Bilingual Family Advocate

Roanoke, VA

  • Department: Health and Human Services
  • Posting Date: 10/07/2024
  • Closing Date: Open until filled
  • Salary: $20.00/hr
  • Code: BFA-HHS

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

Every TAP employee shares in TAP’s responsibility to “Mobilize Community Resources” in support of TAP’s anti-poverty efforts.

 

DEFINITION AND PURPOSE:

Provide professional and trauma informed, emergency crisis intervention services to victims of domestic violence/intimate partner violence and their children residing in the TAP-DVS service area.  Coordinate services with law enforcement, medical services, shelter programs, and allied agencies to respond quickly to victims’ immediate needs and safety.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Supervised by: HHS Director
Supervises: Volunteers and Interns as necessary
Coordinates with:   All TAP employees and all allied agencies

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Conducts safety and needs assessment interviews on a regular and on-call emergency basis.
  • Covers 24-hour hotline in rotation with other staff.
  • Provides direct emergency services to domestic violence survivors and their children as needed, and makes appropriate referrals.
  • Responds as soon as possible to hotline crisis calls and contacts other DVS staff to respond when necessary.
  • Maintains accurate, timely records of all activities including ongoing data entry.
  • Adheres to strict confidentiality of client identity and records.
  • Makes recommendations to Director and DVS staff regarding client needs/strengths/service plan.
  • Communicates and cooperates fully with Director and DVS staff to ensure quality service delivery.
  • Coordinates and cooperates with other domestic violence crisis services programs in order to ensure safety of victims and helpers, as well as best possible service delivery.
  • Aids in community outreach/education in underserved populations.
  • Assists Director in preparation of reports.
  • Attends meetings as needed.
  • Coordinates with all TAP staff and programs to maximize progress of all domestic violence participants.
  • Establishes and maintains effective relationships with area human services agencies.
  • Supports TAP-DVS client services system, including, but not limited to maintaining a large caseload as needed.
  • Attends training deemed appropriate by Director.
  • Enters VADATA and other data/information into tracking systems daily.
  • Performs other duties as assigned and required.
  • Any and all other duties as deemed appropriate by the Director.

 

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Must have knowledge, skills and interest in the dynamics, effects and causes of domestic violence.
  • Knowledge, skills, and abilities in crisis intervention, especially crisis diffusion, interviewing and trauma debriefing.
  • Knowledge of Virginia statute relating to family violence, law enforcement and judicial response to domestic violence.
  • General knowledge of area human service agencies, especially agencies working with victims of domestic violence.
  • Effective writing and record-keeping skills.
  • Must be Spanish Speaking and pass a fluency language evaluation

 

TRAINING, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • A preferred Bachelor’s Degree in Human Service field (not required).
  • At least 2 years of experience working with victims of crime, not required but preferred.
  • Proficient in Spanish
  • At TAP, we focus on the Whole Family Approach.   Whole Family is a family led strategy to achieve set goals.  As an employee you may be required to attend Whole Family training and subject to data entry into the agency’s software as part of the Whole Family approach and serving clients

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must pass drug screening.  Some positions require positive complete background screening including: criminal, sex offender and child protective services.
  • A valid Virginia Operator’s license with a good driving record and reliable transportation.
  • TAP participates in the Virginia DMV Driver Alert Program.  Employees who operate a TAP vehicle or their personal vehicle to conduct TAP business may be subject to driver record monitoring through the Virginia DMV Driver Alert Program.
  • This position requires the individual to be in the field and must have contact with the office staff and supervisor therefore an agency issued cell phone is necessary.
  • Physical activity of this position – stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting; use of fingers for – picking, pinching and typing; grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
  • Physical requirements of this position – sedentary work; exerting 10 to 20 pounds of force occasionally.
  • Visual acuity requirements – close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing, viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual acuity to operate motor vehicle and/or heavy equipment; must be able to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures.
  • Conditions subject to in this position – worker is subject to noise; there is sufficient noise to cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above ambient noise levels.

 

This description provides information regarding the essential functions of the designated job, and general nature and level of work associated with the job.  It should not be interpreted to describe all the duties that may be required of such employees or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments such an individual may be given.

TAP’s mission:

Helping individuals and families achieve sustainable, equitable economic and personal independence through education, employment, affordable housing, and safe and healthy environments.

We only hire individuals legally eligible for employment in the United States.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free Workplace