Trauma Specialist/Victim Advocate - Center for Health and Well-being

Grand Valley State University • Allendale Charter Township, MI

419d • $48,000 - $52,000

About The Position

The Trauma Specialist/Victim Advocate at Grand Valley State University plays a vital role in addressing trauma among students by providing both preventive and responsive support. This position collaborates with campus and community resources to offer trauma-informed, culturally responsive services to individuals affected by intimate partner violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and abuse. The role emphasizes the importance of training faculty and staff on trauma-informed practices and seeks to enhance organizational approaches to trauma, benefiting the entire campus community.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social work, public/community health, health education, or related discipline - OR - 5+ years full time relevant work experience.
• 1+ years full time/post-graduate advocacy/crisis management experience.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Knowledge of Title IX, the Violence Against Women Act, and the Clery Act.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed theories, principles, and practices.
• Knowledge of educational equity in the context of higher education.
• Experience working with social services, and/or community outreach/prevention programs.
• Available to work evenings and weekends as necessary to meet the needs of students.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in counseling/social work/psychology, education, public health, or related discipline.
• 3+ years full time/post-graduate advocacy/crisis management experience.
• Experience in working for and with college aged students.
• Experience working within a higher education setting.
• Budget, grant writing implementation, and assessment experience.
• Experience in providing victim advocacy to victims/survivors of interpersonal violence through an intersectional, trauma-informed framework including effective outreach to diverse populations.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and supervising staff.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership for the development and promotion of trauma-aware and strength-based approaches on behalf of the Division of Student Affairs.
• Offers trauma-informed, confidential support, including emotional and safety planning, and advocacy with law enforcement, courts, and institutions.
• Builds and maintains strong professional relationships with key campus and community partners to implement a trauma-informed approach for both prevention and response for students.
• Works with university leaders to ensure that policies and procedures reflect an understanding of the role of trauma in student behaviors.
• Assesses staff training needs and provides training on trauma-awareness and evidence-based approaches.
• Assists leadership in developing and providing training to the Volunteer Victim & Survivor Advocate program.
• Supports other staff and programs and assists with special events, including conducting equity-informed assessments and evaluations.
• Utilizes data and systems thinking to inform policy, environment, and systems-level change.
• Represents University Health and Wellbeing on committees and workgroups that would benefit from this role's expertise.
• Oversees budget of annual programs and other areas of oversight.
• Completes grant documentation as needed.
• Performs other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Generous employer retirement contributions
• Wellness resources
• Tuition waiver effective on date of hire

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree