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Emergency Services Advocate

"Due to COVID-19 and limited staffing at this time, Cornerstone has temporarily paused our hiring process. However, if you submit your resume and cover letter during this time, we will take it into consideration as soon as we resume our process."

Hours are M-F; 3 pm-11 pm.
ORGANIZATION SUMMARY Cornerstone is a $5M agency with approximately 90 employees. Our organization serves individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking, with office locations in Bloomington, Minneapolis, and Brooklyn Center. 
Cornerstone has developed one of the most comprehensive service continuums for victims of violence in Minnesota. Our services are designed to move individuals and families from crisis to safety, stabilization and security. Last year approximately 4,000 individuals accessed Cornerstone programming. In addition, through Cornerstone’s statewide Day One Crisis and Crime Victim Support lines, we provided services to over 20,000 persons via phone, text and chat.  We are committed to providing opportunities for others to partner with us in this work and to convey, as a community, zero-tolerance for violence. (www.cornerstonemn.org)
POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Fulltime Emergency Services (ES) Advocate is responsible for providing advocacy, support and information to victims/survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence and/or human trafficking/sexual exploitation accessing Cornerstone’s (CAS) 24/7 shelter, hotel and crisis line services. The ES Advocate uses trauma-informed and survivor-centered practices to provide victims/survivors with referrals, information, support and safety planning. Position is responsible for providing direct services through the use of trauma-informed and survivor-centered practices. This position is also responsible for maintaining a welcoming, safe, clean, accessible and inclusive environment for persons and families we serve.
Education/Experience
Minimum of an associate degree in Public Health, Social Work, or related field.  Length of experience in a social service field may be considered in lieu of educational requirements. One year experience providing direct services in an anti-violence work setting.
QUALIFICATIONS
·       Key skillsets include knowledge and experience in trauma informed work, ability to communicate effectively with persons from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, ability to remain calm and survivor-centered with those experiencing crisis and trauma, broad knowledge of resources and systems which interface with victims/survivors of violence and ability to work in both a team and individual setting.
·       Understanding of survivor-centered and trauma-informed care practices. 
·       Understanding of the impact of interpersonal violence on adults, children and youth with some experience in providing direct services in a related field. 
·       Experience in working with diverse populations and marginalized communities with training in and/or commitment to anti-oppression work. 
·       Ability to work with victims/survivors and community partners in a confidential, friendly, cooperative, and professional manner.
·       Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the human services delivery system including community resources, organizations and services.
·       Ability to make decisions under pressure.
·       Capability to remain organized and task focused when assisting in maintaining a safe clean and well-stocked environment.  
·       Good written and interpersonal communication skills.
·       Valid driver’s license, automobile insurance and reliable vehicle.  
·       Preferred 40-hour sexual assault certification.  
·       Multilingual candidates preferred. 
·       Ability to work flexible hours beyond assigned shift if needed, including some evenings, weekends.
·       Knowledge and aptitude with Microsoft Office and other related forms of technology.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Essential responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: 
Direct Services
24/7 Crisis Line:
·       Provides crisis line support and assess with victim/services what services they are currently seeking, providing information, safety planning and resources.
·       Provide referrals through CAS’ continuum of services when appropriate and/or utilize the Day One process as necessary.
·       Responds professionally to Law Enforcement Intervention contacts via email or over the phone and follows-up with the victim/survivor within an hour.
·       Respond to victims/survivors who utilize the CAS’ “Info” email system to contact us in collaboration with the Day One Call Center Advocates.
·       Provide back-up assistance for the statewide Day One Crisis and General Crime phone lines, text and chats as assigned.
24/7 Shelter:
·       Welcome new participants into the shelter/hotel by processing new intakes, informing them of available services and providing guidelines for shelter living.
·       Provide participants with emergency transportation, basic personal/household supplies and food.
·       Create opportunities to provide and/or respond to participants requesting support, information or advocacy.
·       Assist participants with basic living skills such as cleaning, meal preparations, and caring for children.
·       Stay apprised of participants’ activities, policy changes and updates, and general information by reviewing ES log, monthly newsletter and CAS Connect staff pages.
·       Assist ES Primary Advocates, as assigned, in providing advocacy, support, resources, referrals and transportation for participants.
·       Utilize available learning opportunities/tools during down time including readings, webinars and other forms of materials.
·       Work collaboratively with other staff across Cornerstone’s internal programs. 
·       Act as a resource to other staff, volunteers and interns as it relates to providing emergency services and community resources.
·       Under the direction of supervisor, mentor new staff and volunteers.
·       Ensure compliance with established Policy & Procedures. 
·       Other duties as assigned.
Safety and Maintenance of Shelter Services:
·       Clean units/sleeping areas cleaned after exit of a family utilizing the Cleaning, Safety and Maintenance Checklist.
·       Wash and dry all house linens as needed.
·       Maintain office files with updated and sufficient forms for intake and exit.
Additional Overnight Responsibilities:
Part Time and Relief Staff providing coverage during the hours of 11:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. have additional duties and responsibilities:
·       Conduct walk-throughs to ensure the agency and shelter are safe and secure during evening hours. Set alarm at beginning of shift and turn off at the end.
·       Clean advocate office by emptying trash, vacuum and straightening materials on desks.
·       Prepare food portions in the pantry. 
·       Check refrigerators & freezer temperatures in pantry and record findings.
Administrative Responsibilities 
·       Assure data entry is completed accurately including participant, crisis line and Law Enforcement Intervention contacts in the Apricot database.
·       Complete accurate statistical reports as assigned. 
·       Properly document all critical incidents inclusive of child/adult protection reports. 
Organizational Expectations 
·       Promote Cornerstone Advocacy Service’s (CAS) mission & philosophy. 
·       Display high ethical and professional standards. 
·       Participate in internal CAS committees and represent CAS on external committees as assigned. 
·       Provide support to and attend CAS events, e.g. conference, volunteer recognition, fundraisers, etc., as assigned. 
·       Support CAS marketing initiatives. 
·       Attend all staff meetings and required trainings as assigned. 
·       Attend and participate in supervision meetings.
Physical Demands
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities and those who may be Deaf/Hard of Hearing, to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use manual dexterity for use of objects, tools or controls as well as visual acuity. The employee is required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. The employee should always request assistance if any object needs to be lifted and the employee feels that their capabilities are such that the specific item to be lifted is beyond the employee’s abilities. No employee should attempt to lift more than what is comfortable for them. If such a situation should arise the employee should notify their supervisor to find help with lifting any item regardless of weight if the object to be lifted is awkward or difficult to lift in any way.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Cornerstone strives for a fully inclusive work environment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, familial or marital status, and/or with regard to public assistance or any other characteristic. These statements are not intended to encompass all functions and qualifications of this position; rather, they are intended to provide a general framework of the requirements of the position. Cornerstone is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.
Cornerstone offers a generous salary and benefits package.
How To Apply: 
Please E-Mail your cover letter & resume to jobs@cornerstonemn.org
No agencies; No walk-ins; No phone calls please
Please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@cornerstonemn.org. RESUME without COVER LETTER will not be reviewed for any job opening at Cornerstone Advocacy Service. This email is only for receiving resumes. No additional information is known about open positions. Qualified applicants will be contacted after resumes are reviewed.