Sexual Assault Victim Advocate

Description

Mission Statement:

The YWCA Greater Flint is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Position Summary:

Sexual Assault Victim Advocates play a crucial role in reducing the severity of trauma and victimization for survivors and their families. Using a trauma-informed survivor-centered approach, advocates will offer crisis intervention, hospital accompaniment, law enforcement support, and advocacy throughout the criminal justice process. The role also includes case management to help victims navigate through the barriers and gaps in services and ensure continuous support through their healing and legal journey.

Major Duties and Expectations:

· Maintains confidentiality of all information according to policies and procedures.

· Provide trauma-informed direct services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence including support, advocacy, crisis intervention, safety and goal planning, information, and referrals.

· Maintain complete and accurate client records.

· Offer and assist survivors with resources.

· Participate in on-call Crisis Response Team (CRT) rotation, including responding to SANE Exams, and domestic and sexual violence requests.

· Develop and maintain strong working relationships and client advocacy within the courts, social service systems, health systems, law enforcement agencies including The Genesee County Human Oppression Strike Team (GHOST), and other community partners.

· Assist with the completion and submission of Personal Protection Orders, Crime Victim’s Compensation applications, and witness Impact Statements.

· Assist with community presentations about domestic and sexual violence and the services of the YWCA of Greater Flint.

· Maintain a YWCA presence in local law enforcement agencies and courts.

· Perform other duties and tasks assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

· Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, or equivalent education and/or work experience.

· Preferred strong understanding of intimate partner domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, trauma focused interventions, and trauma informed practices.

· Preferred two years' experience in social service sector, as an employee or volunteer.

· Ability to work effectively in crisis situations.

· Completion of 40-hour New Service Provider training as mandated by the State of Michigan. Candidates who do not already have this certificate will be required to attend the next available training.

· Flexible availability.

· Ability to lift at least 25 lbs., climb stairs, and perform light cleaning and maintenance.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong problem-solving skills; strong organizational skills (i.e., ability to prioritize, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines).

· PC proficiency and experience with data entry (in a Microsoft environment preferred).

· Preferred familiarity with community-based services and resources.

· Ability to provide culturally competent services and work with diverse staff and clientele in an empathetic and non-judgmental manner.

· Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain calm under pressure.

· Ability to work independently as the only staff member on the premises.

· Possess emotional and physical stamina to deal with a variety of stressful situations and self-awareness to reach out to supervisor for assistance when needed.

· Background checks including Central Registry Clearance and Criminal.

· Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation.