Advocate - Domestic Violence Outreach

Equinox is a non-profit human services organization in the Capital Region.

For more than 40 years, Equinox has reached out to people who need us most with innovative and effective programs that truly change lives, allowing us to fulfill our purpose of helping those we serve move forward on their paths to recovery, healing, and independence.

Equinox is Albany County’s primary provider of services for victims of domestic violence. Our Domestic Violence Programs provide safety for victims of Domestic Violence, including the elderly, and offer the support, assistance and tools they need to escape abusive situations and take control of their lives. Domestic Violence Services are available to all victims and their dependent children, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.

Position Summary: The Advocate provides crisis intervention, information and referral, accompaniment, safety planning, support and liaison services to survivors of domestic violence in area courts. The Advocate will also provide other service advocacy e.g. law enforcement, social services, medical and employment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Accompanies and advocates for clients at court, police and other agencies as needed. Assists clients in obtaining order of protection, custody orders and child support. Provides safety planning, information, referral and domestic violence education to clients.
• Meets with walk-ins to provide crisis intervention, supportive listening, information and referral; develops safety plans with clients and conducts eligibility assessment for all Domestic Violence services.
• Respond to the 24-hour hotline, crisis chat line, and provide direct services to advocacy and case management clients, including shelter placement and alternative options.
• Acts in accordance with Equinox mission. Maintain highest level of professional ethical standards. Ensures confidentiality when dealing with employees, clients and the public.
• Maintain client records according to program and regulatory requirements. Maintain statistics requirements for the agency and funding sources.
• Develops and maintains good working relationships with community services and may represent the agency in formal and informal groups related to domestic violence services. Maintain positive relations with the general public, government and community agencies.
• Consults with other team members regarding client strategies and progress.
• Participates in staff and advocacy meetings, as well as individual supervision.
• May represent the agency in formal and informal groups related to domestic violence services.
• Comply with all documentation requirements.
• Reports suspected cases of child abuse/maltreatment as a mandated reporter.
• Performs other duties as requested for the enhancement and continuation of programming.