Victim Services Advocate Position Available In Charleston, South Carolina
Job Description
Victim Services Advocate Tri-County
S.P.E.A.K.S.
Charleston, SC 29403 • Hybrid work
POSITION TITLE
Victim Services Advocate
REPORTS TO
Executive Director STATUS:
FTE, salaried (this position is grant-funded)
SHIFT DETAILS
Weekdays, evenings and weekends as needed Includes emergency/crisis on-call
SALARY:
40,000 plus comprehensive benefits package SUMMARY Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Victim Service Advocate is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing direct client services and programs. The primary goal of this position is to ensure that TCS provides effective, consistent, and quality direct services to adult survivors of sexual violence. The Victim Service Advocate will utilize a trauma-informed approach and provide rapid response to survivor needs to reduce the impact of sexual violence trauma.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide crisis intervention, advocacy, follow-up, and case management services to adult victims of sexual violence in Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley counties. This includes providing resources and referrals, facilitating dialogue between victims and significant individuals in the victim’s life, assisting with the completion of Victim Compensation applications, and law enforcement report and court accompaniment for victims. Facilitate care to include crisis intervention, provide information, referrals, applicable resources, and non-clinical support. Thoroughly inform victims of their rights, and the reporting options available. Maintain appropriate follow-up contact, assisting the victim with prioritizing actions and establishing short- and long-term goals related to recovery from sexual violence. Conduct risk assessments to determine immediate needs. Evaluate safety and levels of risk; provide individualized emotional support and guidance to victims in crisis. Accompany the victim to law enforcement agencies and/or court proceedings when requested. Assist victims with completing Victim Compensation applications. Assist in hotline and crisis response, participate in staff on-call rotation, and respond to victim crisis/emergencies with a trauma-informed approach. Complete required reports/documents on incidents of sexual violence in accordance with agency policy and procedures. Report all victim support services and response information to the Executive Director and consult with the Executive Director on an ongoing basis to ensure comprehensive care for victims throughout the care process. Arrange and attend community partner meetings to collaborate with service providers in Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester counties to provide a continuum of services to victims. This includes networking with community and state organizations to stay abreast of resources and trends in serving victims. Plan and facilitate support groups for adult victims of sexual assault, to include support for the families of victims. Engage in outreach activities in collaboration with TCS’ Outreach Coordinator, as necessary. Develop and maintain statistical data of all activities related to victim services. Assist in the organization of special events for the organization. Become a certified Victim Service Provider (VSP) within one year of employment. Adhere to all policies and procedures of the organization. Perform other duties related to the Victim Service Advocate role as assigned by the Executive Director.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public health, education, sociology, social work, criminal justice, or a related human services degree. An equivalent combination of training and experience working with crime victims may also be used to substitute for a bachelor’s degree. 2 years of case management experience is required. Preferred experience of 3-5 years with a nonprofit or social service organization. Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills. Able to communicate in a clear and concise manner. Possess professionalism and ability to work independently and in a team environment. Demonstrate flexibility, creativity, and attention to detail. Adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with traumatic situations. Experience preparing reports. Detail-orientated with the ability to manage multiple projects at a time. Bilingual in Spanish is preferred. Proficient use of computers and technology. Friendly, enthusiastic, and positive attitude. Reliable transportation.
ABOUT TRI-COUNTY S.P.E.A.K.S.
Tri-County
S.P.E.A.K.S.
(formerly People Against Rape), is one of the oldest rape crisis center in the Carolinas, as well as one of the oldest in the country. Tri-County
S.P.E.A.K.S.
(TCS) is the region’s most vocal expert when it comes to preventing, educating, advocating, and supporting adult survivors of sexual violence throughout their healing journey. The organization serves the Tri-County area of the Lowcountry and it’s 24-Hour Crisis Hotline (843) 745-0144 is available 365 days a year with trained advocates available to answer calls from victims, survivors, friends, and family members of sexual assault victims. Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Employer Tri -County
S.P.E.A.K.S.
is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and organizational needs. Tri-County
S.P.E.A.K.S.
prohibits discrimination against any employee or prospective employee on the basis of race, ethnicity, citizenship status, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, weight, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law.
Job Type:
Full-time Pay:
$40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance
Schedule:
8 hour shift Day shift Monday to Friday On call Weekends as needed
License/Certification:
Driver’s License (Required) Ability to
Relocate:
Charleston, SC 29403: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location:
Hybrid remote in Charleston, SC 29403
