Emergency Services Family Advocate

Our Mission:

Cornerstone’s continuum of service helps to create communities where individuals and families are safe and children thrive. We advocate, educate and lead the way to social change.

Summary of Cornerstone

Cornerstone is a $5.5 million organization that provides comprehensive services for individuals and families in the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking or general crime. Our offices are located in Bloomington, Brooklyn Center and Minneapolis. Learn more at www.cornerstonemn.org.

Diversity and Inclusion:

We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments, programs, and worksites. BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.

Cornerstone Benefits:

Health care, paid time off, 12 paid holidays which includes employee birthday, retirement savings with up to 4% match after 1 year, basic life insurance free to employees, long term disability free to employees.

EEO Statement:

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, veteran, disability, age, marital or, familial, and/or with regard to public assistance or any other characteristic. We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Emergency Services (ES) Family Advocate delivers survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive wraparound services to parents/caregivers, children, and youth in Cornerstone’s emergency and transitional housing services. Wraparound services are inclusive of parenting support/education, advocacy, and resource connections for families experiencing domestic violence, sexual violence, and/or human trafficking/sexual exploitation. Services are provided through a team approach with Emergency and Community Economic Empowerment Advocates. Education and/or Experience: Advocate II: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or human service-related field or equivalent experience in a social services field. Three or more years of experience providing direct crisis response services to families and with an emphasis on child development is a plus. Advocate I: Associate degree in psychology, social work, or human service-related field or equivalent experience in a social services field. Two or more years of experience providing direct crisis response services to families and with an emphasis on child development is a plus. Hours/Scheduling: This is a full-time position that requires flexible scheduling to support participants’ schedules and needs. Shifts may include evenings, weekends, and holidays as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications and Key Skillsets:

• Understanding of trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive care practices comprehensive with a focus on how family dynamics are affected by the impact of domestic violence, sexual violence, and/or human trafficking/sexual exploitation

• Understanding of the human services delivery system with an emphasis on serving diverse, marginalized, and/or underrepresented communities and families.

• Knowledge of preschool, elementary, and high school enrollment, Homeless McKinney Vento Act, and school liaison and transportation processes.

• Good written and interpersonal skills with the ability to work with v/s, concerned persons, and community partners in a friendly, cooperative, and professional manner.

• Preferred 40-hour sexual assault certification or the ability to complete training within 6 months.

• Valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, and reliable vehicle (Valid Driver’s License and auto insurance must be on file with HR).

• Multilingual candidates preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains professional and confidential survivor-centered support, advocacy, information, and safety planning for victims/survivors.

• Conducts family screening sessions with parents/caregivers assessing strengths, goals, needs, and transitional plans.

• Ensures consistent and regular contact with parents/caregivers and families through one-to-one sessions, transitional housing visits, and family meetings.

• Complete child safety planning with parents of infants, children, and youth – and with children/youth as appropriate and in collaboration with other assigned ES/CEES advocates.

• Participates in the training and mentoring of new staff, volunteers, and/or students as assigned.

• Assists walk-in participants with support, information, and referral as the need arises.

• Assures data entry is completed accurately in Apricot database and other tracking methods.

• Properly documents all critical incidents: child protection reports, emergency response calls, and participant injury/cons.

 • Any other duties as assigned by a supervisor that support overall program services and services to survivors/victims.

Salary Range:  $19.00-$21.63 per hour

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 the 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 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.