Deaf Abused Women’s Network (DAWN)

Title: Empowerment Advocate

Hours: Full time at 40 hours per week

Location: Deaf Abused Women’s Network office in Washington DC

Supervision: Interns

Reports to: Deaf Abused Women’s Network Advocate Coordinator

The Empowerment Advocate should have extensive knowledge ofdomestic violence and sexual assault. The Empowerment Advocate will provide direct services to Deaf, hard of hearing and Deaf-Blind survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual violence by assisting them in navigating the civil and criminal judicial process and providing crisis management. The Empowerment Advocate will serve as a direct link to community resources to assist survivors in maintaining their safety and fulfilling immediate social service needs through short-term case management. The Empowerment Advocate will provide systematic advocacy by serving as an expert on the implications for improving the criminal legal system response to Deaf, hard of hearing, and Deaf-Blind survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking.

DUTIES INCLUDE:

- Provide immediate crisis management, and advocacy for Deaf, hard of hearing, and Deaf-Blind survivors in legal and medical settings.

- Provide guidance and knowledge through the judicial system that may include protection order process, civil and/or criminal charges, and answer questions about navigating the judicial process.

- Provide guidance and knowledge through the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) process.

- Provide short-term case management to survivors by connecting them with local resources and social services.

- Provide assistance with emergency housing.

- Provide information and assistance with emergency food and transportation services.

- Provide assistance with applying for social service agencies.

- Assist the Advocate Coordinator in maintaining client services.

- Assist the Executive Director and Coordinator with Outreach and Education program efforts.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s Degree required
Extensive knowledge of and training in domestic violence and sexual violence
Excellent American Sign Language and written communication skills
Well organized and detail oriented
Able to work in diverse settings
Excellent people skills
Able to work in time sensitive situations
Knowledge of Deaf culture
Knowledge of and ability to work within the family services and criminal legal system

How to apply:

Submit a resume and cover letter detailing reason for interest in this opportunity, relevant previous experience, and two references to:

Deaf Abused Women’s Network
Attention: Amy L. Rousseau, Executive Director
5321 First Place NE
Washington, DC 20011

or email to: director@deafdawn.org

DEADLINE TO APPLY: FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2010

Accessible Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline: The National Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) is a wonderful resource for the Deaf community. The confidential hotline sponsored by Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services (ADWAS) offers support for Deaf women who are experiencing domestic violence. Friends and family members can also contact the hotline for information about how to support loved ones who are in domestic violence situations. Additionally, the hotline provides domestic violence resource information and facts and statistics about domestic violence.

Anyone seeking information about domestic violence can contact the hotline in one of four ways:

Videophone: (206) 787-3224
Email: ADWAS@NDVH.org
Instant Messaging (IM): ADWASHotline
TTY: 1-800-787-3224

The hotline is open Monday-Friday, 9 am – 5 pm PST.

See the video below for more information.