Sexual Assault Services Advocate

Our start as a grassroots, small group of committed individuals began in 1986. We have expanded and grown to an increasingly bold and empowered agency that advocates for change while supporting survivors in Orange and Sullivan Counties in NY.

To build an informed, just, and accountable society so all people can experience supportive and safe relationships free from abuse, exploitation, and oppression. We do this through education, prevention, advocacy, and providing comprehensive services, including shelter, to victims and survivors of interpersonal violence, human trafficking, sexual violence, and other types of crime victimization.

The Sexual Assault Services Program Advocate is primarily responsible for providing empathic, nonjudgmental support and direct services to victims/survivors of intersecting forms of violence and abuse, specifically sexual violence, abuse, and assault, and for supporting prevention-focused education and outreach within the local community. In addition, this position requires on-call coverage for rape crisis response to hospitals and law enforcement agencies in Sullivan County.

The Fearless! Sexual Assault Services Program Advocate is:

Calm & Dependable in High-Pressure Situations: Responds effectively to crisis calls, hospital accompaniments, and law enforcement interactions with composure and sound judgment. Maintains professionalism in sensitive and urgent situations.

Culturally Competency & Inclusive: Engages respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds, seeking to understand and honor cultural differences. Applies culturally responsive practices to ensure equitable access to services.

Dedicated to Trauma-Informed Care: Understands the impact of trauma and applies trauma-responsive practices to advocacy, crisis intervention, and safety planning. Maintains a nonjudgmental and supportive approach at all times.

Adaptable & Solution-Focused: Navigates complex situations with flexibility and problem-solving skills. Adjusts to evolving needs while staying committed to the organizations mission and survivor well-being.

Effective Communicator: Communicates clearly and empathetically with colleagues, clients, and community partners in both oral and written formats. Listens actively and responds appropriately to build trust and foster meaningful connections.

A Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services, or a related field or equivalent work experience in providing Direct Crisis Counseling and Advocacy Services.

Must be knowledgeable in Microsoft Office programs and have experience with client management software.

Valid Driver's License, Auto Insurance, and reliable transportation to travel between the agency's office sites and other locations throughout the service region.

Physical demands include but are not limited to long periods of sitting, standing, walking, driving, lifting up to 50 pounds, and navigating stairs.

NYS Rape Crisis Certification to work as a Rape/Sexual Assault Crisis Counselor/Advocate is required or must be obtained immediately upon hire.

Organizational & Time Management Skills:

Manages multiple priorities effectively, meeting deadlines while maintaining quality and attention to detail.

Demonstrates the ability to work efficiently in a crisis-oriented environment, balancing competing demands.

Mission-Driven & Advocacy-Oriented:

Aligns work with the agencys mission and feminist philosophy of empowerment.

Client-Centered & Solution-Focused Approach:

Prioritizes client needs, ensuring services are delivered with empathy, respect, and empowerment.

Identifies barriers to service and proactively works to develop solutions that support client success.

Professional Boundaries & Ethical Conduct:

Models and upholds appropriate professional boundaries in all interactions with clients, colleagues, supervisors, and community partners.

Demonstrates integrity and ethical decision-making in all aspects of their work.

Judgement & Decision-Making:

Exercises sound judgment and makes timely, well-reasoned decisions, particularly in high-pressure or crisis situations.

Assesses risks and considers multiple factors before taking action.

Commitment to Social Justice & Equity:

Actively works to dismantle gender-based violence, racism, classism, sexism, ageism, homophobia, ableism, and all forms of oppression through daily interactions, advocacy, and service delivery.

Demonstrates an awareness of systemic barriers and incorporates inclusive practices into their work.

Bicultural candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Direct experience working within human services, social services, and community-based agencies is preferred.

REPORTS TO: Sexual Assault Services Program Manager

CLASSIFICATION/STATUS: Full-Time, Non-exempt

PRIMARY WORKSITE: Co-Located - Newburgh, NY/ Sullivan County, NY

WORK HOURS: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with flexibility around evenings, weekends, and holidays;

ON-CALL REQUIREMENTS: This position requires participation in a 24/7 on-call rotation for rape crisis response to hospitals and law enforcement agencies in Sullivan County.

Provide culturally informed, trauma-responsive crisis intervention and nonjudgmental, supportive hotline counseling, assessments, shelter screenings, and intake interviews for hotline callers and walk-in clients at the Family Justice Center and other locations within the community.

Provide accompaniment and systems advocacy during Forensic Rape Exams at local hospitals, with police agencies, in interaction with the District Attorney's Office and Child Advocacy Center, and for court proceedings. In addition, accompaniment and advocacy may be necessary with probation and other community or social services agencies.

Assist clients in exploring options regarding the legal system, housing, economic/financial, etc.

Support prevention-focused education and outreach within various schools and communities

Provide clients with information regarding the NYS Office of Victims Services, assist with filing applications for OVS compensation, and serve as a liaison between clients and OVS.

Work closely and collaboratively with the Program Director and other supervisory staff, as appropriate, to understand and accomplish position responsibilities.

Work closely and collaboratively with community partner organizations while supporting the advocacy needs of clients.

Provide on-call advocacy outside of traditional business hours, as scheduled.

Engage in ongoing learning and development by proactively participating in webinars, in-service, and external training.

Maintain NYS Rape Crisis Certification by completing mandatory continuing education and training requirements.

Actively engaging in basic housekeeping, maintenance, organization of donations, and other assigned tasks.

Proactively monitor the overall condition of the agency and ensure the maintenance of a clean, welcoming environment for individuals accessing services.

Adhere to and uphold agency policies and protocols related to client and service records and physical and electronic security.

Attend and actively participate in supervision with the Program Director, program-specific and agency-wide meetings, training, awareness month activities, and agency events.

Maintain the confidentiality of clients, staff, volunteers, and agency information. Exceptions include information pertaining to child abuse, danger to self or others, or in response to an authorized release of information.

Maintain the highest levels of accuracy in recordkeeping and reporting, ensuring that all client records and documentation of work activities are complete and up-to-date and submitted to the supervisor as directed.

Adhere to agency policies and protocols related to the security of electronic client service records, operational responsibilities, and

Ensure timely response and follow-up to email communication and voicemail messages.

Work closely and collaboratively with agency staff within the Family Justice Center, residential settings, and collocated office spaces.

Staff members are encouraged to be flexible and responsive to changes in the scope of duties, including other duties as assigned by immediate and other supervisors.

Fearless! Hudson Valley is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse, culturally inclusive work environment and prohibits discrimination due to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender and identity, disability, and national origin in employment and delivery of services. All are encouraged to apply.

All jobs are contingent upon successfully completing certain background checks, including criminal history, employment verification, education verification, DMV checks (for driving positions), State Central Registry, State Exclusion List, and fingerprinting, unless prohibited by applicable law.

This description reflects the principal functions of the job for job evaluation. It should not be construed as a detailed description of all job work requirements, nor shall it be construed as giving exclusive responsibility for every function described.