POSITION
Sexual Assault Advocate (On-Call)
PURPOSE:
Provides advocacy services to victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault on an on-call basis at the SafeShelby Medical Forensic Services facility or any SafeHouse partner facility. These individuals will receive specialized training to serve as advocates for survivors of sexual assault. These individuals will assist survivors and provide emotional support through the process of post-assault care, including but not limited to a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) exam, counseling, referrals, and legal advocacy.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Reports directly to the SafeHouse Outreach Coordinator. Works closely with SafeShelby SANE staff members to serve survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Collaborates with community partners, hospitals, law enforcement, and SANE nurses to serve survivors of sexual violence. Reports to Forensic Services Director as needed in the absence of the Outreach Coordinator.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrates a desire to help others through advocacy
- Demonstrates an ability to identify and empathize with the feelings of others
- Presents non-judgmental attitude towards persons of all walks of life and their difficulties
- Is dependable and punctual
- Is emotionally stable
- Refrains from advice giving and self-disclosure
- Demonstrates the ability to deal with situations that are frustrating and/or stressful
- Shows a willingness to learn and to receive supervision and feedback in a non-defensive manner from trainers and professional staff
- Possesses an awareness of and ability to identify self-limitations and to seek consultation when necessary
- Possesses reliable transportation and a valid driver's license with auto insurance
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS
Must demonstrate positive interpersonal communication skills. Must demonstrate ability to interact with multidisciplinary teams, communicate program needs, and work with peers to establish smooth functioning.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide services to survivors of domestic and/or sexual assault consistent with Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Alabama Coalition Against Rape, and agency standards.
- Responds to survivors of sexual violence seen during the time period of 6a-6p or 6p-6a. Must take call minimum of two 12-hour shifts monthly.
- Provides crisis intervention for survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence and their loved ones.
- Provides referrals to survivors and their loved ones including referrals to their legal and criminal justice advocacy information, individual and group counseling opportunities, shelters, or other referrals depending on need.
- Must be able to respond to crisis calls within 30 minutes by greeting the patient at the facility and establishing a comfortable environment for victim.
- Keeps accurate records of all calls received, fills out appropriate paperwork, and communicates with staff about all calls and/or activity that took place over the shift.
- Meets with Outreach Coordinator and Forensic Services Director to debrief calls and review position performance.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires the physical mobility to sit and walk for moderate periods of time and to occasionally carry or lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds. PAY Our advocates are paid $25 per 12 hour shift Monday through Friday and $50 per 12 hour shift on weekends.
TRAINING REQUIRED
Sexual Assault Advocate is required to complete initial SafeHouse Volunteer Training and Advocate Training which will include SafeHouse History, Domestic Violence 101, Sexual Assault 101, Trauma Informed Care and other additional sessions to provide effective services to survivors. Volunteers will then shadow at least two cases to familiarize themselves with advocate procedures and processes. Additional training may be necessary, including quarterly and annual refresher training.
Job Type:
Contract Pay:
$25.00 - $50.00 per day
Benefits:
Flexible schedule Mileage reimbursement
Work Location:
In person