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South Middlesex Opportunity Council Bilingual Program Advocate - VAV in Framingham, Massachusetts

SUMMARY

Provide direct services to English, Spanish and/or Portuguese speaking victims and survivors of sexual and/or domestic violence and their significant others. Provide support advocacy and interpretation for clients seeking immigration services and coordinate and staff Lawyer for the Day Program at Marlborough District Court through Metro-West Legal Services (MWLS).

Why Work for SMOC?

  • Flexible schedule, work/life balance and a 35-hour work week.

  • Paid Time Off: All full-time employees can accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year of employment.

  • Employer Paid Life Insurance & AD&D and Long-Term Disability after 6 months of employment.

  • Two Comprehensive Medical Plans with HRA Employer cost-sharing and 79% of premiums covered by the Employer.

  • Dental w/ Orthodontic Coverage with 75% of premiums covered by the Employer

  • EyeMed Vision Insurance

  • 403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match on day one.

  • Additional voluntary benefits including – additional Term and Whole Life Insurance policies, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, and Short-Term Disability.

  • Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide direct services by phone and in person to victims of sexual and domestic violence including crisis intervention, supportive counseling and co-facilitate support groups, safety planning and risk assessment, case management, information and referral, legal and medical advocacy; provide translation as needed to access services.

  • Provide transportation and accompaniment as needed to facilitate access to services/supports including court.

  • Assist victims in accessing victim's compensation.

  • Participate in rotating coverage with Court Advocacy at the Marlboro and Framingham District Courts.

  • Participate in rotating coverage for walk-in hours at the local schools and community organizations.

  • Participate in rotating after hours on-call for medical advocacy.

  • Participate in rotating shifts for hotline coverage during business hours.

  • Develop and maintain community partnerships with the Spanish/Portuguese speaking communities and provide outreach and education presentations about VAV services as needed.

  • Coordinate and attend the Lawyer for the Day and program and with MetroWest Legal Services.

  • Work with MetroWest Legal Services to facilitate access to immigration services for victims and survivors.

  • Maintain accurate records and keep current with data entry in Empower Data Base.

  • Attend and participate in internal and external meetings and trainings as required including clinical supervision.

  • Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.

  • Attend & participate in engagement team meetings as requested and communicate effectively with clients and staff in other areas.

  • Maintain confidentiality of client, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.

  • Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as, SMOC policies & procedures.

  • Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

  • Fluent (written and spoken) in English and Portuguese required.

  • Bachelor’s degree in public health, education, social work, human services, women’s studies, psychology, or similar preferred; a combination of education and experience will be considered.

  • Previous experience with sexual assault or domestic violence survivors strongly preferred.

  • Demonstrate understanding of the root causes of sexual and domestic violence; commitment to working with victims and survivors; deep commitment to empowerment, social justice and social change required.

  • Able to manage competing priorities and responsibilities; able to multi-task and effectively deal with the stress of juggling daily tasks, ongoing projects, and the unpredictable nature of crisis work.

  • Ability to work multi-cultural, LGBTQ inclusive environment, ability to interact with people from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

  • Ability to work both as a team member and independently, self-directed, engaging, energetic and self-motivated.

  • Must possess a high degree of integrity and proven ability to maintain strict confidentiality and professional boundaries.

  • Knowledge of probate and criminal court issues preferred.

  • Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and meet insurance standards.

  • Must successfully complete a mandatory 40-hour pre-service training to satisfy the requirements of MGL 20J and 20K.

    ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP
  • Directly reports to Community-Based Program Manager.

  • Indirectly reports to n/a.

  • Direct reports of this position are none.

  • Indirect reports of this position are none.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to drive a car both long and short distances.

  • Ability to traverse residential properties where no elevator is available.

  • Basic Office Skills (common computer programs and databases, typing, filing, answering phone).

WORKING CONDITIONS

Some travel is required; this position will drive clients in their personal vehicle to various locations through MA. As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Bilingual Program Advocate will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace .

Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm

37.50 Hours per week

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