After Hours Sexual Violence Advocate

Support Within Reach is a private, non-profit, community service organization. Our staff are motivated by teamwork, our vision, and our mission to reduce the impact and harm of sexual violence in the communities we serve. We strive to deliver the best services to the community while building your career with us. We offer a range of benefits and opportunities for training and development.

The After-Hours Sexual Violence Advocate position provides high quality after-hours crisis intervention services, support, information, and referral, to survivors of sexual violence in Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, and Cass Counties.  This staff person will work closely with law enforcement, medical personnel, and social service providers. SWR’s crisis line is a 365-day service.  SWR is seeking an After-Hours Sexual Violence Advocate with a flexible schedule that may be available to work two shifts per week.  During shifts when you are resting, you will have the ability to continue your normal activities while ensuring that you are available for any calls coming in.  SWR staff are prohibited from consuming alcohol and must remain within a 30- to 60-minute travel radius from Bemidji, MN while on-call. 

All persons of every race, ethnic background, spiritual belief, economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, age and personal ability are welcome to apply. 

Training: All staff will be required to complete the 40-Hour Sexual Violence Advocacy Training Program before working with clients and/or confidential information. This will be provided at the Bemidji office. The 40-Hour Sexual Violence Advocacy Training Program consists of a sexual violence introduction and overview, victim reactions and responses, advocacy roles and responsibilities, medical accompaniment, and criminal justice advocacy, and SWR paperwork and systems. Additional training will be provided as needed and/or as requested.

Base Hours: 30 hours or more per week based upon the needs of the organization. 

Benefits: Mileage reimbursement (from home to crisis call locations and return mileage) at current IRS rate.

Hours: Current on call schedules are based on the following, Monday through Thursday 5pm-8am the following day, Friday Noon-5pm or Noon to 8am the following day, Saturday/Sunday 8am-8am the following day.  This staff person will have the ability to choose their on-call days before any other staff person in the office. 

This staff person should complete all client files and work during their on-call hours.  This may include contact sheet, case notes, creating a case file, entering the case into Cap60, entering the contact sheet into Cap60.  Staff will also update and submit their payroll packets to their County Supervisor while on-call, and prior to the submission deadlines.

Reports to:  County Supervisor

Office Location:  Primary workspace will be located in your home.  Applicants are required to have stable internet service. A work phone will be provided.  There is a space in the Bemidji office building that After-Hours staff can use to complete time sensitive documentation and payroll packets. After-Hours are expected to maintain client confidentiality at all times.  

Areas of Responsibility

 Ethical & Professional Behavior

• Answers the crisis line in a courteous and professional manner.
• Assists in safety planning and brainstorming available options.
• Works with clients in a positive manner to ensure ability to pass the case to a daytime staff.
• Represent agency’s mission and values with those you interact with in your professional role.
• Maintain a respectful, non-judgmental demeanor towards clients and community members utilizing a framework of trauma informed and survivor centered approach.
• Maintain client confidentiality, when client/case requires sharing of client/case information obtain and continually monitor appropriate signed releases for each case.
• Provide compassionate and empathetic services while maintaining clear professional relationship boundaries.
• Comply with mandatory reporting and client confidentiality criteria as defined by law.
• Participate in goal setting for the agency and exhibit open communication and teamwork with other staff members.
• Attend all relevant staff meetings, administrative meetings, case consultations, strategic planning sessions, and participate in group decision-making process. Attend board meetings and other meetings as requested.
• Maintain accurate records of client contacts and presentation forms, and complete necessary paperwork in accordance with SWR policy.

 Primary Responsibility

• Work with clients by phone, email, and in face-to-face meetings both one-on-one and in groups.
• Provide crisis intervention and direct services to primary and secondary victims/survivors of sexual violence including support, information, referrals, systems advocacy, arranging transportation, and emergency services as needed.
• Provide information to clients as needed on various topics such as: safety planning/risk assessment, dynamics of sexual violence, and common reactions to sexual violence, use of technology involved to sometimes carry out sexual violence, sexual exploitation, the impact of violence on children, crime victims’ rights, reparations, and other issues as identified by the client.
• Assist in providing 24-hour response to survivors at law enforcement centers, hospitals, and other locations after hours.
• Inform Supervisor of programming issues, trends, needs, and concerns related to agency’s overall functioning in the county.
• Continuing education – maintain a minimum of 10 hours per year. Up to 5 hours per year can be by personal education (videos, books, and consultations).

 Qualifications

• Prefer A.A. in psychology, human services, criminal justice or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience totaling 1 year may be substituted.
• Successfully pass background check.
• Must demonstrate competency in the completion of the above noted job responsibilities.
• Comprehensive knowledge base and comfortable in working with issues related to sexual violence on an individual and community level.
• A philosophy of non-violence and non-discrimination. The ability to work with and provide services for people of different economic and cultural backgrounds, respect for and sensitivity to the needs and rights of others, including those with differing cultural, racial, religious, age, and abilities between people.
• The ability to follow strict guidelines in maintaining client confidentiality.
• Strong advocacy skills, including:
  • The ability to identify client’s strengths and needs.
  • The ability to connect clients to appropriate community resources.
  • The ability to respond to women, children, and men in crisis with appropriate interpersonal communication and intervention skills.
  • Knowledge of and skills with legal & medical advocacy.
  • Being assertive while maintaining ethical & professional behavior when advocating for victims’ rights.
• The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Economical and careful with property, resources, supplies, and use of time.
• Ability to react calmly and efficiently to new or stressful situations.
• The ability to work effectively with staff, volunteers, board, community agencies, and media, utilizing teamwork where appropriate.
• The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, to seek supervision as needed, and to work as a team member.
• Good organizational skills amidst stressful situations.
• The ability to work flexible hours when necessary and be able to be on-call as needed for the position.
• Must possess a valid Minnesota driver’s license and own working vehicle. Must have and maintain a clean driving record.
• Proficient computer skills, especially in word processing and spreadsheets.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of SWR.