Family Rescue
Job Description
Job Description
TITLE : Medical Advocate
FT/PT:
Full time (35+ hours per week, may include some evenings and weekends)
CLASSIFICATION:
Non -Exempt- Salaried
SALARY:
$50,000.00
PAY GROUP:
Level 17
REPORTS TO:
Program Director
SUPERVISES:
N/A
FUNCTION: A "DV medical advocate provides direct support and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence within the hospital healthcare setting. The advocate will work with hospital staff to provide advocacy services by assisting clients in navigating the medical systems, advocating for appropriate care, and connecting them with necessary resources internally within Family Rescue, and externally with referrals outside of the agencies to support the client’s immediately needs. This includes crisis intervention, safety planning, and collaboration with medical professionals and other community agencies. The Advocate works collaboratively with other domestic violence, sexual assault, and community-based agencies to ensure seamless response to clients’ needs. While ensuring their safety and privacy or top priority throughout the process.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES Conduct domestic violence, community outreach, and education Provide support, advocacy, referral, and case management services to domestic violence victims; or survivors of domestic violence Work with survivors to create, implement, monitor, and update individual safety plan Assist survivors in emergency situations to obtain shelter, financial assistance, and other basic needs Recruit participants and work with program staff to facilitate weekly support group sessions Maintain accurate files, progress notes, data entry, submit timely monthly reports and paperwork to meet contract requirements, Assist clients with obtaining legal assistance; interface with legal providers to guide victims through multiple systems Assist victims/survivors with accessing other services (job training, counseling, housing, medical services, etc.); set up appointments, and provide transportation to and from appointments Network with other providers to help survivors access community resources Monitor progress of client(s), and assist with management of service plans as deemed necessary Clearly specify service plans, goals and objectives and assist client with clearly defined time frames to meet objectives
Direct client support services: Conduct intake assessments with victims of domestic violence seeking medical care. Provide crisis intervention and emotional support. Assist with safety planning and developing strategies to reduce risk. May accompany survivors to medical appointments and advocate for their needs with healthcare providers. Educate survivors about the medical impacts of domestic violence and available treatment options.
Medical system navigation: Assist clients to understand and navigate the healthcare system to ensure they receive appropriate medical care. Communicate with medical professionals to advocate for necessary examinations, documentation, and follow-up care. Identify potential signs of abuse during medical assessments and reporting concerns appropriately.
Collaboration and referral: Build relationships with healthcare providers to promote trauma-informed care. C oordinate with other community agencies like law enforcement, legal services, and shelters to provide comprehensive support. Make appropriate referrals to mental health services, housing assistance, and other relevant resources.
Train and education: Participate in, and provide ongoing training on domestic violence dynamics, trauma-informed care, and medical advocacy practices. Educate healthcare providers about the unique needs of domestic violence survivors. Present information about domestic violence awareness and prevention to community groups. May be required to facilitate weekly support group sessions for victims and survivors of domestic violence Ability to Identify and understand the broader context of a situation
Required skills and qualifications: Strong understanding of domestic violence dynamics and the impact on survivors' health. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with survivors and medical professionals. Ability to advocate effectively on behalf of survivors. Knowledge of local resources and referral networks for survivors of domestic violence. Experience in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care preferred. Professional certification in domestic violence advocacy or related field may be required.
QUALIFICATIONS Education & Experience Prefer a Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, or related field with minimum two (2) year’s experience Completion of 40 hours of training in domestic violence (must obtain within three (3) months of hire date) Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (ICDVP) certified, a plus Must be CPR/First Aid certified (within six (6) months of hire date) May be required to work some overnights, weekends, and holidays Must have reliable transportation, up-to-date insurance, and clean drivers record
Language/Writing Skills: Must have excellent verbal skills. Must have the ability to communicate effectively to diverse group(s) of people in varied settings. Must be able to write in a logical, clear and grammatically correct way. Bi-lingual Spanish speaking, reading and writing a plus. Must be available to work some overnights, weekends, and holidays
Job Description
TITLE : Medical Advocate
FT/PT:
Full time (35+ hours per week, may include some evenings and weekends)
CLASSIFICATION:
Non -Exempt- Salaried
SALARY:
$50,000.00
PAY GROUP:
Level 17
REPORTS TO:
Program Director
SUPERVISES:
N/A
FUNCTION: A "DV medical advocate provides direct support and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence within the hospital healthcare setting. The advocate will work with hospital staff to provide advocacy services by assisting clients in navigating the medical systems, advocating for appropriate care, and connecting them with necessary resources internally within Family Rescue, and externally with referrals outside of the agencies to support the client’s immediately needs. This includes crisis intervention, safety planning, and collaboration with medical professionals and other community agencies. The Advocate works collaboratively with other domestic violence, sexual assault, and community-based agencies to ensure seamless response to clients’ needs. While ensuring their safety and privacy or top priority throughout the process.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES Conduct domestic violence, community outreach, and education Provide support, advocacy, referral, and case management services to domestic violence victims; or survivors of domestic violence Work with survivors to create, implement, monitor, and update individual safety plan Assist survivors in emergency situations to obtain shelter, financial assistance, and other basic needs Recruit participants and work with program staff to facilitate weekly support group sessions Maintain accurate files, progress notes, data entry, submit timely monthly reports and paperwork to meet contract requirements, Assist clients with obtaining legal assistance; interface with legal providers to guide victims through multiple systems Assist victims/survivors with accessing other services (job training, counseling, housing, medical services, etc.); set up appointments, and provide transportation to and from appointments Network with other providers to help survivors access community resources Monitor progress of client(s), and assist with management of service plans as deemed necessary Clearly specify service plans, goals and objectives and assist client with clearly defined time frames to meet objectives
Direct client support services: Conduct intake assessments with victims of domestic violence seeking medical care. Provide crisis intervention and emotional support. Assist with safety planning and developing strategies to reduce risk. May accompany survivors to medical appointments and advocate for their needs with healthcare providers. Educate survivors about the medical impacts of domestic violence and available treatment options.
Medical system navigation: Assist clients to understand and navigate the healthcare system to ensure they receive appropriate medical care. Communicate with medical professionals to advocate for necessary examinations, documentation, and follow-up care. Identify potential signs of abuse during medical assessments and reporting concerns appropriately.
Collaboration and referral: Build relationships with healthcare providers to promote trauma-informed care. C oordinate with other community agencies like law enforcement, legal services, and shelters to provide comprehensive support. Make appropriate referrals to mental health services, housing assistance, and other relevant resources.
Train and education: Participate in, and provide ongoing training on domestic violence dynamics, trauma-informed care, and medical advocacy practices. Educate healthcare providers about the unique needs of domestic violence survivors. Present information about domestic violence awareness and prevention to community groups. May be required to facilitate weekly support group sessions for victims and survivors of domestic violence Ability to Identify and understand the broader context of a situation
Required skills and qualifications: Strong understanding of domestic violence dynamics and the impact on survivors' health. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with survivors and medical professionals. Ability to advocate effectively on behalf of survivors. Knowledge of local resources and referral networks for survivors of domestic violence. Experience in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care preferred. Professional certification in domestic violence advocacy or related field may be required.
QUALIFICATIONS Education & Experience Prefer a Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, or related field with minimum two (2) year’s experience Completion of 40 hours of training in domestic violence (must obtain within three (3) months of hire date) Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (ICDVP) certified, a plus Must be CPR/First Aid certified (within six (6) months of hire date) May be required to work some overnights, weekends, and holidays Must have reliable transportation, up-to-date insurance, and clean drivers record
Language/Writing Skills: Must have excellent verbal skills. Must have the ability to communicate effectively to diverse group(s) of people in varied settings. Must be able to write in a logical, clear and grammatically correct way. Bi-lingual Spanish speaking, reading and writing a plus. Must be available to work some overnights, weekends, and holidays