Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocate

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocate Culpeper, VA 22701 From $23.08 an hour - Full-time From $23.08 an hour - Full-time

POSITION SUMMARY

The Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Advocate provides specialized trauma-informed advocacy and crisis intervention services to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and related crimes in the SAFE Service Area (Culpeper, Orange, Madison, Rappahannock, and Fauquier Counties). This position provides direct advocacy, hospital accompaniment, forensic accompaniment, court support, systems coordination, crisis response, sexual assault response services, and supportive counseling to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. This position also serves as a relationship-builder and community liaison within assigned service areas, cultivating collaborative relationships with local service providers, healthcare professionals, victim/witness personnel, housing and benefits resources, law enforcement, and other community stakeholders to strengthen survivor access to supportive services. Essential Functions & Key Responsibilities Provide trauma-informed crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, advocacy, information, referral, and follow-up services. Respond to hotline calls and participate in SAFE's rotating on-call schedule, including evening/weekend crisis response. Respond to hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and other community locations to provide in-person advocacy and accompaniment. Provide trauma-informed advocacy, crisis response, and accompaniment to survivors of sexual assault, including support during forensic medical exams and coordination with Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs and hospital personnel. Assist survivors in understanding medical, legal, reporting, and protective order options. Provide court advocacy and accompaniment to survivors navigating criminal and civil justice systems through systems education, coordination with victim/witness staff, and referrals to appropriate legal resources. Coordinate referrals and warm handoffs to counseling, healthcare, housing, transportation, public benefits, legal resources, and other survivor support services. Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with community service providers, healthcare organizations, victim/witness programs, housing and benefits resources, and other referral partners within assigned service areas to strengthen survivor access to supportive services. Conduct regular outreach and resource engagement activities to strengthen community awareness of SAFE services and expand survivor access to supportive resources. Participate in community outreach activities, awareness campaigns, tabling events, prevention events, and other public engagement opportunities, including occasional evening and weekend activities as needed. Participate in multidisciplinary collaboration and coordinated community response efforts. Conduct educational presentations, trainings, and support groups related to domestic violence and sexual assault. Maintain working knowledge of court procedures, protective order processes, custody-related concerns, victim rights, community resources, housing resources, public benefits systems, and other survivor support services relevant to domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy. Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client documentation and service records. Complete required reporting and participate in continuing education. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Nursing, or related field required; OR Associate's degree plus a minimum of three years of relevant experience in advocacy, crisis intervention, healthcare, victim services, or related field. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and professionally with individuals experiencing trauma, crisis, emotional dysregulation, complex systems involvement, and high-stress situations. Strong oral, written, interpersonal, organizational, and relationship-building skills, including the ability to engage professionally with community stakeholders and develop collaborative partnerships. Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and sustain professional boundaries. Ability to work independently, take initiative, adapt to changing circumstances, and remain professionally composed in challenging or emotionally intense situations. Ability to respond appropriately during crisis situations involving medical, legal, emotional, and safety concerns. Comfort engaging with diverse community partners, participating in public-facing outreach activities, and representing SAFE professionally in community settings. Reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout SAFE's service area. Ability to participate in rotating on-call hotline coverage.

MUST LIVE IN THE SAFE SERVICE AREA.

Preferred Experience working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Knowledge of trauma-informed care, forensic response, SANE processes, and victim advocacy best practices. Experience conducting community outreach, partnership development, or multidisciplinary collaboration. Knowledge of local and regional social service systems and community resources. Bilingual English/Spanish (not a disqualifying factor) Background & Driving Requirements Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required background screenings, including a DSS Child Abuse/Neglect Central Registry check and State Police national criminal background check. Applicants must maintain a valid driver's license, satisfactory driving record, and proof of automobile insurance. EEOC Statement SAFE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

DRUG-FREE

Workplace Pay:

From $23.08 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Professional development assistance Vision insurance

Education:

Associate (Required)

Experience:

Crisis intervention: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person