Outreach Advocate - Waterville

Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence; Waterville (ME); On-site; USD 37,024 - 44,428; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free health insurance

Paid time off (3 weeks)

403(b) retirement plan with employer match

Short-term and long-term disability insurance

Job summary

A nonprofit organization focused on domestic abuse seeks an Outreach Advocate in Waterville, Maine. This full-time role involves providing services to domestic violence victims, facilitating support groups, and attending court for advocacy. Candidates should possess strong skills in crisis intervention and communication, and ideally hold a degree in human services or social work. Additional benefits include comprehensive health insurance and a 403(b) retirement plan. Salary ranges from $37,024 to $44,428 annually based on experience.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of domestic violence and its impact on victims.
• Knowledge of housing barriers faced by the homeless.
• Experience with civil, family, and criminal court systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct services to domestic abuse victims.
• Facilitate weekly support group for survivors.
• Attend court hearings to provide advocacy and support.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Human relations

Conflict resolution

Time management

Excellent communication skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services or social work

Job description

Full Time, 32 hours per week, Non Exempt

Job Type:

About the Role

Position Summary:

Family Violence Project (FVP) seeks an advocate to provide direct services to those affected by domestic abuse in Northern Kennebec County. The Outreach Advocate will provide operational support to the Waterville Outreach Office, including overseeing the office and addressing any technological and/or maintenance needs. The person in this position will provide advocacy services in relation to the office and facilitate a weekly support group for adult victims/survivors. They will also attend the local district court on days that protection order hearings are scheduled, providing advocacy, information, and support services to those in attendance who are affected by domestic abuse; the advocate may attend other courts and/or court proceedings based on victim/survivor need and advocate availability. The Outreach Advocate will network with area services providers to establish connections and gain/maintain knowledge of resources to better assist those with whom they are working. Maintaining current and accurate records is an integral part of this position, as is the reporting of data as required by the agency and its funders.

This is a full-time, 32-hour per week non-exempt position with a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm schedule; each day includes a half hour unpaid lunch break. The schedule will include occasional on-call responsibilities in relation to the agency’s 24-hour helpline and may include some evenings and weekends. This position will be based out of FVP’s Waterville Outreach Office and will include travel, as needed, throughout Kennebec and Somerset counties for court advocacy, collaborative community meetings, agency meetings, etc.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, climb stairs, sit (including prolonged sitting), talk, and listen. The employee is also required to operate a computer using a standard keyboard and mouse; use a fax machine, printer, scanner, and copier; and communicate using a telephone. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will possess knowledge of domestic violence and its impact on victims and the community. This person will also have knowledge of the housing barriers encountered by those experiencing homelessness, and available resources. Demonstrated skills and experience in crisis intervention, human relations, and conflict resolution are necessary. Time management skills are a must, as is the ability to prioritize work demands to meet client needs and emergencies. Experience in and/or knowledge of the civil, family, and criminal court systems is preferred, as is experience with group facilitation. The successful candidate will interact harmoniously with others, communicating respectfully and effectively through excellent listening, oral, and written communication skills. The person in this position must be able to work collaboratively as well as independently, handle emergencies in a calm manner, and de‑escalate situations. Applicants should be proficient in the use of Microsoft programs, particularly Outlook, Word, and One Drive. Data entry and reporting experience are helpful.

Job Requirements

A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required for this position. Applicants must undergo fingerprinting upon hire and pass state and federal criminal history checks, as well as checks done through sex offender registries, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and the Department of Health and Human Services, among others. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in human services, social work, or a related field is preferred for this position but is not required; those with relevant skills and work / life experience are encouraged to apply. All new employees are required to participate in a thorough orientation process which includes successful completion of Family Violence Project’s Crisis Advocacy, Intervention, Response and Ethics Training for New Advocates.

Excellent benefits are provided for the employee, including free health insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance. Vision, dental and supplemental insurances, as well as health insurance for dependents, are available at cost. Benefits also include paid time off (beginning with three weeks of accrued time per year), fourteen paid holidays each year, and a 403(b)-retirement plan with an employer match. The starting pay range for this position is $37,024 annually ($22.25 per hour) to $44,428 annually ($26.70 per hour), based on experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This position will remain open until it is filled. Provide resume and personalized cover letter to:

RESUMES WITHOUT PERSONALIZED COVER LETTERS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, gender identity or expression, pregnancy or any other characteristic protected by law.

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