Sexual Assault Advocate

Job Duties:   

To ensure organizational excellence, the incumbent advocates on behalf of victims/survivors of sexual violence crimes through crisis intervention, support at forensic exams, and legal advocacy.  Provides in-person crisis counseling, 24-hour crisis hotline advocacy, information and follow-up services to promote recovery and healing to victims of sexual violence.

• Provide crisis intervention, , advocacy, support, information and referrals  to primary and secondary survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment;
• Provide crisis intervention in-person or by telephone for survivors of sexual assault. 
• Provide advocacy support during SAVE exams and AFTER Care clinic exams;

• Participate in after-hours on-call rotation to provide back-up advocacy services in-person and by telephone when needed. 

• Organize, maintain and facilitate support groups for primary and secondary survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment;

• Provide assistance with filing Crime Victim Compensation claims 
• Accompany survivors to  meetings, court, or medical appointments, 
• Provide follow-up contact and assistance in-person and by telephone
• Coordinate with other crime victim programs (as needed);
• Provide information and coordinate referrals to external and internal programs and resources. Assist manager in ensuring program has effective community engagement and systems coordination, by maintaining ongoing communication between day and evening/weekend staff and management.
• Accurately collect and enter survivor service data and information in the required data collection systems for the program. ; 
• Maintain client files and documentation  in accordance with agency standards and policies;
• Facilitate forensic evidence storage and turnover to law enforcement in accordance with agency policy and procedure.
• Coordinate and attend outreach events for the Sexual Assault Services program, as needed;
• Participate in Sexual Assault Awareness Month events and other events as needed;
• Participate in SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) meetings, community committees and task forces to promote awareness and services related to the Sexual Assault Services program;
• Assist in providing oversight of the exam room in accordance with OSHA guidelines including communication to maintenance and program manager on cleaning and supply ordering.
• Attend and actively participate in all staff development and quality assurance meetings to obtain up to date information on status of program and protocols, as well as obtaining training information relevant to position.  Participate in the agency and program's visionary goals through open and ongoing communication with the Sexual Assault Services Manager regarding current program status and ideas for meeting community needs.;
• Maintain good working relationships with professionals in the community by maintaining professionalism at all times.        Establish and maintain good working relationships with Suncoast, Inc. employees to further an atmosphere based in teamwork;
• Maintain excellent professional conduct including but not limited to personal responsibility, ethical behavior, and treating individuals with dignity and respect.  Adhere to all Suncoast Centers, Inc. policies including:        Ethics, Supervision, Confidentiality, Safety, and Information and Security policies;
• Attend annual HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) training, will read and follow the Suncoast Center, Inc. Program Procedures Manual regarding protected health information, and will adhere to all HIPAA requirements;

• Complete ACT Trained Advocate training (30 hour Florida Council Against Sexual Violence Advocacy Core Training);
• Complete annual ACT recertification training (8 hours);
• Other duties as assigned.
   
  
  
• Minimum Qualifications:

   

  Education:  Bachelor’s degree required; preferably in social services related field; along with at least one year employment or volunteer experience working in direct client services required

   

              Licensure:  N/A

   

  Experience/Skills: 

  • Knowledge of dynamics of trauma and impact of violence especially domestic and sexual violence
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Ability to develop and maintain cooperative community relationships
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Computer and technical skills sufficient to perform responsibilities and train others
  • Demonstrates an appreciation of and ability to connect with diverse populations
  • Demonstrates emotional maturity and ability to be an effective team member for multiple organizations
  • Ability to work flexible hours and some evenings
  • Commitment to ethical standards and excellence

• Other: 

            Additional Requirements:

  Must be 21 years of age.

  Negative Drug Screening prior to hire and throughout employment.

  Clear Criminal Background Check throughout employment with Suncoast Center and local checks prior to hire and annually along with DCF Level II prior to hire and as required by DCF, and Must have valid Florida Driver’s License Motor Vehicle checks prior to hire and annually with acceptable driving record maintained throughout employment along with reliable vehicle, valid registration, and valid vehicle insurance. (must be in compliance with Florida Laws and Administrative Codes with fingerprinting and determined to be of good moral character).

   

  Working Conditions:  Onsite and in the community.  Must have valid Florida driver's license, proof of personal automobile insurance and a driving record that is acceptable to Suncoast Center; ability to work fulltime with flexible hours if needed.  

   

  Computer Literate:  Computer and technical skills sufficient to perform responsibilities and train others.

Suncoast is a drug free workplace and we follow all state and federal laws regarding marijuana use