Sexual Assault Prevention Response Victim Advocate (Sapr Va)

Army National Guard Units•Evansville, IN

13d

About The Position

This Indiana National Guard Title 5 Excepted Service position is part of the IN Joint Forces HQ TAG, Indiana National Guard, under Position Description Number T5922000. The Sexual Assault Prevention Response Victim Advocate provides non-clinical, trauma-informed, gender-responsive, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented advocacy and support to adult victims of sexual assault. The role includes crisis intervention, accepting official reports, explaining reporting options and confidentiality, conducting risk screenings, coordinating referrals and support services, and developing individualized safety and case-management plans. The advocate also collaborates with victims and response teams, supports case closure, and assists the SARC with case-file management in the Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database. The position also facilitates SAPR training and maintains relationships with military, civilian, and community stakeholders. It is an indefinite appointment, not to exceed 24 months, with possible extension up to 60 months and permanent potential. The employee must complete required SAPR training and obtain the DoD Sexual Assault Advocate Certificate within six months of appointment, and must maintain active D-SAACP certification. Work outside normal duty hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, may be required on an on-call or rotational basis. Temporary duty travel may be required up to 25% of the time.

Requirements

Meet the Individual Occupational Requirement through a degree in behavioral or social science or an appropriate related discipline that includes at least 24 semester hours in behavioral or social sciences; an equivalent combination of education and experience; or four years of appropriate experience demonstrating equivalent knowledge.
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.
Experience analyzing problems, identifying significant factors, gathering pertinent data, recognizing solutions, and preparing reports, plans, policies, and correspondence.
Experience evaluating objectives and developing plans to facilitate availability and effective use of social science resources.
Knowledge of the organization, its mission, and organizational staff procedures.
Experience applying analytical and evaluative techniques to issues or studies concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of social science program operations or substantive administrative support functions.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with management, staff, military personnel, and their families.
Demonstrated tact and diplomacy in sensitive situations, ability to foster productive stakeholder relationships, and ability to establish partnerships supporting victims.
Ability to develop trusting relationships with sexual assault victims and SAPR stakeholders.
Skill in providing culturally informed services and adapting support to victims’ cultural, social, and personal contexts.
Knowledge of SAPR program duties, priorities, commitments, policies, and goals sufficient to provide appropriate resources.
Within six months of appointment, graduate from required SAPR training courses and obtain the DoD Sexual Assault Advocate Certificate.
Maintain active D-SAACP certification as a condition of employment.
Obtain and continuously maintain a favorable Tier 3 background investigation determination as directed by DoD and NGB.
Pass pre-employment drug testing and remain subject to random drug testing.
Possess a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle if needed, including a government or motor-pool vehicle.
Be able to work outside normal duty hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, on an on-call or rotational basis.
Be able to travel on temporary duty up to 25% of the time.
Meet applicable federal employment suitability requirements; a probationary period may be required.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
For GS-11 qualification through education alone, have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.M.; transcripts or proof of education must be provided.
Applicants who are INNG federal technicians subject to the 36-month selection restriction must submit an approved Exception to Policy memorandum when applicable; Tenure 0 Temporary employees are exempt from this memorandum requirement.

Responsibilities

Provide non-clinical, trauma-informed, gender-responsive, culturally responsive, recovery-oriented victim advocacy and crisis-intervention support to adult victims of sexual assault.
Accept official sexual assault reports and assist victims with applicable Department of Defense forms while protecting personally identifiable information.
Explain reporting options, exceptions and limitations, and eligibility criteria for Special Victims’ Counsel.
Conduct trauma-informed assessments and required risk screenings, and develop interventions addressing individual victims’ needs and immediate safety concerns.
Explain confidentiality, informed consent, and the protections and exceptions applying to covered communications.
Prepare and submit the “Victim Advocate Recommendations to the Commander” package to the SARC within 24 hours of Unrestricted Reports being filed.
Inform victims about resources for reporting retaliation, reprisal, ostracism, maltreatment, sexual harassment, or requesting a transfer.
Provide tailored referrals to on-installation and off-installation victim advocacy, legal, medical, and mental healthcare resources.
Maintain relationships with military and civilian resources and coordinate warm hand-offs according to victims’ consent and preferences.
Develop case-management plans with short- and long-term goals, and provide ongoing support tailored to victims’ needs.
Collaborate with victims to develop and adapt safety plans and needs assessments, addressing risks and vulnerabilities using trauma-informed practices and informed consent.
Participate with sexual assault CMG members and the High-Risk Response Team to address risks, safety concerns, and coordinated support services.
Support victims in identifying self-determination strategies while addressing risk factors and promoting continuous care and safety.
Safeguard the interests, rights, and privacy of victims who lack capacity to make informed decisions independently.
Assess victims’ readiness for case closure and develop closure plans, including final safety assessments, transition strategies, and continuing-care resources.
Assist the SARC with managing and maintaining case files in the Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database in compliance with applicable requirements and standards.
Provide tailored emotional support and culturally informed services that respect and empower victims, including marginalized individuals.
Facilitate planning, scheduling, and delivery of SAPR training for diverse stakeholders and local populations.
Establish and maintain connections with internal and external stakeholders, including law enforcement, legal professionals, healthcare providers, Chaplains, prevention workforce members, leaders, and community organizations.