Title:                    Support Services Advocate (Temporary position through 9/30/2023)
 
Program:             Sexual Assault Response Services  
 
Reports to:          Director of Trauma Services
 
VALLEY OASIS incorporated in 1981 is a non-profit community based organization dedicated to eliminating social and domestic violence and homelessness through awareness, intervention, prevention, safe shelter and supportive services. Valley Oasis provides a variety of social services to the Antelope Valley, surrounding areas and throughout the United States supporting individuals experiencing Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and homelessness.

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:

• Conduct outreach to underserved populations on strategies to prevent, contain, or mitigate COVID-19
• Provide direct services to survivors, including but not limited to comprehensive assessment to determine the needs of the survivors, sexual assault consoling, referrals, and identify basic needs
• Assess victim safety and assist with safety planning including arrangement of safe house, motel/hotel or other housing options as needed
• Provide advocacy on behalf of victim working with community based systems such as hospital, law enforcement, courts, social services, mental health providers, substance abuse services, etc.
• Complete and maintain documentation of all survivor interaction
• Collaborate with local African American and Latinx businesses, Chambers of Commerce and faith-based organizations to provide education, awareness and prevention activities
• Collaborate with the local hospital’s Forensic Services Unit to identify victims who did not receive a Rape Kit
• Make contact with survivors and schedule a direct one on one in office and/or survivors home
• Provide client centered, trauma informed care methodologies to determine future appointments
• Responsible for taking the lead in the development, coordination, implementation and facilitation of a best practice, evidence-based sexual assault virtual and in-person survivor presentations, workshops, activities and campaigns
• Design, implement and conduct ongoing process and outcome evaluation for program strategies and project implementation
• Maintain a network of communication, collaboration, and cooperation between hospitals, law enforcement, Victim Witness, etc. to best assist survivors
• Responsible in supporting the Prevention Department researching, developing, and conducting presentations and trainings on African American and Latinx sexual assault survivors and various related topics
• Support the Prevention Department to implement a primary survivor campaign targeting African American and Latinx sexual assault victims
• Collaborate with Sexual Assault Response Services program to implement evidence-based sexual assault survivor programs focused on program populations
• Develop public awareness and education presentations, brochures, public service announcements to be used at community centers and other public forums that are designed to inform individuals of sexual assault and victim’s specific rights and services
• Participate in Sexual Assault awareness campaigns such as NO MORE Campaign; Clothesline Project; It’s On US” Initiative; DENIM Day; We, As Ourselves; No Más
• Establish and maintain strong partnerships and relationships with other African American & Latinx focused organizations
• Identify resources within the community and maintain good working relationships with community programs aiding victims
• Attend and support local, state, and national communities of practice related to the role as an agency liaison and to share and learn best practices
• Attend community meetings, events and spaces, as permitted by agency
• Participate in various committees, meetings, coalitions, and networks to learn of current trends and needs with the goal of expanding survivor work
• Respond to requests from community groups requesting such presentations
• Provide crisis intervention services during educational presentations, group facilitation, and events as needed
• Support the presence of survivors in community settings by modeling healthy boundaries; articulating boundaries of what you can do within your role and provide warm referrals, within agency and externally
• Ensure relevant program training remains updated according to local, state and federal policy
• Contribute to program development, grant application content, and grant reporting to ensure the continuation of programs and services
• Prepare reports for management, board and funders regarding program performance
• Achieve and maintain expertise in culturally humble, evidence-based, education and community engagement programs in the areas of sexual assault, healthy relationships, and bystander engagement
• Attend training, seminars, workshops and classes to achieve continuing education on sexual assault
• Act as a liaison to all community partners, community groups, educational institutions, hospitals, law enforcement and other survivor and outreach organizations
• Adhere to agency policies and procedures including confidentiality, child/elder abuse reporting, and code of ethics
• Additional tasks, projects and or responsibilities as assigned by Supervisor that are 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:

• Associate’s Degree in Social/Human Services or related field, preferred
• Two year experience working with victims of sexual assault; preferably working as an employee or volunteer in advocacy services
• Culturally reflective of the African American and Latinx population/community
• Two year experience in community organizing and/or survivor awareness
• Two year experience in strong public speaking/training on relatable topics
• Education may be substituted by years of experience

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 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:
$22.00 - $24.00 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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