Survivor Advocate

The Survivor Advocate provides crisis intervention, counseling, and advocacy to the survivors of, or those directly affected by: domestic/dating/intimate partner violence; sexual assault and rape; stalking; human trafficking; child abuse; and bullying. The Survivor Advocate provides comprehensive, trauma-informed care and assistance to survivors in a sensitive, respectful, and confidential manner; bringing community resources to the survivor and their family. Services are provided individually and through support groups; on-site and in community locations. This position shares in the paid rotation of after-hours hotline coverage to ensure coverage of the 24/7 crisis hotline (including accompaniment to medical services).

Duties & Responsibilities

• Responds to clients in crisis situations who need emergency crisis intervention; either by direct contact, phone coverage of the 24/7 hotline, and/or referral.
• Provides crisis intervention, safety planning, support, advocacy, court accompaniment, and information/referrals to survivors; either by telephone consultation, or by direct contact in accordance to NYS guidelines.
• Assists survivors in completing OVS applications.
• Assists clients and/or their legal guardian(s) by providing information, referrals, and connection to available legal options & legal support services.
• Provides short-term crisis counseling (6-10)
• Educates clients on dynamics of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, trafficking, child abuse, bullying as needed.
• Accompanies, supports, and advocates for clients during the judicial and medical processes.
• Responds in person to Newark Wayne Community Hospital for Sexual Assault Forensic Exams (SAFE) within 45 minutes of the request, as needed.
• Assists with filing various Family Court Petitions, including Orders of Protection.
• Maintains client records and documentation of services. Collects data, prepares and reports program statistics by set deadlines, and as assigned.
• Attends ongoing trainings/conferences annually, and as assigned.
• Maintains confidentiality of clients and SACFL records.
• Attends agency and community meetings as scheduled.
• Reliably performs all assigned duties.
• Takes initiative on assigned and unassigned tasks.

Education, Experience, & Skills Required

• Strong interpersonal skills; including a demonstrated ability to listen actively, effectively convey complex information, maintain professional boundaries, and display compassion and empathy.
• Ability to remain non-judgmental when working with all types of people and during complex situations.
• A passion for serving, supporting, and empowering survivors.
• Strong written skills; and clear, concise verbal telephone skills.
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team member.
• Ability to respond effectively to unexpected situations.
• Ability to work irregular hours and holidays, as assigned.
• Must have a valid New York State driver’s license, and the minimum auto insurance on personal vehicle (if used for work activities) that is deemed necessary in the SACFL Personnel Policy.
• Must pass a completed background check (including fingerprinting). The SACFL uses background checks for employment purposes, and follows all state and federal laws and guidelines.
• Upon Hiring: Completion of 40-hour NYS Rape Crisis Counselor Certification; 40-hour Domestic Violence Advocacy Training; and other trainings required by NYS, Grantors, and SACFL Training Manager.

Additional Qualifications

• Knowledge of domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking, sexual assault, stalking, and/or bullying is preferred.
• Experience in crisis intervention, crisis counseling, and/or advocacy in a human services setting is preferred.
• Fluency in more than one language is a plus.

Salary: Position requires ~1 wk of hotline coverage (overnight M-F, 24hr S-N) every 6 wks. During hotline duty, time spent on-call/standby is compensated at $2/hour; time spent on the phone/covering hotline-related duties is compensated at advocate’s hourly wage.