SAPR VICTIM ADVOCATE

Full Job Description

The primary purpose of the position is to serve as the primary initial point of contact for victims of sexual assault and to work closely with the installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) to ensure comprehensive care for victims throughout their care process.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION Knowledge of the dynamics of sexual assault and local community resources for sexual assault victims.

Knowledge of the military, Department of Defense (DoD), and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program, along with local, state, and federal laws and military regulations pertaining to victims of sexual assault is preferred.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database and Fleet and Family Services Management Information System FFSMIS.

Skill in the use of office software applications and required management data systems to enter data, prepare reports, and develop information.

Skill in providing victim advocacy and working with victims of sexual assault. Ability to develop and effectively deliver presentations and/or training.

Ability to use data management and reporting systems to collect and organize data drawn from databases. Ability to compose written reports and material clearly, concisely, and effectively.

Ability to maintain accurate statistical framework for program data collection and reports. Ability to understand, be sensitive to, and have empathy for victims.

Ability to develop trusting helping relationships and to work effectively with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Ability to intervene in crisis situations, using sound professional judgment, ethical practice, and common sense.

Ability to work cooperatively with military and civilian medical, social services, law enforcement, and legal personnel on behalf of victims.

Ability to drive a government or personal vehicle in order to travel to training, coordinate tasks/actions with clients, command and military and civilian agencies within the local area of the installation.

Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with all levels of management, staff, and military personnel and their families. Major Duties:

Provides 24/7 support for victims' immediate needs: assesses safety concerns, provides reporting options, provides information on available resources, and facilitates referrals.

Serves as an advocate for the expressed interests of victims with all intervening agencies to include law enforcement, medical, and legal.

Maintains follow-up contact with the victim as requested by the victim and accompanies the victim to appointments and civilian and military court proceedings, as appropriate and when requested by the victim.

Supports victims in advocating on his/her behalf and provides assistance with prioritizing actions and establishing short- and long-term goals related to recovery from sexual assault.

Assists victims with contacting appropriate military and civilian legal offices for personal legal advice and assistance specific to the victim's circumstances or case, including the filing for civilian or military protective orders.

Serves on the SAPR watch bill.

Ensures timely notification of the SARC and provides the necessary demographic and/or incident detail to allow for comprehensive documentation in the Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database.

Ensures the victim understands that speaking with the SAPR VA is voluntary.

Attends sexual assault Case Management Group (CMG) meetings when a case is presented involving a victim with whom the SAPR VA is assigned in order to advocate on behalf of the victim and to ensure the victim's needs are met.

Reports victim's support services and response information to the SARC and consults with the SARC on an ongoing basis to ensure comprehensive care for victims throughout the care process.

Travels to different locations for training and to coordinate tasks/actions with clients, command, military and civilian agencies within the local area of the installation.

Assists the installation SARC with interfacing with military and civilian agencies to identify relevant resources and means of accessing appropriate services to promote availability of victim advocacy services and support systems.

Assists the SARC with the development and coordination of installation SAPR prevention and public awareness campaigns and local events.

Ensures marketing materials and 24/7 contact information is prominently displayed across the installation. Assists the SARC with maintaining a cadre of trained, certified unit SAPR VAs.

Assists the SARC with incident data collection and reporting requirements. Captures service delivery outputs in the Fleet and Family Services Management Information System (FFSMIS).

Trains commands, SAPR VAs, Unit Victim Advocates (UVA), and others as requested utilizing standardized curriculum provided by CNIC Headquarters (HQ) SAPR.

Ensures command SAPR personnel are properly trained to provide briefings to commands that include proper reporting procedures, maintaining victim confidentiality, and available victim support services.