Introduction to Esperanza United
Esperanza United, formerly known as Casa de Esperanza, is a pioneering organization that has been at the forefront of mobilizing Latinas and Latin@ communities to end gender-based violence since 1982. Founded by a group of persevering Latinas in St. Paul, Minnesota, our mission is rooted in community strengths and wisdom, serving Latin@s locally and nationwide. We are committed to creating a world where everyone can live free from violence and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
Job Overview
We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Bilingual Family Advocate to join our team. As a Family Advocate, you will play a vital role in assisting survivors of domestic violence and their children to develop, pursue, and achieve their goals to live free of violence. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while working in a flexible and supportive environment. If you are passionate about creating positive change and have a strong commitment to social justice, we encourage you to apply for this exciting role.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide supportive listening to Refugio residents and crisis callers, assisting survivors to identify goals and methods to achieve them
- Assist survivors and crisis callers to develop and reinforce safety plans
- Answer crisis and business calls on the 24-hour bilingual crisis line, providing supportive listening and resource information
- Arrange for safe shelter and transportation as needed
- Provide information about and help survivors access relevant resources such as orders for protection, public benefits, medical care, housing assistance, legal protections, etc.
- Establish and support a sense of hospitality and respect throughout the Refugio
- Constructively help residents resolve conflicts when necessary
- Interact individually with residents regularly and contribute to organizing activities for residents
- Provide clear and timely data entry and work documentation for reporting purposes
- Establish and support an environment of cleanliness and accountability in the Refugio
- Intervene on behalf of survivors/families in crisis situations with police, medical professionals, employers, creditors, social service caseworkers, attorneys, etc. when necessary
- Clean and prepare Refugio bedrooms for new residents
- Participate in in-service and other job-related training
Essential Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED and two years' experience in an intervention setting
- Or a combination of equivalent experience and education
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills in Spanish and English required
- Knowledge of the Latin@ community, Bi-cultural experience preferred
- Knowledge of domestic violence issues preferred
- Demonstrated success in implementing tasks with compassion, patience, resourcefulness, self-awareness, reliability, and from a strengths-based perspective with limited supervision
- Ability to listen, intervene/de-escalate, and resolve conflicts effectively and independently
- Ability to manage multiple priorities to ensure deadlines are met
- Ability to manage and prioritize multiple phone calls and in-person requests at one time
- Knowledge of and ability to use computers/technical resources to effectively accomplish work
- Flexibility with work schedule and other jobs/academics/responsibilities
- Reliable transportation to and from Refugio (confidential location)
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a related field such as social work, psychology, or counseling
- Experience working with survivors of domestic violence and their children
- Knowledge of local resources and services for survivors of domestic violence
- Experience with crisis intervention and conflict resolution
- Bi-lingual or multi-lingual skills
Skills and Competencies
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment
- Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work in a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive manner
Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits
At Esperanza United, we are committed to the growth and development of our staff. As a Family Advocate, you will have access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities, including:
- In-service training on domestic violence, trauma-informed care, and cultural competency
- Opportunities for advancement within the organization
- Professional development opportunities, such as conferences and workshops
- Mentorship and coaching from experienced staff members
Work Environment and Company Culture
Esperanza United strives to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to:
- Providing a safe and supportive work environment for all staff members
- Promoting a culture of respect, empathy, and understanding
- Encouraging open communication and feedback
- Supporting the well-being and self-care of our staff members
Compensation, Perks, and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary range of $17-$18 per hour, depending on experience. Additionally, our staff members are eligible for:
- Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous paid time off and holiday pay
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
- A dynamic and supportive work environment
Conclusion
If you are a compassionate and dedicated individual who is passionate about creating positive change in the lives of others, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As a Bilingual Family Advocate, you will play a vital role in supporting survivors of domestic violence and their children, while working in a flexible and supportive environment. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community. Apply now and join our team of dedicated professionals who are committed to creating a world free from violence.
Apply now and take the first step towards a rewarding and challenging career as a Bilingual Family Advocate.
Apply Now