Sojourner Advocate – Community Domestic Abuse Advocacy Program (CDAAP)

Primary responsibilities

How will your days be spent?
-Conduct outreach efforts to victims of domestic violence in an effort to provide information, support and education and safety planning as it relates to each client’s individual situation. This includes but is not limited to outreach via phone, in-person and home visits, according to protocol
-Will inform, educate, and prepare victims regarding offender’s status – in-custody, out-of-custody, bail, warrant status, etc. Register victims for VINE if offender is in custody and/or connect them with Probation & Parole, if necessary. Will work with clients to develop a personal safety plan while the offender is incarcerated or out-of-custody.
-Assess client’s emergency needs and help them access resources available through Sojourner Family Peace Center, the law enforcement system, the court systems (criminal and civil), the DOC system and within the community.
-Complete intakes with clients to help identify individual needs and assist with the development of a personal action plan built on formal/informal supports and community resources outlining goals and expectations. Utilize independent critical skills to identify additional challenges such as AODA and mental health issues that can present at varying levels of severity.
-Must possess basic knowledge of de-escalation techniques and ability to demonstrate when necessary.
-Have working knowledge and ability to perform Danger Assessment, LAP and other relevant screening tools.
-Know community resources (within the district and outside) and maintain active connections to them.
-Maintain a full understanding of onsite FPC partners including what services are provided and how to make appropriate referrals. Know community resources and maintain active connections to them.
-Accompany clients to court, revocation hearings, and other legal proceedings as requested or necessary.
-Attend case staffing meetings (internal or external) as needed/requested. Follow-up on DVHRT recommendations on client staffed cases.
-Maintain client files and computerized data files, including outcome information. Provide monthly statistical reports and district updates for assigned district(s).
-Assist with program development, evaluation, improvement and planning.
-Respond to requests from other team members (internally or externally) for support, information, referrals, and/or counsel to meet client needs. Observe MPD or suburban specific law enforcement jurisdiction protocols and follow directives from command staff, as they comply with Sojourner’s mission, policies and goals.
-Participate in the implementation of community level initiatives to address domestic violence on a neighborhood level. Provide community outreach and education as applicable.
-Assist in the development of an outreach plan, individualized to assigned district, which includes working with neighborhood groups, community based organizations, faith based organizations, etc. to disseminate information on domestic violence, human trafficking/sexual violence and the process of filing for the different restraining orders (i.e. Domestic Abuse, Harassment, Individual At-Risk and Child Abuse).
-Work with community prosecution team to identify and connect with clients who have safety planning, community resource and legal assistance needs.
-Support other MPD districts/suburban jurisdictions and internal agency departments as needed.