Counselor Advocate: Medical Advocacy

This position requires the person to support and advocate on behalf of victims and program residents with health care providers. This position also provides secondary legal advocacy services to victims of domestic violence; including but not limited to accompanying victims to court proceedings, filing of PFAs and providing supportive options counseling related to legal issues.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
ADVOCACY:  
Primary responsibility for advocacy efforts with health care providers on behalf of victims and program residents. 
Provide secondary legal advocacy: assist victims filing PFA petitions, accompany victims to civil and criminal court hearings and other appointments related to the domestic violence situation, and provide supportive options counseling related to legal issues.

CLIENT CONTACT:  
•    Assume responsibility for in-person, Hotline, and follow up services with clients referred by health care providers. Provide hotline and residential services to all other clients as needed or requested. 
•    Provide services to victims and consultation with professional staff at project health care facilities. 
•    Provide effective and timely secondary follow-up and on-going services to victims who have filed for PFA’s or who have reported ICC’s. 

DATA COLLECTION and INPUT:  
•    Collect and accurately input project statistical data, including direct services, education, and training information specific to medical advocacy. 
•    Ensure the timely submission of relevant data, statistical records and regularly scheduled reports to funding sources as required.
•    Ensure that client files are up to date. 

EDUCATION/TRAINING:  
•    Participate in the education and training of health care personnel. Facilitate hospital-based staff information sessions. 
•    Actively participate in the training and education of new DVSC employees to promote their understanding of the medical advocacy program.

PROGRAM COORDINATION & DEVELOPMENT: 
•    Primary responsibility for the integration of project information through initiation of relevant discussion and implementation of project goals, objectives, and policies.
•    Participate in Domestic Violence Task Force committees and projects which are relevant to the medical advocacy program. Assist in the development of project materials. 
•    Provide recommendations for policies and procedure changes to supervisor to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of services based on a working knowledge of the program.
•    Oversee the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of the medical logic model. Ensure the medical logic model is up-to-date, accurately reflects project goals, and are consistently applied.

SYSTEMS ADVOCACY:  
•    Provide information and educate health care systems encouraging them to make policy changes that will have a positive impact on or more adequately or appropriately meet the needs of victims and the homeless. 
•    Urge health care providers to consistently inform their patients about the availability of DVSC and to refer victims for any services they might need.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:
•    Provides intervention as needed with individuals, other agencies, and systems on behalf of clients.  Provide assistance in filing victim compensation claims.  Assist with “systems advocacy” efforts as requested. 
•    Provide crisis intervention, intake, supportive options counseling, safety planning, information and referral, advocacy with other community resources, follow up services, referral to emergency shelter and transportation arrangements, if needed, in person (Shelter/BH, court, and hospital) or on Hotline as necessary. 
•    Documents all client, client-related contact and activity on appropriate forms and client-based software per agency policy/procedure or as requested by the supervisor. Assist supervisors with statistical record keeping and data collection as requested.
•    Ensures a safe and efficient working facility and performs basic preventative maintenance to remove any safety concerns.
•    Assist supervisors in the planning, scheduling, and implementation of activities designed to promote client self-sufficiency and independence. Participate in case conferences with supervisors and other staff as scheduled.
•    Continually works towards promoting a harmonious and cooperative environment among residents.
•    Works cooperatively with other staff, volunteers and interns; assisting and guiding duties, program requirements and housing guidelines while on duty.
•    Performs other reasonably requested duties as per Supervisors or Executive Director.
  

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS AND JOB SKILLS 
A minimum of a high school diploma with previous experience in social work, health care, or other related field is required. 
Must have the ability to maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
This position requires the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. 
The ability to provide crisis intervention; to exercise good judgment and to interact professionally and assertively with others is essential. 
Proficient spoken and written communication skills are a requirement. Presentation and/or public speaking skills are preferred.
Must be able to work with a diverse population
Must be able to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to client self-determination
Familiarity with understanding of feminist philosophy and issues; of problems faced by victims of domestic violence; and of problems faced by disadvantaged and homeless women is also preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
PA Child Abuse History Clearance
PA Criminal History Background Check
FBI Criminal Background Check
Successful completion of pre-employment drug screen
A valid PA Driver’s license, access to a motor vehicle, successful MVR check and adequate auto insurance
Must complete mandatory Counselor/Advocate training in a timely manner
A willingness to work toward the goals of the agency according to DVSC philosophy and policy; and to accept further education and training to develop skills appropriate to the position.

To perform this job successfully, a person must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodation, as long as the accommodation does not result in undue hardship to the DVSC, may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DVSC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, ancestry, color, religion, sex, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, medical condition, disability, veteran status, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law.