Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis, Inc.

Position Title:  

Real Strength Intern Advocate

Basic Functions:

To support parents in engaging in positive, healthy and non-violent relationships with their children. To provide public awareness and community education programs to schools and community groups on domestic violence, primary violence prevention and related issues.  To provide crisis intervention, support, advocacy and case management services to meet the emotional, behavioral, educational and recreational needs of youth witnesses of domestic violence through all agency programs and services. 

Reports To:

The Real Strength Intern Advocate is supervised by the Director of Programs and ultimately accountable to the Executive Director.  Tasks may be assigned by the Shelter Managers to meet the needs of program clients.

Schedule:

School and Agency Determined

Hours per Week:

School Determined

Areas of Responsibility

This position requires work assignments and responsibilities such as, but not limited to:

Community Education

·         Market agency programs and services to service area schools and community groups

·         Co-Facilitate community education and primary prevention programs on domestic violence and related issues.

Youth Advocacy

·         Co-Facilitate support and educational groups for program children

·         Provide individual support to shelter and transitional living program youth residents a minimum of weekly

·         Organize and facilitate activities periods to promote Real Strength Pillars

·         Provide referrals and advocacy to appropriate agencies on behalf of the youth

General

·         Maintain accurate service records and submit all required statistics in accordance with agency due dates.

·         Provide coverage to 24-hour hotline and shelter as scheduled

·         Attend and participate in regular meetings called by MWC, CCADV and other meetings as necessary, including training programs developed for Advocates

·         Must uphold privileged communication of clients and all responsibilities of mandatory reporting

·         Maintain vacant shelter rooms for immediate occupancy

Qualifications (Will be met through agency training)

·         Comprehensive working knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence.

·         Commitment to working with domestic violence victims and their children to develop a plan for their safety and preserve their right to self-determination.

·         Comprehensive knowledge child development, including the impact of trauma on child witnesses of domestic violence

·         Effective oral and written communication skills

·         Ability to gather, consolidate and present client information through interviews

·         Knowledge of community resources

·         Ability to work effectively with both traditional and non-traditional systems

·         Ability to maintain service records, complete accurate statistical and narrative reports and submit in accordance with due dates

·         Must obtain and maintain certification as battered women’s counselor, as per CGS 52-146k

Special Requirements

This position may require infrequent travel.  A valid driver’s license and current certificate of insurance is required for personnel who may travel in their scope of service to Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis.  Criminal, Department of Children and Families and Department of Motor Vehicles background checks are required for all staff to confirm suitability for employment.