LGBTQ+ Victim and Survivor Support Advocate

In Our Own Voices - Albany, NY

Full-time

Albany, NY

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The LGBTQ+ Victim and Survivor Support Advocate at In Our Own Voices, Inc. is responsible for providing crisis intervention and support to LGBTQ+ individuals who are victims or survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This role involves collaborating with clients to secure safe housing, offering information and referrals to necessary services, and managing grant objectives to align with the organization's mission. The advocate will also engage in community advocacy, facilitate support groups, and ensure compliance with confidentiality standards while building strong partnerships within the community.

Responsibilities

• Provide immediate crisis intervention and hotline counseling to clients.
• Assist clients in securing and maintaining safe, appropriate housing.
• Connect clients to general assistance, legal counseling, and advocacy services.
• Ensure program grant objectives and outcomes are met.
• Advocate for IOOV's mission of promoting health, wellness, and self-determination for LGBTQ+ communities.
• Collaborate with IOOV team members to support clients affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
• Coordinate comprehensive support services, including safe shelter and legal counseling.
• Maintain accurate case notes and manage the LGBT domestic violence referral line.
• Provide training and technical assistance to mainstream victim service providers.
• Participate in local and statewide task forces focused on domestic and sexual violence advocacy.
• Lead support groups and alternative healing workshops for LGBTQ+ survivors.
• Submit timely documentation and reports while maintaining confidentiality.
• Collaborate with community partners to ensure access to culturally relevant services.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, or a related field (MSW preferred).
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse staff, clients, and volunteers.
• Paid experience in case management and counseling, focusing on LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Direct experience working with domestic violence, sexual assault, or related issues.
• Strong commitment to advocating for LGBTQ+ people of color.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Familiarity with social services and the court system.
• Creative, strategic thinking, and excellent time management skills.
• Two or more years of experience working with survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Self-directed, solution-oriented, and able to take initiative.
• Strong advocacy skills and a commitment to empowering marginalized communities.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse personalities and varying work ethics.
• Proficiency in data collection, reporting, and program evaluation.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a strong understanding of professional boundaries.