Advocacy Specialist
Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, Corning, NY, United States
POSITION SUMMARY
The Advocacy Specialist assists survivors of victimization, providing crisis intervention, emotional support, and guidance. The role includes supporting victims and witnesses of crime, managing victim compensation applications, assisting with orders of protection, navigating the criminal justice system, referring to community services, and exercising statutory rights. The Specialist also serves as a liaison among victims, police, and social service agencies.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
DIRECT SERVICES (65%)
Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and advocacy services to sexual assault survivors and victims of crime.
Assist in the development and coordination of supportive activities for individuals and groups.
Provide medical, criminal justice, and personal accompaniment services as needed.
Offer direct advocacy services when requested.
Staff the 24‑hour hotline and facilitate support groups.
Help develop initial case plans and ongoing advocacy strategies.
Assist in completing crime victim compensation applications.
ADMINISTRATIVE (10%)
Maintain DOH Rape Crisis Counselor/Advocate certification by completing required continuing education.
Maintain service data, create reports on funded projects, and meet grant specifications.
Maintain case files and assist in preparing monthly and quarterly statistical reports.
Provide office coverage as assigned.
Attend staff meetings and assist in program evaluation.
Participate in program planning.
Assist the county coordinator in developing and maintaining community‑agency relations.
Perform other duties assigned within a team‑based work environment.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (20%)
Inform key professional groups about available services for crime victims.
Implement outreach plans to raise awareness of services for victims of crime.
Develop cooperative relationships with other agencies and organizations.
Plan and prepare exhibits for community events and assist in promotion.
Facilitate sexual assault prevention education in schools, colleges, and community organizations.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATION (5%)
Recruit, train, and supervise volunteer staff.
Provide assistance and consultation for volunteers as needed.
Participate in volunteer evaluation.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Demonstrated 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.
Strong relationship building and communication skills, working across cultural differences related to race, class, age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin or ability; and reflective of personal identity with humility.
Ability to provide compassionate, non‑judgmental, and culturally responsive care across diverse populations; 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 effective, professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Work effectively 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 and proficient with public speaking and facilitating curricula.
Outstanding time‑management skills, including functioning under deadlines.
Produce high quality work in fast‑paced environments with changing or competing priorities.
Exercise sound judgment and independent decision‑making skills.
Produce reliable, high quality work with minimal direct supervision.
Exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
Demonstrate evidence‑based clinical judgment.
Work flexible or extended schedules, including evenings and weekends, as required.
Well‑developed problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education in social work, psychology, counseling, or women’s studies, or equivalent professional experience.
Cooperative working with diverse personalities.
Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques, case management, human behavior during crime and crisis, behavioral health, social services, community resources, the criminal justice system, NYS Criminal Code, and victims’ rights.
Experience working in community and external agencies.
Flexible schedule necessary; evening and/or weekend work may be required.
Maintain client confidentiality.
Understand and accept PPGNY’s Personnel Policies.
Follow all safety and security guidelines.
Valid NYS driver’s license; personal vehicle required.
Ability to travel.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bilingual: Spanish/English.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Requires prolonged sitting and repetitive tasks using a computer; periodic standing, walking, bending. Must lift or move up to 25 pounds of programming or event materials. Occasionally walk up and down stairs. Visual acuity sufficient to work on a computer screen and review printed reports. Must hear and communicate orally.
Uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets; requires reaching, grasping, pushing and pulling.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Professional office environment with potential exposure to communicable diseases and other conditions in a health center environment.
Requires travel to indoor and outdoor environments for programming or events.
Flexible schedule; may work in excess of 7.5 hours per day and/or 37.5 hours per week during peak activity periods.
$25.10 - $25.10 an hour
BENEFITS
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.
REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS
Proof of immunization or immunity to certain communicable diseases, including influenza during flu season and COVID‑19. Testing for tuberculosis required. Certifications mandated by NYC DOHMH Health Code, NYSDOH, and OSHA.
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The Advocacy Specialist assists survivors of victimization, providing crisis intervention, emotional support, and guidance. The role includes supporting victims and witnesses of crime, managing victim compensation applications, assisting with orders of protection, navigating the criminal justice system, referring to community services, and exercising statutory rights. The Specialist also serves as a liaison among victims, police, and social service agencies.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
DIRECT SERVICES (65%)
Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and advocacy services to sexual assault survivors and victims of crime.
Assist in the development and coordination of supportive activities for individuals and groups.
Provide medical, criminal justice, and personal accompaniment services as needed.
Offer direct advocacy services when requested.
Staff the 24‑hour hotline and facilitate support groups.
Help develop initial case plans and ongoing advocacy strategies.
Assist in completing crime victim compensation applications.
ADMINISTRATIVE (10%)
Maintain DOH Rape Crisis Counselor/Advocate certification by completing required continuing education.
Maintain service data, create reports on funded projects, and meet grant specifications.
Maintain case files and assist in preparing monthly and quarterly statistical reports.
Provide office coverage as assigned.
Attend staff meetings and assist in program evaluation.
Participate in program planning.
Assist the county coordinator in developing and maintaining community‑agency relations.
Perform other duties assigned within a team‑based work environment.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (20%)
Inform key professional groups about available services for crime victims.
Implement outreach plans to raise awareness of services for victims of crime.
Develop cooperative relationships with other agencies and organizations.
Plan and prepare exhibits for community events and assist in promotion.
Facilitate sexual assault prevention education in schools, colleges, and community organizations.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATION (5%)
Recruit, train, and supervise volunteer staff.
Provide assistance and consultation for volunteers as needed.
Participate in volunteer evaluation.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Demonstrated 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.
Strong relationship building and communication skills, working across cultural differences related to race, class, age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin or ability; and reflective of personal identity with humility.
Ability to provide compassionate, non‑judgmental, and culturally responsive care across diverse populations; 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 effective, professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Work effectively 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 and proficient with public speaking and facilitating curricula.
Outstanding time‑management skills, including functioning under deadlines.
Produce high quality work in fast‑paced environments with changing or competing priorities.
Exercise sound judgment and independent decision‑making skills.
Produce reliable, high quality work with minimal direct supervision.
Exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
Demonstrate evidence‑based clinical judgment.
Work flexible or extended schedules, including evenings and weekends, as required.
Well‑developed problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education in social work, psychology, counseling, or women’s studies, or equivalent professional experience.
Cooperative working with diverse personalities.
Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques, case management, human behavior during crime and crisis, behavioral health, social services, community resources, the criminal justice system, NYS Criminal Code, and victims’ rights.
Experience working in community and external agencies.
Flexible schedule necessary; evening and/or weekend work may be required.
Maintain client confidentiality.
Understand and accept PPGNY’s Personnel Policies.
Follow all safety and security guidelines.
Valid NYS driver’s license; personal vehicle required.
Ability to travel.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bilingual: Spanish/English.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Requires prolonged sitting and repetitive tasks using a computer; periodic standing, walking, bending. Must lift or move up to 25 pounds of programming or event materials. Occasionally walk up and down stairs. Visual acuity sufficient to work on a computer screen and review printed reports. Must hear and communicate orally.
Uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets; requires reaching, grasping, pushing and pulling.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Professional office environment with potential exposure to communicable diseases and other conditions in a health center environment.
Requires travel to indoor and outdoor environments for programming or events.
Flexible schedule; may work in excess of 7.5 hours per day and/or 37.5 hours per week during peak activity periods.
$25.10 - $25.10 an hour
BENEFITS
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.
REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS
Proof of immunization or immunity to certain communicable diseases, including influenza during flu season and COVID‑19. Testing for tuberculosis required. Certifications mandated by NYC DOHMH Health Code, NYSDOH, and OSHA.
#J-18808-Ljbffr