Confidential Survivor Advocate

Towson University•Towson, MD

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position provides confidential, trauma-informed advocacy, support, and crisis response services to students impacted by sexual violence, interpersonal violence, stalking, and related trauma. The role involves conducting individualized needs assessments, assisting students in developing safety plans and navigating support options, and educating them about their rights and resources. The advocate will coordinate with university offices for academic, housing, and employment accommodations, and may accompany students to university meetings. Ongoing case coordination and follow-up are essential to ensure students remain connected to services. The role also serves as a central point of contact for survivor-related support, coordinating referrals to various campus and community resources, and developing coordinated support plans for continuity of care. Additionally, the position collaborates on prevention education and outreach initiatives, participates in awareness campaigns, and supports campus efforts to increase awareness of services. The advocate will develop and maintain collaborative relationships with campus and community partners, serve as a liaison among various university offices and community agencies, and participate in relevant committees and response teams. Consultation and guidance will be provided to faculty, staff, and partners regarding trauma-informed responses. The role is responsible for maintaining confidential records, collecting and reporting data for assessment and program improvement, and contributing to reports and evaluations. Program development, including procedures, referral protocols, and resource materials, is also a key function, as is assisting in the development and implementation of future program phases. Other duties as assigned may include evenings, weekends, and occasional local travel. Telework may be available after 90 days of service.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, Counseling, Psychology, Public Health, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Women's and Gender Studies, or a closely related field.
Two years of professional experience in survivor advocacy, victim services, case management, counseling support, higher education/student affairs, public health, or a related direct service field.
Commitment to ongoing professional development and maintaining current knowledge of evolving laws, regulations, and best practices.
Must complete a nationally recognized 40-hour victim advocacy training within one year of hire.
Obtaining a nationally recognized victim advocacy credential (e.g., NACP Provisional Advocate) is expected as soon as eligibility requirements are met.
Knowledge of trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy principles and practices.
Ability to interpret and apply applicable federal and state laws, regulations, university policies, and professional standards related to sexual and interpersonal violence.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in social work (MSW), Psychology, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Higher Education/Student Affairs, Public Health (MPH), Public Administration (MPA), Human Services, Marriage and Family Therapy, Women's and Gender Studies, or a closely related field.
Minimum of three years of experience providing survivor advocacy in a higher education, healthcare, or community-based victim services setting.
Demonstrated experience developing survivor advocacy programs, coordinated response protocols, or campus education initiatives.
Experience collaborating with Office of Equity Compliance (Title IX), higher education conduct systems, multidisciplinary response teams, or community victim service agencies.
Experience serving in a confidential advocacy role.
Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed care, restorative practices, and evidence-based approaches to supporting survivors of interpersonal violence.

Responsibilities

Provide confidential, trauma-informed advocacy, support, and crisis response services to students impacted by sexual violence, interpersonal violence, stalking, and related trauma.
Conduct individualized needs assessments to identify immediate concerns, safety risks, barriers to support, and ongoing service needs.
Assist students in developing personalized safety plans and navigating available support options both on and off campus.
Educate students regarding their rights, reporting options, supportive measures, and available university and community resources.
Support students in accessing academic, housing, employment, and other campus accommodations by coordinating with appropriate university offices.
Accompany students, when appropriate, to university meetings and other university support processes, and assist students in connecting with community advocacy organizations for legal, court, and other external support services.
Provide ongoing case coordination and follow-up to ensure students remain connected to appropriate services and support system.
Serve as a central point of contact for students seeking survivor-related support and assistance.
Coordinate referrals and facilitate warm handoffs to university and community resources, including counseling, medical care, psychiatry, Office of Equity Compliance (Title IX), Dean of Students Office, law enforcement, and community-based service providers.
Develop and maintain coordinated support plans that promote continuity of care and reduce barriers to accessing services.
Monitor student progress and follow up as appropriate to ensure successful connection to recommended resources and support services.
Collaborate with the Department of Health Promotion and Prevention Education to support educational initiatives related to healthy relationships, consent, interpersonal violence prevention, survivor support, and available campus resources.
Assist in the development and delivery of workshops, presentations, and educational programs designed to increase awareness of interpersonal violence and survivor support services.
Participate in awareness campaigns, resource fairs, outreach events, and other prevention-focused initiatives that promote student well-being and safety.
Support campus efforts to increase awareness of services and available survivor advocacy resources.
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with campus and community partners to strengthen coordinated support systems for students impacted by interpersonal violence.
Serve as a liaison among the Counseling Center, Student Health Center, Office of Equity Compliance (Title IX), Dean of Students Office, TUPD, Health Promotion and Prevention Education, and community agencies.
Participate in university committees, response teams, and working groups focused on student well-being, safety, violence prevention, and trauma-informed practices.
Provide consultation, guidance, and resource information to faculty, staff, and campus partners regarding trauma-informed responses and available support services.
Serve as SHAW's primary resource on survivor advocacy and trauma-informed response and contribute to institutional efforts to strengthen survivor-centered practices.
Maintain accurate and confidential records in accordance with applicable laws, university policies, and professional standards.
Collect, analyze, and report utilization and service data to support assessment, program improvement, and strategic planning efforts.
Contribute to annual reports, program evaluations, presentations, and other materials that communicate the impact of Survivor Advocacy Services.
Develop and maintain program procedures, referral protocols, resource materials, and documentation practices that support effective service delivery and program sustainability.
Assist in the development and implementation of future phases of Survivor Advocacy Services, including recommendations for program growth and enhancement.
Perform other duties and special projects assigned in support of the mission and goals of Student Health and Well-Being and the Survivor Advocacy Services Initiative.