Sexual Assault Advocate

Position Summary

The Sexual Assault Case Advocate is responsible for providing direct support, advocacy, and crisis intervention services to survivors of sexual assault. This position plays a crucial role in guiding survivors through legal, medical, and emotional recovery processes while ensuring trauma-informed, survivor-centered care. The advocate also works closely with law enforcement, medical personnel, and community partners to support survivors in accessing resources and justice.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provide crisis intervention and emotional support to sexual assault survivors through hotline services, in-person meetings, and hospital accompaniments.
• Assist survivors in navigating legal and medical systems, including reporting to law enforcement, securing protection orders, and coordinating forensic exams.
• Facilitate case management by developing individualized safety and support plans based on survivors' needs.
• Provide trauma-informed counseling referrals and advocate for survivors within healthcare, legal, and social service systems.
• Maintain accurate and confidential documentation of services provided in alignment with program and funding requirements.
• Conduct outreach and community education to raise awareness about sexual assault, consent, and available YWCA services.
• Collaborate with law enforcement agencies, legal advocates, medical professionals, and social service providers to ensure comprehensive support for survivors.
• Travel expectations: 75% of time spent in rural communities, with a specific focus on White and surrounding counties.
• Participate in 24/7 on-call rotations to provide emergency advocacy support as needed.
• Attend YWCA staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Associate degree in Social Work, Public Health, Nonprofit Management, or a related field (Bachelor’s degree preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a related field (or equivalent work experience, preferably in a violence intervention/prevention or social services setting.)
• Experience in advocacy, case management, crisis intervention, or working with survivors of trauma is strongly preferred. 
• Strong knowledge of victim rights, crisis intervention techniques, and community resources.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with varying stakeholders.
• Commitment to the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with trauma-informed care principles.
• Bilingual abilities (Spanish) are a plus.
• Must complete YWCA sexual assault advocate training upon hire.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
• Must pass a criminal background check in accordance with YWCA policies.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

Physical/Mental Essential Requirements:

• Walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, moderate lifting and carrying (up to thirty (30) pounds).  
• Full range of body motion including manual and finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination. 
• Ability to sit at a computer workstation for extended periods of time.  
• Occasional need to stand for long periods of time.  
• Ability to focus on detail and accuracy of work product.        
• Occasional high stress may be experienced in dealing with clients, staff, and volunteers.
• Ability to travel locally to programming sites and community meetings as needed.

Occasional evening or weekend availability may be required for audits or special events.