Advocacy Specialist
Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, Schenectady, NY, United States
POSITION SUMMARY
The Advocacy Specialist is responsible for assisting survivors in dealing with the immediate and long-term impact of victimization. The Specialist will be subject to call‑out to provide immediate crisis intervention to victims and witnesses of crime. Other responsibilities include assisting survivors with victim compensation applications, completion of applications for Orders of Protection and Injunctions against Harassment, navigation of the criminal justice system, referrals to community service agencies, and assistance in exercising statutory rights. This position involves case management, referrals to community service agencies, and acting as a liaison between victims of crime, police officers, and social service agencies.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES DIRECT SERVICES (65%)
Provide crisis intervention, emotional support and guidance, advocacy services to sexual assault survivors and victims of crime as needed.
Assist in developing and/or coordinating supportive activities to individuals and groups.
Provide medical, criminal justice, and personal accompaniment services when>
Provide advocacy services when requested and/or needed.
Provide direct service duties like staffing the 24‑hour hotline and facilitating support groups.
Help develop initial case plans and ongoing strategies for advocacy.
Provide assistance in completing crime victim compensation applications.
ADMINISTRATIVE (10%)
Maintain DOH Rape Crisis Counselor/Advocate certification via mandatory continuing education.
Keep service data, create reports about funded projects, and meet other grant specifications.
Maintain case files.
Assist in preparing monthly & quarterly statistical reports.
Provide office coverage as assigned.
Attend staff meetings and assist in program evaluation.
Participate in program planning.
Assist county coordinator in developing and maintaining community‑agency relations.
Perform other duties within a team‑based environment.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (20%)
Inform key professional groups about available services for crime victims.
Inform and implement outreach plan to raise awareness about available services for victims of crime.
Develop cooperative working relationships with other agencies and organizations.
Plan and prepare exhibits for community events and assist in planning and promotion.
Facilitate sexual assault prevention education in schools, colleges and community‑based organizations.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATION (5%)
Assist in recruitment, training and supervision of volunteer staff.
Provide assistance and consultation for volunteers as needed.
Participate in volunteer evaluation.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Commitment to PPGNY’s mission related to bodily autonomy, health equity, and gender and racial justice.
Commitment to learning about and enhancing practices related to racial equity and its impact on healthcare systems.
Strong relationship building and communication skills across cultural differences and identities.
Ability to provide compassionate, non‑judgmental and culturally responsive care with deep accountability to patient experience.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES Interpersonal
Excellent customer service and communication skills.
Remain focused and calm in stressful situations.
Excellent interpersonal and verbal skills.
Develop and maintain professional relationships with stakeholders.
Effectively work as part of a team.
Technical
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
Familiarity with Microsoft Excel.
Familiarity with Client Database.
Work Habits/Attributes
Excellent organizational skills.
Comfortable with public speaking and facilitating curricula.
Outstanding time management; meet deadlines.
Produce high‑quality work in a fast‑paced environment.
Exercise sound judgment and independent decision‑making.
Produce reliable work with minimal supervision.
Exercise discretion with confidential information.
Demonstrate evidence‑based clinical judgment.
Work a flexible or extended schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed.
Well‑developed problem‑solving and critical thinking skills.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education in social work, psychology, counseling or women’s studies; professional experience may replace academic requirements.
Work with various personalities cooperatively.
Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques, case management, human behavior during crime and crisis, behavioral health, social services, community resources, criminal justice system, NYS Criminal Code, victim rights, police operations, policies, and procedures.
Experience in community and external agencies & organizations.
Flexible schedule: evening and/or weekend work may be required.
Maintain confidentiality of client information.
Understand and accept PPGNY’s Personnel Policies.
Follow all safety and security guidelines.
Valid NYS Driver’s License; personal vehicle use required.
Ability to travel.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bilingual – Spanish/English.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Prolonged sitting and repetitive tasks with computer use; periodic standing, walking, bending; lifting up to 25 pounds; occasional stairs; visual acuity for computer work and printed materials; ability to hear and communicate orally; use of standard office equipment.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Professional office environment; travel to indoor and outdoor environments; flexible schedule; peak periods work > 7.5 hours/day and/or 37.5 hours/week.
PAID COMPENSATION $25.10 – $25.10 an hour
PPGNY's benefits package includes:
Generous PTO and holiday schedule
Medical, dental and vision coverage options for you and eligible dependents
FSA, HSA, Commuter pre‑tax reimbursement funds
Short‑and Long‑Term Disability, Free Basic Life and AD&D
401(k) Retirement Plan with Safe Harbor contributions after 1 year of employment
All positions at PPGNY require: Proof of immunization or immunity to certain communicable diseases (including influenza during the flu season and Covid‑19) and testing for tuberculosis. These certifications are required by the NYC DOHMH Health Code, NYSDOH and OSHA.
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ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES DIRECT SERVICES (65%)
Provide crisis intervention, emotional support and guidance, advocacy services to sexual assault survivors and victims of crime as needed.
Assist in developing and/or coordinating supportive activities to individuals and groups.
Provide medical, criminal justice, and personal accompaniment services when>
Provide advocacy services when requested and/or needed.
Provide direct service duties like staffing the 24‑hour hotline and facilitating support groups.
Help develop initial case plans and ongoing strategies for advocacy.
Provide assistance in completing crime victim compensation applications.
ADMINISTRATIVE (10%)
Maintain DOH Rape Crisis Counselor/Advocate certification via mandatory continuing education.
Keep service data, create reports about funded projects, and meet other grant specifications.
Maintain case files.
Assist in preparing monthly & quarterly statistical reports.
Provide office coverage as assigned.
Attend staff meetings and assist in program evaluation.
Participate in program planning.
Assist county coordinator in developing and maintaining community‑agency relations.
Perform other duties within a team‑based environment.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (20%)
Inform key professional groups about available services for crime victims.
Inform and implement outreach plan to raise awareness about available services for victims of crime.
Develop cooperative working relationships with other agencies and organizations.
Plan and prepare exhibits for community events and assist in planning and promotion.
Facilitate sexual assault prevention education in schools, colleges and community‑based organizations.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATION (5%)
Assist in recruitment, training and supervision of volunteer staff.
Provide assistance and consultation for volunteers as needed.
Participate in volunteer evaluation.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Commitment to PPGNY’s mission related to bodily autonomy, health equity, and gender and racial justice.
Commitment to learning about and enhancing practices related to racial equity and its impact on healthcare systems.
Strong relationship building and communication skills across cultural differences and identities.
Ability to provide compassionate, non‑judgmental and culturally responsive care with deep accountability to patient experience.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES Interpersonal
Excellent customer service and communication skills.
Remain focused and calm in stressful situations.
Excellent interpersonal and verbal skills.
Develop and maintain professional relationships with stakeholders.
Effectively work as part of a team.
Technical
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
Familiarity with Microsoft Excel.
Familiarity with Client Database.
Work Habits/Attributes
Excellent organizational skills.
Comfortable with public speaking and facilitating curricula.
Outstanding time management; meet deadlines.
Produce high‑quality work in a fast‑paced environment.
Exercise sound judgment and independent decision‑making.
Produce reliable work with minimal supervision.
Exercise discretion with confidential information.
Demonstrate evidence‑based clinical judgment.
Work a flexible or extended schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed.
Well‑developed problem‑solving and critical thinking skills.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education in social work, psychology, counseling or women’s studies; professional experience may replace academic requirements.
Work with various personalities cooperatively.
Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques, case management, human behavior during crime and crisis, behavioral health, social services, community resources, criminal justice system, NYS Criminal Code, victim rights, police operations, policies, and procedures.
Experience in community and external agencies & organizations.
Flexible schedule: evening and/or weekend work may be required.
Maintain confidentiality of client information.
Understand and accept PPGNY’s Personnel Policies.
Follow all safety and security guidelines.
Valid NYS Driver’s License; personal vehicle use required.
Ability to travel.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bilingual – Spanish/English.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Prolonged sitting and repetitive tasks with computer use; periodic standing, walking, bending; lifting up to 25 pounds; occasional stairs; visual acuity for computer work and printed materials; ability to hear and communicate orally; use of standard office equipment.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Professional office environment; travel to indoor and outdoor environments; flexible schedule; peak periods work > 7.5 hours/day and/or 37.5 hours/week.
PAID COMPENSATION $25.10 – $25.10 an hour
PPGNY's benefits package includes:
Generous PTO and holiday schedule
Medical, dental and vision coverage options for you and eligible dependents
FSA, HSA, Commuter pre‑tax reimbursement funds
Short‑and Long‑Term Disability, Free Basic Life and AD&D
401(k) Retirement Plan with Safe Harbor contributions after 1 year of employment
All positions at PPGNY require: Proof of immunization or immunity to certain communicable diseases (including influenza during the flu season and Covid‑19) and testing for tuberculosis. These certifications are required by the NYC DOHMH Health Code, NYSDOH and OSHA.
#J-18808-Ljbffr