United States of America: Client Advocate

IRC Background: The mission of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933, the IRC has a presence in over 40 countries and 27 offices in the United States; the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

Job Overview: The Client Advocate will assist in implementing the Sacramento office’s Safety & Wellness Program, providing targeted services and assistance to newly arrived refugees who have experienced domestic violence and other crimes. The Client Advocate will also assist in implementing women’s wellness services to female refugee clients. Specifically, this position will work to address the barriers and ongoing needs faced by survivors of crime, conduct gender-based violence screenings for newly arrived, adult female refugees and provide follow up services for survivors. This position will also assist in programming within the Sacramento office aimed at strengthening women’s integration and empowerment.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provide case management and targeted services to survivors of crime, including domestic violence including individualized services plans and assistance in navigating the criminal justice system and accessing supportive services;
• Administer Bridge to Safety screener for newly arrived, adult female refugee clients;
• Promote safe spaces for disclosure and conversations regarding gender equality and women’s rights;
• Provide survivors with case management services including safety planning, service plans, and referrals;
• Assist in planning and implementation of women’s educational activities including, but not limited to, cultural orientation and women’s wellness classes;
• Assist and educate refugees in accessing and navigating legal services and the criminal justice system through coordinated referrals and education activities including training workshops for clients and the local community;
• Assist in overall client wellness activities within the Sacramento office;
• Ensure accurate case notes and tracking of screenings, services, referrals, and outcomes;
• Refer clients to the appropriate service providers and resources as needed;
• Develop and maintain partnerships with referral organizations to ensure survivors have access to culturally and linguistically appropriate services including safe housing, counseling, legal services, and law enforcement;·
• Oversee volunteers and interns involved, assigned to the projects.
• Assist in completion of objectives and reporting for relevant grants;
• Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and fully engages as a member of the team;
• Other related duties as assigned.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Victim Services Supervisor**
Indirect Reporting: **Health and Gender Programs Manager
Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: The Client Advocate will work as a member of the Safety and Wellness team. This position will also will develop working relationships with Resettlement and ICM staff and collaborate with internal programming to support achievement of program goals.

External: Client Advocate will develop working relationships and support referrals systems with community service providers under the topic areas of crime, domestic violence, and women’s empowerment. This includes, but is not limited to, law enforcement and domestic violence shelters.

Job Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree with an emphasis in Social Work, Public Health, International Studies or an equivalent field of study required. Graduate degree preferred;
• 2+ years of professional experience providing domestic violence services to survivors required. Case management or experience serving refugee populations preferred;
• Must meet the requirements of a domestic violence counselor, pursuant to Evidence Code §1037.1(a)(1).
• Multi-lingual candidates preferred;
• Previous multi-cultural experience and demonstrated ability to communicate well with people of varied backgrounds strongly preferred;
• Thorough knowledge and comfort supporting others in crisis situations an asset;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to make presentations required;
• Strong computer skills, particularly Word and Excel required. Prior experience using data and tracking systems strongly preferred;
• Attention to detail and ability to organize and track large amounts of information efficiently and accurately.
• Commitment to teamwork and collaboration across all of IRC’s programs;
• Highly motivated with an ability to work independently, develop new classes and programming, and be a self-starter, maintaining responsibility for multiple tasks.

Working Environment:

Standard office work environment coupled with regular travel in and around the service delivery area.

Reoccurring need to provide services outside of traditional work hours (evenings and weekends).

https://rescue.csod.com/ats/careersite/jobdetails.aspx?site=1&c=rescue&id=3576