Full-Time Survivor Advocate
Job Description
Responsibilities:
Under the leadership of the Director of Sexual Violence Response (SVR), Direct Services, the Survivor Advocate will provide confidential and comprehensive survivor-focused services, resources and trauma-informed care to survivors of gender and power-based violence. The Survivor Advocate will provide direct crisis intervention, crisis counseling, advocacy and support services; including explaining and exploring survivors rights and options, in accordance with campus policies, federal, state, and local laws and regulations (civil and criminal). This position serves as a resource, advocate and referral agent for students seeking sexual assault, intimate partner violence and stalking information and services. The Survivor Advocate provides round-the-clock, on-call crisis support year round in a shared rotation amongst other direct service staff. The Survivor Advocate will coordinate campus and community resources to support students who have experienced sexual assault, intimate partner violence and related trauma and collaborate with other University colleagues, on and off campus to support the success of SVR services.
- Advocacy, support, and case management:
- Provide effective and practical crisis intervention, immediate aid, options, referrals, resources, psychoeducation, advocacy and support services to primary and secondary survivors of gender and power-based violence
- Provide emergency assistance in the immediate aftermath of violence, abuse or traumatic experience, including but not limited to, short-term support and related follow-up services to alleviate safety and trauma associated with the survivor’s experience
- Accompany survivors as needed to hospitals, court, police precincts, hearings/adjudications on campus, etc., to provide support
- Maintain confidentiality under New York Public Health Law, and maintain a confidential database (Confidential Response Intervention and Support Information System-CRISIS) and accurate records of services and referrals to ensure comprehensive quality care for survivors
- Ensure accurate statistical data to reflect various aspects of victim/survivor service provision and compliance
- Shares responsibility for rotating 24-hours on-call for the purpose of providing crisis intervention, options, advocacy, medical and legal information, accompaniment, and immediate safety to students who identify as survivors of trauma, violence or abuse and is required to report to campus, hospital emergency departments, law enforcement agencies, court houses, etc., on short notice for extended periods of time in response to emergency and critical incidents of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking and abuse
- Responsible for on-going individual case management, assessment to identify both immediate and long-term needs, rights, options, and appropriate referrals for survivors
- Provide criminal/civil justice advocacy and support services including orientation and accompaniment for the making of police reports, forensic medical exams, interviews, court filings, and hearings (including injunctions/orders or protection), and all facets of trial process (including depositions, trial, victim impact statements, sentencing, release procedures). Will also provide education to survivors on their rights and responsibilities and linkage to Victims Compensation, Victims Information Notification Everyday (VINE), Office of Victims Services (OVS), etc.
- Manage cases and serve as a liaison between the survivor, law enforcement, public safety, Title IX staff, social services, community-based organizations, professors, other campus departments, and officials, employers, landlords and other agencies. Regularly participate in case review meetings and one-to-one case review meetings with supervisor
- Provide consultation as needed to faculty, staff, and administration regarding individual students, policies and procedures; collaborate with other University partners, and off campus agencies to streamline access to both emergency and non-emergency resources
- Foster culturally inclusive services and programs:
- Ensure cultural competence in serving the needs of a diverse undergraduate and graduate student population
- Effectively work with and advocate on behalf of traditionally underserved and marginalized communities (e.g., People of Color, LGBTQ+, International, Indigenous, Native American, and people with Disabilities)
- Training, Prevention, Educational and Outreach:
- Participate in required trainings and continuing education to maintain certification
- Assist with development of annual reports, proposals, presentation materials, prevention and outreach efforts as needed
- In collaboration with other colleagues, support SVR program initiatives and activities such as: Relationship Violence Awareness Month (RVAM), NO More, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), Denim Day, consent campaigns, and other educational and outreach activities. Assist the Training and Prevention team with increasing the campus community’s capacity to identify abusive behaviors early and to intervene safely
- Stay abreast of current developments in college sexual assault field by participating in professional Listservs, reviewing current literature and research, and attending professional conferences and trainings. Keep informed on policy directives related to college sexual assault field including the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights/Title IX, VAWA/Clery Act and The White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault
- Perform other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and/or its equivalent related experience required
- Minimum 3 years’ related experience required
- Experience in victim/survivor advocacy, sexual assault first-responder, crisis intervention, crisis counseling
- Demonstrated knowledge of support and reporting options for victims/survivors, including emergency department protocol and criminal justice system
- Experience in providing effective crisis intervention, advocacy, referrals, and psycho-education to primary and secondary survivors of violence, crime or abuse
- Demonstrated ability to remain calm and respond to individuals in crisis and emergency situations; and handle graphic and sensitive situations
- Ability to work independently and make decisions in accordance with established policies and regulations
- Requires excellent written and oral communication skills
- Must be organized and detail oriented, with ability to multi-task and prioritize competing expectations
- Demonstrated ability to work in multi-racial environment with commitment to social justice
How to Apply
Qualified applicants apply online at: https://opportunities.columbia.edu/en-us/job/519819/survivor-advocate348 total views, 0 today