Domestic Violence Advocate

The Family Counseling Center of Fulton County, a mental and behavioral health clinic located in the heart of the Mohawk Valley is seeking candidates for Domestic Violence Advocate for our Gloversville, NY location. The organization, founded in 1976, works with individuals, children, and families throughout a six-county area with focus on clients in the Fulton and Montgomery County region. Over the past 45 years, the organization has built deep roots with community partners and become a trusted source for support, focusing on the individual empowerment of clients.

Who we are looking for…

A dedicated, compassionate, devoted individual who enjoys working with a diverse client population, responsible for providing all necessary direct services to survivors of domestic violence, that includes answering hotline calls, walk-ins, completing intakes, develop safety plans, advocacy, transportation, information and referrals, maintaining case notes, NYS Office of Victims Services claims assistance, accompaniment with medical needs or court and other criminal justice related appearances.

Successful candidates will exhibit the ability to interact with our team in a positive encouraging way, demonstrate a professional demeanor, understand and support our mission with a strong desire to help others. An outgoing personality and positive attitude will aid in the success as Advocates participate in trainings, attend community events, assist in community education and support groups.

This is a full-time position. Expected work hours are 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday normal scheduled hours will be from 8:30am to 4:30 pm, along with rotational on-call duties as assigned and flexibility within our operating hours 8am-5pm for coverage needs.

Qualifications:

• Associates degree in human service related field with extensive social science course completion, including sociology, psychology, or criminal justice
• At least one year of experience with the criminal justice system and experience working with survivors of domestic violence is strongly preferred.
• A knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence, and a willingness to work with diverse populations
• Ability to respond in a timely manner to on-call requests including shelter emergencies and intakes beyond normal shift hours

What are the job duties…

• Complete residential and non-residential intakes with survivors of domestic violence that includes an assessment of needed supports and services.
• Provide advocacy, transportation, and accompaniment to all necessary social services, criminal justice, medical and other human service agencies.
• Provide information and referrals, supportive counseling, and NYS Office of Victims Services claims assistance to every survivor with whom you come into contact.
• Quickly and professionally answer the domestic violence hotline, develop safety plans when necessary, and refer callers to appropriate resources.
• Attend family and criminal courts with survivors of domestic violence to assist them with obtaining Orders of Protection, filing various legal documents, and understanding of the criminal or family courts process.
• Maintain accurate and complete case notes, demographic trackers, and other necessary paperwork in a timely manner.
• Be available for on-call upon rotation.
• Attend and participate in community awareness events, educational presentations, agency outreach events, and employee trainings as required.
• Schedule and facilitate community educational outreach presentations at least once per quarter.
• Attend regular supervision, program staff meetings and other meetings as required
• Follows agency Compliance Plan and Code of Conduct.
• Support and participate in agency Continuous Quality Improvement activities.
• Other duties as assigned including assisting with residential supports when needed for activities including but not limited to assisting with food bank orders, and minor household duties.

Why Join Us?

At the Family Counseling Center, we cultivate a culture of care for both our clients and staff. Our commitment to well-being extends through generous benefits packages, staff engagement activities, and ongoing educational opportunities.

We provide a comprehensive range of high-quality mental health and social services, with a particular focus on the needs of children and families. Established to address the demand for counseling services in Fulton County, we are dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive environment that positively impacts our community and those we serve.

As a charitable 501(c)(3) organization, we strive to empower youth, families, couples, and individuals seeking a brighter future. Our professional staff offers a diverse array of emotional, social, community, and mental health support.

We offer competitive salaries and benefits, including:

• Health insurance
• Dental and vision plans
• Agency-paid life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Health savings accounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid time off
• A 401(k) retirement plan with a matching program