Job Description
Thank you for considering a career at Bon Secours!
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Other (United States of America) Primary Function/General Purpose of Position The Victim Services Advocate (VSA) is a hospital-based professional who provides trauma informed, patient centered advocacy and support to individuals experiencing domestic or intimate partner violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, child abuse, elder abuse and workplace violence. The VSA is a core member of the Violence Response Team inclusive of Forensic Nurse Examiners, Victim Service Advocates and Community Health Workers, who work collaboratively to support patients throughout their medical care encounter and following discharge. Essential Job Functions Respond promptly to patients in the emergency department and inpatient units who disclose or are identified as experiencing violence or abuse. Collaborate with Forensic Nurse Examiners, other Violence Response Team members and other hospital departments to ensure coordinated, trauma -informed care during medical and forensic examinations Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and system navigation using trauma informed and culturally responsive approach Conduct patient assessments to identify immediate safety concerns, service needs, and support options Assist patients with individualized safety planning tailored to their circumstances Explain patient and victim rights, options and available services without bias or coercion Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical advocacy standards in all patient interactions. Provide referrals to community resources such as shelters, counseling, legal advocacy, case management, financial assistance programs, and other social services. Assist patients in navigating external systems including law enforcement, child protective services, adult protective services and victim compensation programs, when requested by the patient. Provide post-discharge advocacy and follow up contact to support ongoing safety concerns and assess for additional service and resource needs. This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their department, subject to reasonable accommodation. Licensing/Certification N/A Education Associate's degree, pending bachelor's degree, or equivalent relevant experience in social work, psychology, human services, public health, criminal justice, or related field (required) Bachelors in an above related field (preferred) Work Experience Previous experience in victim services, crisis intervention, social services, advocacy, or related fields (preferred) Previous experience working in a healthcare, forensic, or crisis response setting (preferred) Experience with domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and/or human trafficking response (preferred) Training Training in trauma, trauma informed care, crisis intervention, victim centered response (preferred) Language Bilingual and/or multilingual (preferred) Skills Resource Navigation & Care Coordination Provide referrals to community resources such as shelters, counseling, legal advocacy, case management, financial assistance programs, and social services. Coordinate care with internal hospital departments and VRT members, including FNEs and CHWs, to ensure patients' needs are fully addressed. Assist patients in navigating external systems including law enforcement, child protective services, adult protective services, and victim compensation programs, when requested by the patient. Offer post-discharge advocacy and follow-up contact to support ongoing safety and continued connection to services. Documentation & Reporting Document patient encounters according to hospital policy, ensuring accuracy, objectivity, and confidentiality. Track referrals, services provided, and follow-up outcomes as required by program standards. Provide data or reports for quality improvement, grant compliance, or departmental review as needed. Hard/Tech/Clinical Skills:
Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care Record patient medical histories Analyzing data or information Scheduling Basic computer literacy and ability to document in electronic health record Soft/Interpersonal Skills:
Attention to detail Acceptance of authority Critical thinking Communication with family members Teamwork Conflict resolution Active listening Relationship building Strong verbal and written communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality Bon Secours is an equal opportunity employer. As a Bon Secours associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being - personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way. What we offer Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible) Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurances, mental health resources and discounts Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status. Department:
Violence Response Team - Victim Advocacy Services It is our policy to abide by all Federal and State laws, as well as, the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). Accordingly, all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health- Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours - Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com. We believe your best is yet to come. At Bon Secours, we celebrate the human side of health care, uniting individuals from all walks of life. We'll ask a lot of you, but we'll give a lot back, as well. Whether you're called to bedside care, patient support, community service or operations and administration, there's a place for you here. Because if there's one thing we know for certain, it's that good works start with great people. We'll support and empower you to bring your best - in service of our patients and our Mission.
