POSITION TITLE: Victim Advocate
DEPARTMENT: Pathways to Healing Program
LOCATION: DuPont/Tukwila, WA
REPORTS TO: Program Manager
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
WAGE RANGE: $29.05 - $33.40

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Provides direct support and a holistic approach to inform, educate and heal individuals and families who have been affected by violence and victimization. Ensures the efficient and effective provision of program services to meet the needs of those affected by violence in accordance with established policies, procedures, and regulations. Adheres to confidentiality requirements. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of CIT, the HHS Department, and the PTH program.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provides victim and survivor services to include: legal advocacy, culturally responsive advocacy, secondary victim advocacy, medical advocacy, and general advocacy either virtually or in-person.
• Provides crisis intervention services to families and victims of violence; manages difficult and emotional situations and responds promptly to the needs of the client.
• Facilitates individual and group discussions on a variety of topics to meet the needs of the client.
• Identifies and coordinates housing and other resources and services as needed.
• Conducts training as requested on culturally appropriate services, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, commercial sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and/or Elder abuse.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with outside agencies and other providers who provide resources to those affected by violence or victimization.
• Participates in community and program outreach events.
• Tracks client expenditures; and services, record data in program database and assists in maintaining data for progress reports for funders.
• Conducts client satisfaction evaluations and community needs assessments; adapts program initiatives to meet the needs of the client and community.
• Develops content for program newsletter and social media posts.
• Provides professional support and information to the other tribal and HHS entities around violence and victimization.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by conducting research, attending seminars, educational workshops, classes and conferences; reviewing professional publications; establishing networks; participating in professional societies; conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
• Contributes to a team effort.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional forms of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of the effects of victimization.
• Knowledge of the CPS, ICW, family court systems, and legal advocacy.
• Knowledge of case management and crisis intervention.
• Skill in motivational interviewing techniques
• Skill in making effective decisions in emergency situations.
• Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
• One-year of related experience in social services, case management, or working with victims.
• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered.
• Experience working within American Indian and/or Alaska Native communities preferred.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Willing to travel between tribal office locations as needed.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening/investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and communicate effectively. The employee occasionally is required to move throughout the facility; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distances.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.