Family Advocacy Program Victim Advocate Nf4

U.S. Marine Corps•Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, CA

About The Position

The Family Advocacy Program Victim Advocate provides direct support to individuals and families experiencing domestic violence and/or sexual assault, primarily adult victims and the non-offending parent in child abuse cases. The role provides crisis intervention, education, resources, safety planning, and pre-trial, trial, and post-trial support. It promotes healthy family interactions and helps reduce risk factors for family maltreatment. The advocate independently handles ongoing assignments, assesses risk, develops and modifies safety and service plans, and coordinates protection and treatment services with commands and military and civilian agencies. The work involves crisis intervention and problem resolution for clients under extreme stress, as well as maintaining confidential records and ensuring the Family Advocacy case manager is informed of the victim’s situation. The advocate may also facilitate briefings and classes on domestic violence and family maltreatment prevention. This is a white-collar position that may require occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds. The incumbent must be able to work a flexible schedule and may be required to serve on call outside normal work hours, including remaining within a reasonable callback radius and ready to respond to emergencies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in counseling, behavioral science, psychology, social work, criminal justice, or counseling in the areas of children, marriage, or family.
At least two years of experience assisting and providing advocacy services to victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault, supervised by a master’s-level social worker.
Experience providing direct support to individuals and families experiencing abuse, including early intervention to stop abuse, promote healthy family interactions, and reduce recurrent maltreatment.
Skill in conducting risk assessments, developing safety plans and service goals, analyzing assessment data, and providing intervention assistance.
Ability to develop and maintain client relationships and coordinate treatment services with government and private civilian organizations.
Knowledge of military organizations, missions, lifestyles, and circumstances that can contribute to family stress, problems, and crises.
Ability to communicate and work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment during crises, including with medical, legal, law enforcement, and social service professionals.
Ability to compose clear, concise, and effective written reports and materials.
Knowledge of and ability to collaborate with local court systems, child welfare agencies, and civilian law enforcement on family maltreatment.
Knowledge of resources and services available in local and military communities.
Ability to facilitate education classes on early intervention, healthy family interactions, and prevention of maltreatment.
Current driver’s license or ability to obtain one, and ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Ability to work a flexible schedule and potentially serve on call outside normal work hours.
Resume must not exceed two pages.

Responsibilities

Provide direct support to individuals and families affected by domestic violence and/or sexual assault through crisis intervention, education, resources, and safety support.
Conduct risk assessments and help clients formulate safety plans and service goals.
Develop and maintain relationships with individuals and families, modify safety plans and services as needed, and support case closure.
Act as a liaison with commands, government agencies, and private civilian organizations to coordinate treatment services and ensure victim safety.
Collaborate as needed with local court systems, child welfare agencies, and civilian law enforcement on family maltreatment.
Provide resource and referral services, including information about military and civilian services, shelters, crisis centers, and community service providers.
Independently assess risk and consult with commands and pertinent agencies about protection orders and other safety measures.
Provide crisis intervention and problem resolution for clients experiencing crisis or extreme stress.
Maintain records of contacts, referrals, and outcomes; keep the Family Advocacy case manager informed; and handle victim-care documents and conversations confidentially.
Facilitate briefings and classes for commands and other military agencies on domestic violence, healthy family interactions, and prevention of initial and recurrent family maltreatment.