ability to pay or immigration status. As a leading voice for reproductive freedom, PPGNY fiercely advocates for policies to ensure that all New Yorkers will have access to the full range of reproductive health care services and information.

PPGNY is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe we are most impactful when people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and identities come together with common purpose. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.