FRSP Community Advocate

End Date: This position will end on September 30, 2025, due to the conclusion of the associated grant.

About the Role

The FRSP Community Advocate in the Family Re-housing and Stabilization Program (FRSP) plays a vital role in providing intensive case management services to clients affected by domestic violence and other crimes. Reporting to the FRSP Community Advocate Supervisor, this full-time position based in the District of Columbia encompasses relationship-building, crisis intervention, assistance in seeking housing and essential services, and maintaining comprehensive case activity records.

Additionally, this role involves creating individualized service plans and financial budgets, conducting regular reviews, and making appropriate referrals to address social, environmental, medical, and emotional needs. Community involvement, coordination of workshops, collaboration with local service providers, and participation in interdisciplinary team meetings are also essential components. The position is data-entry intensive, requiring quick and accurate turnaround times and is integral in helping individuals and families achieve stability and self-sufficiency.

This is a hybrid position and expected to be in the office at least 1-2 days a week. Most of the Community Advocate’s time will be spent visiting clients in-person throughout the D.M.V.

About My Sister’s Place

My Sister's Place is a community of staff, volunteers, and advocates committed to eradicating domestic violence. As DC's oldest domestic violence shelter, we have served as a cornerstone of the district's response to this pressing public health issue since 1979. MSP is unique in offering a continuum of care from emergency shelter through transitional-to-permanent housing. Our experienced team of case managers and residential counselors provide clinical counseling, case management, and comprehensive services to empower survivors to recover and thrive. MSP also provides training, case consultation, and advocacy to engage communities to prevent violence and abuse.

What You’ll Be Doing

Client Support and Case Management

• Provide in-person intensive case management services to people affected by homelessness and other traumatic experiences, with a minimum of two in-person meetings per month.
• Collaborate with clients to create detailed service plans and financial budgets, conducting monthly reviews.
• Identify strengths and needs of individuals and families in alignment with the intervention plan.
• Make appropriate referrals to address social, environmental, medical, and emotional issues.
• Respond to crisis situations, intervening to resolve immediate problems.
• Assist clients in seeking housing, employment, financial assistance, and other necessary services.

Record-keeping and Reporting

• Enter/upload and maintain data, documents, and time-sensitive case activity notes and in electronic case management systems
• Become an expert user of DHS databases, including HMIS, StepTool, CATCH, and FRSP Oversight Portal.
• Keep statistical data that reflects the clients served, as well as the number and types of activities performed in the provision of services.
• Prepare various reports, including monthly reports to the Program Director.

Community Engagement and Coordination

• Collaborate in the development of workshops on financial intelligence, housing opportunities, and other relevant topics, and encourage client participation.
• Collaborate with local service providers to address individual client needs.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Attend weekly supervision, staff meetings, and other meetings/committees as assigned.

Supervision and Training

• Assist with the training and supervision of volunteers, as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Requirements

• Mandatory yearly training sessions, with additional training as needed.
• Submission of mandatory yearly background checks and drug tests, and other required assessments as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, or related service/science or health care related disciplines
• At least two (2) years of experience providing case management services (internship experience applicable).
• OR Completion of the Peer Case Management Certification through DHS’s Peer Case Management Institute in lieu of the above education and experience
• Must have a DC social work license, effective on the date of hire.
• At least 2 (two) or more years' experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma. Experience working with survivors of domestic violence, or other similar populations is strongly preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the dynamics of human behavior and in-depth understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals, groups, and communities required; bilingual in Spanish is a plus.
• A professional demeanor; someone who can maintain client confidentiality and conducts themself diplomatically, even when presented with challenging circumstances.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

What We're Looking For

At MSP, we are committed to our core values, which guide our every action and decision. We’re hiring someone who shares our dedication to these values and embodies them in their work:

• Demonstrate Professionalism, Integrity, and Excellence: You approach your role with the highest level of professionalism and ethical conduct. You should consistently uphold integrity, demonstrate excellence in your work, and adhere to the highest standards of professionalism.
• Support Wellness and Self-care: You understand the importance of self-care and wellness, both for yourself and for the clients we serve. You should promote and model self-care practices and encourage clients to prioritize their well-being.
• Provide Person-centered and Trauma-informed Services: We value a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to service delivery. The right candidate should be skilled in empathetic and client-focused interactions, recognizing the unique needs and experiences of each individual.
• Foster an Environment of Trust, Transparency, and Respect: Building trust and maintaining transparency and respect in all interactions is paramount to our organization. We are looking for someone who can create a safe and respectful environment for clients and colleagues alike.
• Deliver Services Intentionally and Passionately: We seek a candidate who is passionate about helping others and who approaches their role with intentionality. You should be dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of our clients.

My Sister's Place is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based upon race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

At My Sister’s Place, we are committed to supporting the well-being and professional growth of our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage to ensure your health and wellness needs are met.

Life Insurance: Basic life insurance provided, with additional voluntary life insurance options available.

Paid Time Off (PTO): Start with 15 days of PTO annually, accrued throughout the year to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Sick Leave: 15 days of sick leave annually to support your health needs without impacting your PTO.

Additional PTO: Enjoy quarterly mental health days, your birthday off, and extra PTO during the summer months.

401(k) Plan with Match: Voluntary access to our 401(k) plan provided by Vanguard, with employee contributions matched up to 3%.

Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave to support you during this important time.

Sabbatical: One month of paid sabbatical after 5 years of service to recharge and pursue personal interests.

Holidays Off: Enjoy major holidays off, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to a comprehensive EAP to support your mental, emotional, and financial well-being.

Wellness and Professional Development Reimbursement: Reimbursement for wellness and professional development expenses to support your continuous growth and well-being.