Sexual Assault Victim Advocate

Family Guidance Center

Hickory NC

Position Description: Advocate

Position Title: Sexual Assault Advocate

Purpose of Position: To ensure that victims of rape and sexual assault have a voice on the legal system, in their medical care, and in housing and employment through advocacy services provided by agency’s Advocate. Assists the SART Coordinator in community outreach. Position operates under the direct supervision of the SART Coordinator.

Position Responsibilities:

• Direct Services:
• Intake – Provides Intake screening, assesses victims’ need, provides support, referrals, and conducts Intake interview. Develops Service Plan with victim.
• Court Advocacy – makes early contact with victims of rape to offer support, provides information on legal options and provides technical assistance in the proper completion of documents or forms; accompanies victims to court; advocates for victims’ rights throughout the legal process; makes referrals to Legal Aid and to other agency services.
• Medical Advocacy/Other – advocates for victims to ensure that their medical needs are met; advocates for victims in other situations, i.e. job, other human services agency.
• Follows up with advocacy clients to assure that their service needs are met through continued counseling, referrals, etc.
• Assists the Coordinator in outreach/education in the community.
• Indirect Services:
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with DA’s staff, law enforcement officers, and with hospital personnel.
• Educates personnel about sexual assault and its impact on victims with the above personnel.
• Develops and maintains open communication between law enforcement/legal system and with agency.

Position Administration:

• Completes all required documentation and paperwork in a timely manner
• Maintains case records/maintains statistics
• Works with and coordinates activities with other SA staff
• Keeps Supervisor informed of all program issues, needs, etc.
• Assumes/Performs any other responsibilities/services as assigned by the SART Coordinator or Executive Director.

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, social work, counseling, psychology, or related field is required; from an accredited college. A Master’s Degree is a plus.

Qualifications Needed

• Individual must possess a strong understanding and knowledge of the dynamics of sexual assault and its impact on victims, as well as the dynamics of domestic violence.
• Must possess professional and person maturity and have demonstrated skills in dealing with emotionally charged situations and/or people.
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to relate well with a diverse population of clients and co-workers.
• Must be able to be assertive while maintaining a professional demeanor.
• Must possess a high energy level, have the ability to manage stress, and can be flexible in meeting program demands.
• Must possess organizational skills, have initiative, and is comfortable in assuming decision-making responsibilities.
• Must be able to work effectively with a team concept.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $35,568.00 per year

Benefits:

• 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

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Hickory, NC 28602: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: One location