Advocacy Specialist at Planned Parenthood of Greater New York (PPGNY)

At Planned Parenthood of Greater New York (PPGNY), our greatest strengths are the employees who empower every individual with the information, resources, and care they need to live happy, healthy lives.  We are a team of trusted health care providers, educators, and fierce advocates committed to advancing equity and improving health outcomes in communities that face systemic barriers to quality, innovative sexual and reproductive health services -- including birth control, pregnancy testing, emergency contraception, cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, HIV testing and prevention, transgender hormone therapy, wellness exams, crisis counseling, and financial counseling. PPGNY also proudly provides compassionate, nonjudgmental abortion services. Picture yourself here:The Advocacy Specialist is responsible for assisting survivors in dealing with the immediate and long-term impact of victimization. The Specialist will be subject to call-out to assist in providing immediate crisis intervention to victims and witnesses of crime. Other responsibilities include: assisting survivors with victim compensation applications, completion of applications for Orders of Protection and Injunctions against Harassment, navigation of the criminal justice system, referrals to community service agencies, and assistance in exercising statutory rights. This position involves case management, referrals to community service agencies, and acting as a liaison between victims of crime, police officers, and social service agencies.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide crisis intervention, emotional support and guidance, advocacy services to sexual assault survivors and victims of crime as needed.

Assist in developing and/or coordinating supportive activities to individuals and groups.

Provide medical, criminal justice, and personal accompaniment services when requested and/or needed.

Provide advocacy services when requested and/or needed.

Provide direct service duties like staffing the 24-hour hotline and facilitating support groups.

Help develop initial case plans and ongoing strategies for advocacy.

Provide assistance in completing crime victim compensation applications.

Maintains DOH Rape Crisis Counselor/Advocate certification via successful completion of mandatory continuing education hours.

Keep service data, create reports about funded projects, and meet other project objectives according to grant specifications.

Maintain case files.

Assist in preparing monthly & quarterly statistical reports. 

Provide office coverage as assigned.

Attend staff meetings and assist in the evaluation of the program.

Participate in program planning.

Assist county coordinator in developing and maintaining community-agency relations. 

Perform other duties as assigned within a team-based work environment. 

Inform key professional groups in the community about available services for crime victims including sexual assault, interpersonal violence, and homicide.

Inform and implement outreach plan to raise awareness about and available services for victims of crime in the community.

Develop cooperative working relationships with other agencies and organizations.

Plans and prepares exhibits for community events and assists in planning and promotion.

Facilitate sexual assault prevention education to children, adolescents, and adults in schools, colleges and community-based organizations. 

Assist in the recruitment, training and supervision of volunteer staff. 

Provide assistance and consultation for volunteers as needed or when requested

Participate in volunteer evaluation.

A demonstrated commitment to PPGNY’s mission related to bodily autonomy, health equity, and gender and racial justice

A demonstrated commitment to learning about and enhancing practices related to racial equity and its impact on healthcare systems. 

Strong relationship building and communication skills, including an ability to work and build trust across cultural differences related to related to race, class, age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin or ability; and to reflect on one’s personal identity with humility.

Ability to provide compassionate, non-judgmental and culturally responsive care across race, class, age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin or ability; and demonstrates deep sense of accountability to patient experience

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Excellent customer service and communication skills

Ability to remain focused and calm in stressful situations

Excellent interpersonal and verbal skills

Ability to develop and maintain effective, professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders

Ability to work effectively as part of team

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software

Familiarity with Microsoft Excel

Familiarity with Client Database.

Excellent organizational skills

Comfortable and proficient with public speaking and facilitating curricula

Outstanding time management skills, including the ability to work under deadline

The ability to produce high quality work in a fast-paced environment with changing and/or competing priorities

Ability to exercise sound judgment and independent decision-making skills

Ability to produce reliable, high quality work with minimal direct supervision

Ability to exercise discretion in the handling of confidential information

Ability to demonstrate and document evidence-based clinical judgment

Ability to work a flexible or extended schedule, including evenings and weekends, as operational demands require

Well-developed problem-solving and critical thinking skills

Education in the field of specialization such as social work, psychology, counseling or women’s studies. Professional experience sufficient in scope, depth, and performance may serve in place of academic requirements.

Ability to work cooperatively with different types of personalities.

Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and case management responsibilities; human behavior and needs at times of crime and crisis; behavioral health, social services, and other community resources; the criminal justice system, NYS Criminal Code, and Rights of victims, police department operations, policies, and procedures.

Work in community, external agencies & organizations

Flexible schedule necessary: evening and/or weekend work may be required

Keep confidential all client information.

Understand and accept PPGNY’s Personnel Policies.

Follows all safety and security guidelines.

Valid NYS Driver’s License with use of personal vehicle is required.

Ability to travel is required

Bilingual- Spanish/English

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