Title:                    Advocate Coordinator
 
Program:             Sexual Assault Response Services (SARS)
 
Reports to:          Director of Trauma Services
 
SARS works with clients of all ages who have been victims of sexual or physical violence. Staff and trained advocates respond to the Antelope Valley Hospital, Palmdale Regional Medical Center or Kaiser Permanente 24 hours 7 days a week to assist victims of sexual and physical violence. Advocates respond to the victim and stays with the victim from entry to the emergency room, law enforcement and forensic interview, forensic exam and through recovery. The advocate provides emotional support, resources and referrals, ensuring the victim’s rights are not violated, follow-ups and one on one counseling. Advocates respond to approximately 300 emergency room calls each year.

Essential Job Functions:
Advocate Duties:

• Provide advocacy to those who report incidents of sexual assault and/or interpersonal violence
• Serve as a response advocate for adults and youth - minimum of one shift per week
• Provide crisis intervention, advocacy, assessments, referrals, resources for victims
• Provide support and advocacy to victim before, during and after the medical forensic examination and reporting process
• Refer victims to appropriate internal and external services to include: medical treatment, compensation assistance, legal support, therapeutic needs, shelter, social and educational needs
• Follow up with victims within 72 hours of assault; develop rapport and maintain regular contact with victims to assess their need for supportive services
• Provide one on one support to survivors of dating/sexual violence, domestic violence, human trafficking and stalking
• Work with first responders (emergency room personnel, law enforcement, etc.), district attorney’s office and other outside agencies in ensuring that victims receive appropriate services
• Collaborate with community partners and law enforcement to improve sexual assault victim response
• Accompany victims to hearings in the criminal justice, civil justice and administrative justice systems to support and advocate, as needed
• Work collaboratively with SART Coordinator and Program Director to prepare and distribute sexual assault prevention/intervention material to the community
• Maintain clearance with CDCR, and serve as a backup response advocate for PREA crisis intervention

Coordination Duties:

• Actively recruit, onboard, train and monitor volunteer advocates
• Responsible for coordination, training, mentoring, scheduling, and retention of all volunteer advocates
• Conduct volunteer advocate pre-screening: ensure all required documentation is completed and processed (i.e. drug screen, background check, application, etc.)
• Create and maintain advocate records including applications, background checks, emergency contact information, hours, record of trainings and other pertinent documentation
• Facilitate orientation(s) for all new volunteer advocates
• Be the main point of contact for all advocates; post orientation, provide individual tours of all agency programs, ensure understanding and adherence to agency policy/advocate protocols, provide support and guidance, as well as implement appropriate measures to show gratitude towards volunteer advocates
• Set up and manage a database to track advocate’s hours and availability
• Create and maintain advocate on-call calendar and schedule regular meetings to provide guidance and support; maintain meetings notes
• Ensure advocates submit victim documentation accurately and in a timely manner
• Ensure completion of required annual training of at least 8 hours for all volunteer advocates
• Monitor the efforts of the volunteers in providing direct services to the clients
• Plan and facilitate Annual Advocate Appreciation event
• Evaluate Advocate program, ensure the volunteers have a positive experience and provide proper support
• Gather feedback through evaluation from advocates with regard to effectiveness and relevancy of the program
• Engage effectively and constructively with the Program Director to make program refinements in the best interests of the program
• Ensure all Advocate inquiries are documented and responded to in a timely manner
• Work closely with hospitals to facilitate open communication and a seamless referral process

Additional Duties:

• Responsible for data entry of all crisis intervention intake forms into Apricot
• Assist with client follow up, maintain appropriate documentation, and ensure maintenance of client files 
• Assist and/or facilitate sexual assault/domestic violence training for staff and/or community members
• Schedule and facilitate community awareness presentations
• Promote and advertise for sexual assault/domestic violence training
• Complete weekly, monthly and quarterly reports as requested by Supervisor
• Assist and attend community events as needed
• Attend agency and program meetings
• Attend trainings and continuing education activities as assigned
• Adhere to agency policies and procedures including confidentiality, child abuse reporting, and code of ethics
• Additional tasks, projects and or responsibilities as assigned by Supervisor not outlined but which are an important part of the agency’s goals and/or program outcomes.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of trauma informed supportive services for sexual assault and domestic violence victims
• Knowledge and understanding of policy, systems, and local programs that impact victims and related public funding sources, regulations, requirements, and procedures
• Knowledge of best practice models for assisting victims with varying degrees of needs/conditions and have a strong understanding of contractual requirements/compliance and applicable performance measures
• Knowledge of issues facing victims (e.g. chronic health, substance abuse, mental health, domestic abuse and resources for undocumented individuals)
• Must have knowledge of the dynamics of sexual assault and victim advocacy and care
• Must be able to exercise initiative, independent good judgment, flexibility, discretion, and solid decision making
• Must be able to successfully manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, adjust to changing; circumstances, and demonstrate confidence working with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to handle common problems without Supervisor intervention while knowing when Supervisor participation is warranted
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively to individuals who may be ill, using substances, lack of personal care, in crisis situations and/or potentially hostile situations
• Work effectively under conditions of limited supervision, high stress and rapidly changing situations and circumstances
• Ability to work with a diverse population and provide culturally competent advocacy
• Ability to deescalate aggressive/agitated individuals
• Must be able to exercise initiative, independent good judgment, flexibility, discretion, and solid decision making
• Demonstrate the ability to utilize strong judgement and interpersonal skills to manage sensitive client interactions including with those who may be in distress with acute illness, substance use issues, co-morbidity of behavioral and physical health
• Project a professional demeanor and a high level of professionalism when dealing with sensitive matters
• Must be able to successfully manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, adjust to changing; circumstances, and demonstrate confidence working with diverse stakeholders
• Knowledge of resources including legal, medical, housing, educational and social service agencies and other resources in the community
• Promote cooperation and commitment within a team to achieve goals and objective; collaborate with team members, sharing ideas and differences openly; be receptive to new ideas and adapt to change as necessary
• Considers impact of personal and professional choices. Consistently make decisions in keeping with organizational values and Supervisor’s direction
• Strict confidentiality must be observed as it relates to client information, agency business, program decisions and all other personal information
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to follow through from beginning to end on tasks
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and oral; must communicate professionally and positively with participants, co-workers, management, community partners, employers, landlords, and other service providers
• Proficient with office communication equipment and machines (telephone, copier, calculator, fax machine, personal computer, laptop, computer printer and scanner)
• Proficient in use of laptop/desktop computer, Microsoft Windows and Office software programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Google drive
• Strong time management skills and the ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment, while exercising sound judgment
• Ability to work a flexible schedule; including nights, days, weekends and holidays
• Ability to be flexible and participate in community outreach and events as needed on weekends and/or holidays
• Able to respond to emergencies some evenings and weekends as necessary
• Use of a personal vehicle may be required to travel in and around Antelope Valley and/or Los Angeles County
• Maintain professional boundaries and work collaboratively with participants, volunteers and staff
• Accountability – be on time for scheduled shifts
• Be able to read and write English
• Bilingual Preferred but not required

Qualifications & Experience

• High School Graduate or equivalent
• Associate degree in Human Services related field strongly preferred
• One year experience working with victims of sexual assault or working in victim advocacy and victim advocacy services
• One year experience in volunteer coordination preferred
• Two year experience in public speaking
• Two year experience in social services setting; preferably working as an employee or volunteer in domestic violence and/or sexual assault victim services
• Experience working with trauma survivors

Agency Requirements

• Must have a valid California Driver’s License
• Reliable transportation
• Auto Insurance
• Clean driving record
• Employee will be required to complete a TB test, fingerprinting, drug screen (employment pending on drug screen, background and Motor Vehicle Report review), 72-hour Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault training and CPR/First Aid certification 

Physical Demands & Work Conditions
An employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job must meet physical demands described:

• May be in contact with individuals in crisis who may be ill, using substances and/or not be attentive to personal hygiene and safety for themselves
• May experience unpleasant sensory demands associated with an individual’s use of alcohol and drugs, and lack of personal care
• May experience extreme crisis situations, and potentially hostile situations; must be ready to respond quickly and effectively 

An employee is required to:
Walk and climb stairs; Handle, grasp and feel objects and equipment; Reach with hands and arms; extend both arms above the head and/or reach below the waist; Communicate ideas and information verbally and written word; Be able to move oneself quickly and easily from place to place; Repeat various motions with hands, wrists, fingers; Climb on stools, steps and/or ladders; Be subject to outside environmental conditions, including but not limited to: Rain, heat, wind.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. If accommodation(s) are required, employee must inform Human Resources by the first week of employment. If an accommodation is not required at the time of employment, but is later required, you must inform Human Resources at the time it is needed.
 
Benefits

Health	Employee Assistance Plan	Paid Sick
Dental	AFLAC	Paid Vacation
Vision	Cafeteria 125 Plan	Personal Days
Acupuncture/Chiropractic	Retirement Plan
Life Insurance	14 Observed Holidays

 
Schedule:
Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm (may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends, holidays and/or on call status)
 
Salary Range:
$20.00 - $23.00 per hour

An Equal Opportunity Employer: Selection will be based solely on merit and will be without discrimination because of age, race, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability.
 
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