Sexual Assault Services Advocate

Position Description: WHAT YOU'LL DO
The Sexual Assault Services Program Advocate is primarily responsible for providing empathic, nonjudgmental support and direct services to victims/survivors of intersecting forms of violence and abuse, specifically sexual violence, abuse, and assault, and for supporting prevention-focused education and outreach within the local community. In addition, this position requires on-call coverage for rape crisis response to hospitals and law enforcement agencies in Sullivan County.
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
Our start as a grassroots, small group of committed individuals began in 1986. We have expanded and grown to an increasingly bold and empowered agency that advocates for change while supporting survivors in Orange and Sullivan Counties in NY.
THE FEARLESS! MISSION
To build an informed, just, and accountable society so all people can experience supportive and safe relationships free from abuse, exploitation, and oppression. We do this through education, prevention, advocacy, and providing comprehensive services, including shelter, to victims and survivors of interpersonal violence, human trafficking, sexual violence, and other types of crime victimization.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
The Sexual Assault Services Program Advocate is:
\tPassionate about ending gender-based violence, racism, classism, sexism, ageism, homophobia, ableism, and all forms of oppression.
\tSelf-motivated and invested in continuous growth, training, and skill building.
\tCollaborative and works effectively with colleagues, clients, and community partners.
\tConfident and able to learn quickly, make an immediate impact, and contribute value-added service to clients, community partners, and colleagues.
\tFlexible and adaptable to operating in an ever-changing fast, paced environment.
\tCommitted to being an effective communicator who connects and builds relationships with colleagues, clients, and community partners.
\tHuman-centric and solution-focused, keeping the client's needs the driving force.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING ALONG
\tMust have a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services, or a related field or equivalent work experience in providing Direct Crisis Counseling and Advocacy Services.
\tMust be knowledgeable in Microsoft Office programs and have experience with client management software.
\tValid Driver's License, Auto Insurance, and reliable transportation to travel between the agency's office sites and other locations throughout the service region.
\tPhysical demands include but are not limited to long periods of sitting, standing, walking, driving, lifting up to 50 pounds, and navigating stairs.
\tNYS Rape Crisis Certification to work as a Rape/Sexual Assault Crisis Counselor/Advocate is required or must be obtained immediately upon hire.
POSITION TITLE: Sexual Assault Services Program Advocate
REPORTS TO: Sexual Assault Services Program Director
CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt, Hourly
PAY RATE: $21.15 $22.59
PRIMARY WORKSITE: Garnet Health Medical Center, Sullivan County
WORK HOURS: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with flexibility around evenings, weekends, and holidays; primarily business hours with evening shifts required; and participation in a 24/7 on-call rotation, including evenings and weekends.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Advocacy & Program Specific Responsibilities
\tProvide culturally informed, trauma-responsive crisis intervention and nonjudgmental, supportive hotline counseling, assessments, shelter screenings, and intake interviews for hotline callers and walk-in clients at the Family Justice Center and other locations within the community.
\tProvide accompaniment and systems advocacy during Forensic Rape Exams at local hospitals, with police agencies, in interaction with the District Attorney's Office and Child Advocacy Center, and for court proceedings. In addition, accompaniment and advocacy may be necessary with probation and other community or social services agencies.
\tAssist clients in exploring options regarding the legal system, housing, economic/financial, etc.
\tSupport prevention-focused education and outreach within various schools and communities
\tProvide clients with information regarding the NYS Office of Victims Services, assist with filing applications for OVS compensation, and serve as a liaison between clients and OVS.
\tWork closely and collaboratively with the Program Director and other supervisory staff, as appropriate, to understand and accomplish position responsibilities.
\tWork closely and collaboratively with community partner organizations while supporting the advocacy needs of clients.
\tProvide on-call advocacy outside of traditional business hours, as scheduled.
\tEngage in ongoing learning and development by proactively participating in webinars, in-service, and external training.
\tMaintain NYS Rape Crisis Certification by completing mandatory continuing education and training requirements.
Worksite Safety & Hygiene
\tActively engaging in basic housekeeping, maintenance, organization of donations, and other assigned tasks.
\tProactively monitor the overall condition of the agency and ensure the maintenance of a clean, welcoming environment for individuals accessing services.
\tAdhere to and uphold agency policies and protocols related to client and service records and physical and electronic security.
Administrative & Agency Responsibilities
\tAttend and actively participate in supervision with the Program Director, program-specific and agency-wide meetings, training, awareness month activities, and agency events.
\tMaintain the confidentiality of clients, staff, volunteers, and agency information. Exceptions include information pertaining to child abuse, danger to self or others, or in response to an authorized release of information.
\tMaintain the highest levels of accuracy in recordkeeping and reporting, ensuring that all client records and documentation of work activities are complete and up-to-date and submitted to the supervisor as directed.
\tAdhere to agency policies and protocols related to the security of electronic client service records, operational responsibilities, and
\tEnsure timely response and follow-up to email communication and voicemail messages.
\tWork closely and collaboratively with agency staff within the Family Justice Center, residential settings, and collocated office spaces.
\tStaff members are encouraged to be flexible and responsive to changes in the scope of duties, including other duties as assigned by immediate and other supervisors.
Additional Must-Have Requirements
\tAbility to model and uphold appropriate boundaries in work with clients, colleagues, supervisors, and the community.
\tDemonstrates good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.
\tExperience with data management and knowledge of Microsoft Office.
\tExcellent organizational and time management skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, crisis-oriented environment: assess priorities, take the initiative, handle multiple assignments, maintain organization, and meet deadlines.
\tPossess strong communication skills (both oral and written).
\tAbility to maintain effective working relationships with others, communicate as needed, and exhibit patience and understanding toward the client population served.
\tExperience working with diverse populations and seeking an understanding of cultural differences.
\tUnderstand and work from a feminist philosophy of empowerment and support the agency's mission.
\tDisplay commitment to ending violence against humans and a commitment to social change through active participation in working towards ending racism, classism, sexism, ageism, homophobia, ableism, and all forms of oppression; demonstrate a willingness to gain an understanding of issues of oppression, battering, and sexual assault.
Bonus Qualifications:
\tBilingual/bicultural candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
\tDirect experience working within or navigating legal systems, social services, and other community resources is preferred.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Fearless! Hudson Valley is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse, culturally inclusive work environment and prohibits discrimination due to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender and identity, disability, and national origin in employment and delivery of services. All are encouraged to apply.
All jobs are contingent upon successfully completing certain background checks, including criminal history, employment verification, education verification, DMV checks (for driving positions), State Central Registry, State Exclusion List, and fingerprinting, unless prohibited by applicable law.
This description reflects the principal functions of the job for job evaluation. It should not be construed as a detailed description of all job work requirements, nor shall it be construed as giving exclusive responsibility for every function described.
In addition, you will be expected to abide by the organization's rules and policies as outlined in our Employee Handbook. In particular, you will have access to Fearless! Hudson Valley's confidential information, including employee and client information. By signing this offer letter, you agree to abide by Fearless!'s confidentiality policies outlined under the "Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality" section of the Employee Handbook. In addition, if a dispute may arise concerning your employment at Fearless!, by signing this offer letter, you and Fearless! agree to the arbitration agreement as outlined in the attached Arbitration Agreement.

$21.15 - $22.59 Hourly