SAFEPLAN Advocate

SAFEPLAN Advocate

Program/ Location: South Shore Resource & Advocacy Center (SSRAC) - Plymouth, MA; able to travel between Hingham District Court, as well as Plymouth
Education/Experience: Bachelors and/or life experience, 2 years of domestic violence experience
Pay Range: $20-26/hour depending on experience
Status: Full Time / 40 hours a week
Schedule: Monday-Friday - 8:30am-5pm

About Us

High Point & Affiliated Organizations is a health and human service agency whose mission is to treat and prevent substance use disorders and mental illness. High Point has programs located throughout Southeastern Massachusetts offering a full continuum of care for substance use and mental health treatment, including inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services. Programs and services also assist survivors of abuse, violence, and families experiencing homelessness. High Point believes that everyone has inherent goodness, worth, and dignity. Our goal is to help individuals and families achieve personal change and improve their quality of life.

The South Shore Resource and Advocacy Center provides comprehensive advocacy to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking. This position focuses on SAFEPLAN Court Advocacy in Plymouth and Hingham District Courts. 

SAFEPLAN Advocate Requirements

• Complete a successful CORI Background Check
• Bachelor's degree in relevant field, OR relevant comparable level of work/life experience
• Prior experience in working with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking and/or victims of crime (court experience preferred)
• Knowledge of legal issues affecting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking
• Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively with other professionals.

SAFEPLAN Advocate Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking who come to court seeking protective orders
• Provide crisis assessment and intervention services, assist victims in completing protective order application forms
• Provide information to victims on the process to obtain a protective order
• Conduct comprehensive, individual safety planning for victims and their children
• Accompany and advocate for victims in court during civil proceedings
• Make referrals to the host agency for domestic and sexual violence services, and to other social service programs and the district attorney's office as necessary
• Work with MOVA and court/criminal justice personnel to improve services to victims
• Screen potential clients for appropriateness and eligibility to receive SAFEPLAN services
• Be available to assist victims during all hours when court is open, in accordance with the court coverage agreement
• Connect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking with appropriate follow-up services and resources including, but not limited to counseling and group support
• Work cooperatively with other SAFEPLAN Advocates, volunteers and interns
• Establish professional and collaborative working relationships with court personnel and others including but not limited to clerks, judges, attorneys, prosecutors, security officers and victim witness advocates
• Take appropriate measures to ensure personal safety and safety for individuals receiving SAFEPLAN services
• Exercise empathetic and active listening skills
• Work under the empowerment model to inform victims of their rights and options as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking
• Explaining the role of SAFEPLAN Advocate and the limitations of that role
• Maintain confidential case files and adhere to protocols for client confidentiality at all times
• Keep accurate statistical information
• Receive direct supervision from SAFEPLAN Senior Advocate
• Perform other SAFEPLAN related tasks, duties and assignments as requested by the SAFEPLAN Senior Advocate, the SSRAC Program Director, and/or MOVA
• Attend SAFEPLAN regional quarterly meetings
• Attend agency staff meetings as scheduled.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance 
• Dental Insurance 
• Vision Insurance 
• Long & short-term disability
• Discounted auto/home and renters' insurance 
• 403b - Retirement
• FSA & DSA
• PMLA
• Employee Assistance Program
• Bonuses & Referral
• Eligibility for free classes to become a Licensed Counselor or Recovery Coach
• Education days to use towards CEU's
• Free meals at select programs and when available
• Unmatched Leave Time (FT employees can earn up to 3 weeks in first year)