Violence Intervention Advocate, Violence Intervention Advocacy Program

Position: Violence Intervention Advocate

Department: VIAP

Location: Boston, MA

Schedule: 40 hours per week, On-site

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Violence Intervention Advocate will work as part of the VIAP team at Boston Medical Center with victims of violence to provide comprehensive case management services, including housing stabilization services. The Violence Intervention Advocate will work to enhance opportunities for victims in order for them to be successful and independent.

 JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under the direct supervision of the Associate Director of the VIAP Program, will work as part of the VIAP multidisciplinary team.
• Provide intensive support to victims affected by community violence by offering information and referral, advocacy and on-going coordination of needed services.
• Provide home visits and stabilization services for assigned victims of violence.
• Assists clients with obtaining furniture and moving into housing
• Provides follow up housing stabilization services to individuals placed in housing, including assistance with paying rent and utilities, helping to resolve landlord/tenant problems and connecting individuals with community resources and supports. 
• In conjunction with other VIAP staff, coordinates community integration activities for clients, teaching life skills and independent living skills necessary for succeeding in permanent housing. Develops and facilitates budgeting, money management and other life skills groups.
• Take the lead in collaborating with community based partners to identify appropriate resources for victims of violence.
• Link clients to community-based social services and benefits. Assist with enrollment procedures as needed. Connect clients with primary care and assist in navigation of the health care system.
• Co-facilitates support groups or workshops for clients and providers as needed. Work collaboratively with members of the police department, probation and parole, and state social service agencies.
• Provide feedback to the VIAP team concerning client needs and concerns related to primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of violence.
• Reach out to individuals and communities affected by violence through ongoing contacts with community organizations and direct contact with communities and individuals exposed to violence
• Manage relationships with internal BMC partners and programs in the delivery of quality programming. 
• To provide direct care and services for victims of violence. Direct care includes case management, assessment, counseling, intervention and advocacy.
• Provides stabilization to participants. Interventions may include counseling, advocacy, skill training, assessment and referrals.
• Uses a team approach to share information on client progress or other relevant information. Participates in multi-disciplinary treatment meetings regarding VIAP clients and goals.
• Foster Agency and program wide cooperation and teamwork through use of positive/constructive communication techniques.
• Attends all relevant community forums, trainings, and meetings as assigned and appropriate
•  Maintain absolute confidentiality in regards to all people served.

These duties are not all inclusive, and the expectation is for any other duties to be performed as assigned.

The duties described above in this job description for a Violence Intervention Advocate will assist victims during a time of crisis, and provide long term, in home services ongoing. The Violence Intervention Advocate will contribute to the physical and emotional recovery from community violence, and connect victims with needed services.

JOB REQUIRMENTS

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree (or High School Diploma/GED plus equivalent related education and work experience) required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 2 years program experience in community outreach/social service/case management/educational activities.
• Experience working with at-risk youth and families

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Ability to effectively communicate with community groups and hospital staff.
• Experience in training facilitation.
• Knowledge of Boston neighborhoods and the ability to closely interact with high-risk individuals and family members.

JOB BENEFITS:

• Competitive pay
• Tuition reimbursement and tuition remission programs
• Generous paid time off
• Highly subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Career Advancement/Professional Development: Access a wealth of ongoing training and development opportunities that will not only enhance your skills but also expand your knowledge base.

Boston Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. If you need accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an e-mail to Talentacquisition@bmc.org or call 617-638-8582 to let us know the nature of your request.

Compensation Range:

This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications. However, our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and a broad range of factors is considered when making an offer. This includes education, experience, skills, and certifications/licensures as they directly relate to position requirements; as well as business/organizational needs, internal equity, and market-competitiveness. In addition, BMCHS offers generous total compensation that includes, but is not limited to, benefits (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy), discretionary annual bonuses and merit increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family well-being. 

NOTE: This range is based on Boston-area data, and is subject to modification based on geographic location.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

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