Position Title: Domestic Violence Advocate

Department: Lighthorse Tribal Police

LOCATION: UKB Tribal Complex Tahlequah

REPORTS TO: Lighthorse Tribal Police Director

STATUS: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

PAY: BOE

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

The system based Domestic Violence advocate will work with victims of domestic violence reporting intimate partner/domestic violence to the UKB Lighthorse Department and the UKB Court system. The UKB advocate will provide trauma informed advocacy to community member and Tribal members while working directly with the UKB Lighthorse Officers throughout the course of the investigation, throughout the duration of the case should charges be filed, and until the victim no longer requests advocacy support.

Responsibilities

• Provide information and practical support to victims. This will include but not limited to referrals for emergency financial assistance, assist victims with return of property, completion of victim compensation claims/restitution requests.
• Collaborate with community agencies to develop integrated systems of assistance. The advocate must have knowledge of community resources as well as tribal resources to ensure victims needs are met.
• Increase victims opportunities to participate in the justice process including advocacy in the criminal justice system. This includes providing court support by attending interviews, hearings, or trials with victims. The advocate must have basic knowledge of the criminal justice system, particularly the Tribal Court system. The advocate will be responsible for notifying the victim about court hearings, changes in court schedules, and detention status of defendants.
• Assist victims with safety concerns and safety planning including laws against victim intimidation. The advocate must have basic knowledge of victims rights and the ability to articulate and advocate for the victim to ensure all rights are afforded to the victim.

Ethical Code of Conduct:

The UKB advocate must recognize the interests of the victim as a primary responsibility. The advocate must provide trauma informed advocacy and be able to set aside any personal trauma when advocating for UKB DV victims. The UKB advocate will respect and protect the victims civil and legal rights with the victim fully leading the process. All referrals to other/outside resources or services will be made in the best interest of the victim, avoiding any conflicts of interest, or personal bias.

The UKB advocate must recognize the ethical boundary of not being involved in a criminal justice system as a victim or aggressor in the past 10 years. To properly provide healthy advocacy, the UKB advocate will not have a criminal record nor be involved in a criminal justice system; this includes protective orders issued by or against applicant, charges (filed or dismissed) related to domestic violence/other violent crimes or known violence in their lives for the past 10 years. The UKB advocate is a healthy support system for victims experiencing violence in their lives and survivors of DV make the best advocates only when they have addressed the trauma of their experiences in a healthy manner and have healthy coping skills to prevent secondary trauma and triggers when helping DV victims.

The UKB advocate will respect the victims right to privacy and confidentiality, subject to the law or regulations requiring disclosure of information to the appropriate outside source.

The UKB advocate will be expected to accept the victims statement of events as it is told, withholding opinion or judgment, whether or not the suspect/offender has been identified, arrested, convicted, or acquitted.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

1. Must pass a background check prior to employment and every 5thyear thereafter. Applicants must not have any misdemeanor or felony offenses related to abuse, Domestic Violence, neglect, or endangerment or any offenses related to dishonesty or theft.

2. Must comply with all Health policies established by the Tribe.

3. Is proficient in using computers and computer systems to enter data, navigate a variety of screens, and manage workload.

4. Always maintain a high level of ethical standards.

5. Proven ability, in prior positions, to exercise good judgement in stressful situations.

6. Excellent attendance record in previous positions.

7. Excellent employment references from previous positions.

8. Ability, aptitude, and willingness to work consistently in a professional manner.

9. Must maintain absolute confidentiality of sensitive information.

10. Ability to keep legible and accurate records.

11. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, staff, and the public.

Education/Experience

• Bachelors degree in social service field prefer (Criminal Justice, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Criminology).
• 5 years of relevant work experience (working in social service field or providing advocacy) may be substituted for education.

An applicant may be asked to participate in an interview to establish whether he/she meets the minimum qualifications. Interviews do not create a right to employment and provide no promise or guarantee of employment with the Tribe. The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma reserves the right to hire according to its Indian Preference Policy. Applicants are subject to a pre-employment drug test and at-random testing following employment. Positions with the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma are subject to a 60-day introductory period. To apply, submit an application, resume, and signed position description no later than 4:00 pm on the closing date to: Human Resources Department, 18300 W Keetoowah Circle Tahlequah, OK 74464 or to sthompson@ukb-nsn.gov or via fax at (918)414-4005. For more information, visit our website at www.ukb-nsn.gov Sign below stating you have read the above job description and fully understand the qualifications, duties and responsibilities required of this position. Sign and Return job description with application packet. Application packets are not maintained after the position is filled. A new application is required for each position applied for.

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Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $13.00 - $16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person