Domestic Violence High Risk Advocate

Domestic Violence High Risk Advocate
 

JOB HIGHLIGHTS: As part of a dynamic, diverse team of passionate advocates and counselors committed to transforming the world, the Domestic Violence High Risk Advocate provides timely, trauma-informed, culturally responsive advocacy to survivors experiencing high-risk domestic violence.

MAIN AREAS OF FOCUS: High-Risk Survivor Advocacy, Crisis Intervention and Safety Planning, LAP Referral Coordination

LOCATION: This opportunity is based in Westchester County, New York – currently performed across MSP’s Yonkers, White Plains, and Mt. Vernon offices.

JOB OVERVIEW: The Domestic Violence High Risk Advocate serves within MSP’s Family Services Unit and reports to the Senior DV Advocate. The Advocate provides advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, referrals, and accompaniment to survivors.The Advocate works closely with MSP’s residential and legal programs, as well as law enforcement and other community partners. Services are delivered in person, by phone, or through approved remote platforms to reduce barriers to access. All services prioritize survivor choice, confidentiality and cultural responsiveness. This position requires a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends, as needed to respond to high-risk survivor needs, urgent referrals, and program coverage requirements.

YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR...

High-Risk Advocacy and Survivor Support

• Provide immediate and ongoing crisis intervention, individualized safety planning, advocacy, and resource referrals to survivors of intimate partner violence, with an emphasis on high-risk cases

• Conduct intake and ongoing safety assessments that consider abuse history and lethality indicators, using agency-approved tools and protocols
• Develop safety plans collaboratively with survivors and revisit them as circumstances, risks, and service needs changeServe as a consistent point of contact for assigned survivors and coordinate access to shelter, counseling, legal services, housing resources, and other supports for survivors and their children
• Provide information about criminal and family court processes, orders of protection, and available services; refer legal questions to MSP’s Center for LegalServices or other qualified legal providers
• Accompany survivors to courts, police departments, medical appointments, housing appointments, and other community settings as needed
• Support survivors in communicating their concerns and preferences to system partners, consistent with informed consent and agency confidentiality protocols

Community Partnerships and Cross-Program Collaboration 

•  Build and maintain effective working relationships with our various Westchester police departments and community partners
• Coordinate with MSP’s Shelter, Family Services and Center for Legal Services to support integrated responses to high-risk referralsParticipate in partner meetings, outreach activities, and community presentations that increase access to services and strengthen survivor-centered responses
• Identify recurring service barriers and coordination needs and recommend improvements to the supervisor
• Provide hotline, web chat, and text line support and coverage as assigned, consistent with high-risk response responsibilities and program coverage needs

Case Documentation and Program Reporting

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case records in Apricot and other approved tracking systems, including referral sources, outreach, assessments, safety planning, services, and follow-up
• Prepare and submit program reports and weekly work plans in accordance with agency and requirements
• Follow agency confidentiality, consent, and information-sharing procedures when documenting services or communicating with external partners.

 Professional Development and Agency Participation

• Participate in ongoing professional development to stay informed of emerging trends and best practices in domestic violence advocacy and high-risk response
• Participate in supervision, staff meetings and case consultation
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisorA bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, human services, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
• At least two years of experience providing direct advocacy or supportive services to survivors of domestic violence or related trauma.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, as required to respond to high-risk survivor needs, urgent referrals, and program operations.
• Knowledge of intimate partner violence dynamics, trauma-informed practice, safety planning, and high-risk indicators
• Strong crisis intervention, communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize urgent needs, manage an active caseload, maintain accurate documentation, and meet reporting deadlines
• Ability to collaborate effectively with survivors, colleagues, law enforcement, legal professionals, and community partners while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality
• Ability to travel throughout Westchester County to provide services and attend meetings

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A demonstrated commitment to anti-oppression, cultural responsiveness, survivor autonomy, and equitable access to services
• Bilingual proficiency in English and SpanishTechnology proficiency including Apricot, Microsoft Office and web-based case management systems
• Experience with DVHRT, LAP, STRIVE, or other high-risk intervention models
• A valid driver’s license and reliable, insured transportation

 

YOU’LL BE SUCCESSFUL IF…

As a passionate advocate for social justice, you adopt an anti-oppression lens to understand gender-based violence. You recognize that clients come to MSP while navigating different structural and social injustices that affect their experiences of survivorship. You also understand that this work requires an ongoing commitment to developing the language and tools we need to undo institutional oppression.You are flexible and work well as part of a team and independently. You have excellent time-management skills and demonstrated ability to multi-task. You are accountable to doing what you say you are going to do.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW: At MSP, we strongly believe that integrating a world-changing approach into all areas of our work is essential to ending domestic violence and human trafficking. Our dynamic and diverse team of compassionate advocates is working to create a world in which every individual has the basic human right to be free from gender-based violence and to engage in relationships that embrace the principles of respect, equality, and safety.

MSP is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, responding to domestic violence and human trafficking in Westchester County, New York, by providing multi-lingual, trauma-informed legal and supportive services. We bolster our work with clients by engaging in extensive outreach and community education, strengthening the systemic response to all forms of gender-based violence.

GREAT BENEFITS AND PTO PACKAGE: MSP employees enjoy a generous health benefits package that includes dental and vision care. Our Financial Savings Plan reflects a commitment to the future well-being of our employees. PTO and self-care are important to us and we offer a PTO plan that includes, vacation, sick time, personal days as well as summer Fridays. 

Salary: $58,000 to $61,500 (commensurate with experience)

Application Instructions: NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Send resume, cover letter and salary requirements to Winnifred Wilson, Senior Director of Family Services at wwilson@mspny.org. Please put "Domestic Violence High Risk Advocate" in the subject line.

 

 

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MSP values you, your growth and your contributions. My Sisters’ Place believes that an effective, broad-based movement for social transformation must be rooted in anti-oppression principles as we work towards a more just and equitable society. People of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ Community are encouraged to apply. MSP policy prohibits discrimination due to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and national origin in employment and delivery of services.