Survivor Advocate

Overview & Summary

The Survivor Advocate provides crisis intervention, counseling, and advocacy to the survivors of, or those directly affected by: domestic/dating/intimate partner violence; sexual assault and rape; stalking; human trafficking; child abuse; and bullying. The Survivor Advocate provides comprehensive, trauma-informed care and assistance to survivors in a sensitive, respectful, and confidential manner; bringing community resources to the survivor and their family. Services are provided individually and through support groups; on-site and in community locations. This position shares in the paid rotation of after-hours hotline coverage to ensure coverage of the 24/7 crisis hotline (including accompaniment to medical services).

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Responds to clients in crisis situations who need emergency crisis intervention; either by direct contact, phone coverage of the 24/7 hotline, and/or referral.
2. Provides crisis intervention, safety planning, support, advocacy, court accompaniment, and information/referrals to survivors; either by telephone consultation, or by direct contact in accordance to NYS guidelines.
3. Assists survivors in completing OVS applications.
4. Assists clients and/or their legal guardian(s) by providing information, referrals, and connection to available legal options & legal support services.
5. Provides short-term crisis counseling (6-10)
6. Educates clients on dynamics of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, trafficking, child abuse, bullying as needed.
7. Accompanies, supports, and advocates for clients during the judicial and medical processes.
8. Responds in person to Newark Wayne Community Hospital for Sexual Assault Forensic Exams (SAFE) within 45 minutes of the request, as needed.
9. Assists with filing various Family Court Petitions, including Orders of Protection.
10. Maintains client records and documentation of services. Collects data, prepares and reports program statistics by set deadlines, and as assigned.
11. Attends ongoing trainings/conferences annually, and as assigned.
12. Maintains confidentiality of clients and SACFL records.
13. Attends agency and community meetings as scheduled.
14. Reliably performs all assigned duties.
15. Takes initiative on assigned and unassigned tasks.

Education, Experience, & Skills Required:

1. Strong interpersonal skills; including a demonstrated ability to listen actively, effectively convey complex information, maintain professional boundaries, and display compassion and empathy.
2. Ability to remain non-judgmental when working with all types of people and during complex situations.
3. A passion for serving, supporting, and empowering survivors.
4. Strong written skills; and clear, concise verbal telephone skills.
5. Ability to maintain client confidentiality.
6. Ability to work cooperatively as a team member.
7. Ability to respond effectively to unexpected situations.
8. Ability to work irregular hours and holidays, as assigned.
9. Must have a valid New York State driver’s license, and the minimum auto insurance on personal vehicle (if used for work activities) that is deemed necessary in the SACFL Personnel Policy.
10. Must pass a completed background check (including fingerprinting). The SACFL uses background checks for employment purposes, and follows all state and federal laws and guidelines.
11. Upon Hiring: Completion of 40-hour NYS Rape Crisis Counselor Certification; 40-hour Domestic Violence Advocacy Training; and other trainings required by NYS, Grantors, and SACFL Training Manager.

Additional Qualifications:

1. Knowledge of domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking, sexual assault, stalking, and/or bullying is preferred.
2. Experience in crisis intervention, crisis counseling, and/or advocacy in a human services setting is preferred.
3. Fluency in more than one language is a plus.