Jobs for People with MS: National MS Society

Under direction of the Emergency Services Coordinator, Victim Support Specialists are responsible for providing support and advocacy to victims of domestic and sexual violence, as well as caretaking of the YWCA Gateway Shelter facility. The Victim Support Specialist answers the 24-hour help lines, conducts shelter intakes/outtakes, advocates for and provides emotional support to victims of domestic and sexual violence, and provides accompaniment to sexual assault victims undergoing a forensic evidence collection exam. Duties must be performed in accordance with the goals and strategic plan of YWCA Billings, and in strict compliance with relevant Federal and State requirements. This position requires a high degree of empathy, role modeling of positive communication and behaviors, strict confidentiality and use of critical thinking skills. This job description may not include all duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be asked to follow other job-related instructions requiring like knowledge, skills, and abilities and to perform them as requested by their supervisor as well as other assignments that come from the Executive Team consisting of the CEO, Executive Office Administrator, Legal and Victim Services Administrator and Community Liaison Director. Key Responsibility Areas (KRAs): * Crisis intervention, advocacy, and support to clients/residents * Communicate relevant information regarding program participants to other members of the team * Provide hospital accompaniment for sexual assault survivors when a volunteer is not available * Strictly adhere to and stay current with all program safety and security policies * Monitor residents and staff to assure that a safe and secure environment is being maintained * Report incidents of suspected child abuse to the Emergency Services Coordinator and Centralized Intake * Oversee and maintain shelter spaces, including garage, file room, storage spaces, staff office and all public and client areas in a clean, orderly, and safe condition * Monitor condition of rooms upon intake/outtake of residents to assess damages * Report all maintenance concerns and damages to the Emergency Services Coordinator in a timely manner * Attend interagency meetings, trainings, and workshops pertinent to advocacy services as assigned * Project a positive image of YWCA Billings, using effective public relations skills Skills, Qualifications and Requirements: * Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, or related field or equivalent experience preferred. * One or more years? experience in providing trauma informed advocacy and support services to victims of domestic and/or sexual violence or equivalent is preferred. * Ability to work with people in an empowering, supportive, and constructive manner. * Self-starter, able to take direction but also able to work independently and self-manage projects to successful completion. * Ability to make decision under high-stress conditions. * Excellent verbal and written communication skills with exceptional attention to details. Ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. * Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to and passion for YWCA Billings' mission and vision. * Must pass a background check designed to protect the interest of individuals served by the YWCA programs.