Client Advocate (Helpline & Self Sufficiency Programs)

Organization: Maitri is a non-profit agency in the San Francisco Bay Area whose vision is a society where all relationships are based on dignity, equity, and compassion. Maitri’s mission focused programs provide critical services that help empower South Asian survivors of domestic violence, and move the needle on prevention of abuse in the South Asian community and beyond.
Job Summary:  We are looking for a compassionate and dynamic individual to join a team of passionate advocates providing culturally responsive services to the South Asian community and beyond. The Maitri Client Advocate will be responsible for providing culturally responsive advocacy services to survivors of gender based violence. Performing a dual function, the advocate’s responsibilities include the Helpline and Self Sufficiency program activities:
The role requires a trauma-informed, compassionate approach, and an ability to work collaboratively across teams to provide tailored services to survivors’ specific needs. 
Job Responsibilities:
Helpline:

• Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate live helpline coverage and serve as the first point of contact for those needing Maitri services; Live helpline coverage will be during a 3-hour slot between 9am and 3pm Mon-Fri
• Provide emotional support, crisis intervention, safety planning, peer counseling, referrals and other resources during live helpline coverage 
• Collect and maintain data on calls received
• Compile and provide reports as needed on Helpline program
• Facilitate evaluation surveys as required by the organization to gather learnings to improve Helpline services
• Case management of clients as needed
• Maintain and update resource list regularly
• Comply with all confidentiality requirements, ethical and legal obligations of the program and agency
• Work closely with Crisis Intervention Coordinator to ensure that callers needs are addressed satisfactorily

Self-Sufficiency:

• Conduct needs assessment during intake for EEP & Housing programs
• Enroll clients in the Maitri Scholarship program where applicable, and track their progress
• Meet and provide clients with case management as needed and follow up regularly to ensure they are getting the help and support they need
• Work closely with EEP volunteer mentors to ensure that clients’ needs are met
• Provide peer counseling, advocacy, referrals and information to all clients in-person or over the phone when needed
• Assist the Self-Sufficiency Coordinator in planning, coordinating, and conducting workshops for clients and for the community
• Develop partnerships with agencies and companies to increase training/job opportunities for clients
• Work closely with Self-Sufficiency Coordinator to ensure that the housing needs for all Maitri clients are met as needed

General Administrative/Other :

• Assist in general administrative work at the Maitri office as needed

• Ensure accurate maintenance of records and timely reporting
• Compile and provide reports as needed for projects and grants

• Attend monthly staff and volunteer meetings to foster understanding and communication, and growth as a Maitri team member
• Support all agency activities and events and team members as needed
• Ensure compliance with language access mandates imposed by city, state or national authorities
• Perform other administrative tasks and duties as assigned relating to Client Advocacy
• Uphold and maintain Maitri’s Leadership Principles Framework in all behaviors and interactions

Qualifications :

• Commitment to Maitri's mission and values
• Fluency in at least one South Asian language in addition to English required.
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with at least 1 year of work experience preferably in DV advocacy, community based advocacy or social service work
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience working effectively with people in crisis situations with patience, compassion, and flexibility
• Experience working respectfully with persons of diverse ethnic, religious, educational, language, sexual orientation, and cultural backgrounds
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule when needed and to complete tasks on hand
• Basic proficiency in using Internet, MS Outlook, Excel, and Word
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; to manage multiple tasks and prioritize tasks and projects; to be detail-oriented, well-organized and flexible
• Willingness to work some evenings and/or weekends based on agency needs, as required
• A valid US work authorization required, Maitri will not sponsor work visas at this time
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a motor vehicle
• Must be able to lift at least 20lbs of weight or more
• Must clear background check (fingerprinting), valid TB test
• Must have completed or be willing to complete 40hr California State Domestic Violence Counselor certification (training will be provided)

While we are currently working in a hybrid mode, in person attendance will be required as needed by the organization
 
Please include a resume and cover letter summarizing how your experience and skills relate to this role. No applications will be considered without a cover letter. Please be ready to provide at least two references. A background check will be required to be completed prior to hiring. No phone calls please.
We provide an excellent benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401K, paid vacation and sick time off. $24 per hour to $26 per hour (commensurate with relevant field experience)  
Maitri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We may be unable to respond to each email based on the volume of applications received.