Hospital Violence Prevention Advocate – PRN

Bon Secours Mercy Health • Richmond, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Victim Services Advocate (VSA) is a hospital-based professional who provides trauma informed, patient centered advocacy and support to individuals experiencing domestic or intimate partner violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, child abuse, elder abuse and workplace violence. The VSA is a core member of the Violence Response Team inclusive of Forensic Nurse Examiners, Victim Service Advocates and Community Health Workers, who work collaboratively to support patients throughout their medical care encounter and following discharge.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree, pending bachelor’s degree, or equivalent relevant experience in social work, psychology, human services, public health, criminal justice, or related field (required)
• Basic computer literacy and ability to document in electronic health record
• Attention to detail
• Acceptance of authority
• Critical thinking
• Communication with family members
• Teamwork
• Conflict resolution
• Active listening
• Relationship building
• Strong verbal and written communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in victim services, crisis intervention, social services, advocacy, or related fields (preferred)
• Previous experience working in a healthcare, forensic, or crisis response setting (preferred)
• Experience with domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and/or human trafficking response (preferred)
• Training in trauma, trauma informed care, crisis intervention, victim centered response (preferred)
• Bilingual and/or multilingual (preferred)
• Bachelors in an above related field (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Respond promptly to patients in the emergency department and inpatient units who disclose or are identified as experiencing violence or abuse.
• Collaborate with Forensic Nurse Examiners, other Violence Response Team members and other hospital departments to ensure coordinated, trauma -informed care during medical and forensic examinations
• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and system navigation using trauma informed and culturally responsive approach
• Conduct patient assessments to identify immediate safety concerns, service needs, and support options
• Assist patients with individualized safety planning tailored to their circumstances
• Explain patient and victim rights, options and available services without bias or coercion
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical advocacy standards in all patient interactions.
• Provide referrals to community resources such as shelters, counseling, legal advocacy, case management, financial assistance programs, and other social services.
• Assist patients in navigating external systems including law enforcement, child protective services, adult protective services and victim compensation programs, when requested by the patient.
• Provide post-discharge advocacy and follow up contact to support ongoing safety concerns and assess for additional service and resource needs.
• Document patient encounters according to hospital policy, ensuring accuracy, objectivity, and confidentiality.
• Track referrals, services provided, and follow-up outcomes as required by program standards.
• Provide data or reports for quality improvement, grant compliance, or departmental review as needed.
• Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care
• Record patient medical histories
• Analyzing data or information
• Scheduling
• Basic computer literacy and ability to document in electronic health record

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurances, mental health resources and discounts
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
• Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree