Massachusetts Jobs

Outreach Worker and Advocate, VRP

Boston, MA (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1340+Boylston+St+Boston+MA+USA+02215) • Behavioral Health

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Under the supervision of the Advocacy Coordinator, the Outreach Worker and Advocate provides advocacy and case management services, and supportive counseling to survivors of domestic violence/partner abuse, sexual assault, anti-LGBTQ hate violence and police misconduct --- with a specialized focus on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) survivors. The Outreach Worker/Advocate serves as the primary liaison between the VRP and state and community based victim/survivor service providers and survivor-led organizations. The Outreach Worker/Advocate provides information to community members, service providers and others about VRP services and raises awareness about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) violence issues. The Outreach Worker/Advocate facilitates trainings and in-services to improve providers’ and systems’ response to LGBTQ survivors of violence. This position is hybrid, with both remote and in-person work.

Representative Duties:

Conduct outreach, training/in-services and community engagement

• Conducts outreach about VRP services to service providers, community groups and LGBTQ communities, including underserved and marginalized communities

• Conducts outreach and information-sharing at events in the community and in the health center in coordination with other VRP and Fenway Health staff

• Maintains a presence in LGBTQ and victim-service communities by proactively reaching out to community groups and organizations regarding issues of interpersonal violence and victimization, with the intent of raising awareness and strengthening community partnerships

• Provides training and in-services to community groups and professional organizations about LGBTQ violence issues to raise awareness and improve providers’ and systems’ response to LGBTQ survivors

• Responds to outside requests for training, gathering information and coordinating with VRP staff

• Participates in the design and distribution of outreach materials in coordination with VRP and Fenway Health staff

• Develops public awareness campaigns in collaboration with VRP and Fenway Health staff, partnering organizations and community groups

Collaborates with victim services agencies and community organizations in support of survivor rights

• Works with police and other criminal justice agencies, legal service providers and victim services agencies to ensure accessibility and follow-up services for survivors of violence

• Organizes and/or attends monthly meetings with law enforcement, criminal justice, and other LGBTQ groups and community service providers in an effort to protect and ensure the public safety and civil rights of the LGBTQ community

• Develops and maintains contacts in other assistance agencies; maintains updated referral lists

Provides direct services to clients

• Provides telephone or in-person intake, screening and assessment of new clients referred to the VRP

• Provides supportive counseling with clients using established VRP procedures

• Informs clients of rights, options and available services during intake or as soon as practicable

• Coordinates care for clients, including consultation with other agency departments and community service providers; communicates with clients and other family members or significant others regarding client care

• Delivers case management by assisting clients to access the criminal justice/legal systems, medical and behavioral health care, social and support services, housing and other basic needs by giving client information, facilitating referrals and/or contacting service providers directly

• Accompanies clients to Court and/or police, as appropriate

4. Effectively carries out activities related to VRP’s provision of services to clients

• Prepares reports, statistics and documentation of direct services, as directed

• Participates in VRP team meetings, interdisciplinary department meetings and other staff meetings, as directed

• Attends supervision sessions as scheduled and uses supervision appropriately to receive support and feedback related to ongoing cases and administrative responsibilities

5. Meets agency participatory expectation

• Adheres to all agency and departmental policies and procedures

• Participates in quality assessment and improvement activities as requested

• Adheres to the highest principles of patient and client confidentiality

• Adheres to established safety policies, procedures and precautions; identifies potential or actual unsafe situations in the environment and takes measures to rectify the situation

• Attends all required meetings, in-services and professional trainings

• Maintains professional competence necessary to perform job responsibilities; maintains and provides agency with records of continuing education activities

• Serves on agency committees and in professional organizations when requested

6. Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of, commitment to and/or experience working with LGBTQ community

• Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to addressing partner abuse/domestic violence, sexual violence, hate violence and/or other violence recovery issues

• Demonstrated knowledge of, commitment to and experience working with marginalized populations

• Public speaking/training skills

• Able to work a flexible schedule

• Ability to work harmoniously and effectively with colleagues, patients, clients and vendors across the spectrum of diversity, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, national origin and immigrant status, religious or spiritual identity, disability (physical, mental, emotional and developmental), veteran status, and/or limited English proficiency.

• Willingness to contribute towards Fenway’s efforts in becoming an anti-racist organization and promoting a culture dedicated to ongoing development in service of humility, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, where differences are acknowledged and valued.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred

• Experience providing direct service to survivors of violence or in other human service capacities

• Knowledge of the legal and criminal justice systems and experience with advocacy

• Experience in community outreach, networking and collaborations

• Experience working with an ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse work staff

We offer competitive salaries, and for those who qualify, an excellent benefits package; including comprehensive medical and dental insurance plans, and a retirement plan with employer match. We also provide 11 paid holidays, paid vacation, and more.LGBTQIA+ identified persons, Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC), and individuals from other historically underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Salary Description

$48,000 - $60,000