STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, 19TH CIRCUIT- VICTIM ADVOCATE I - 21014246

State of Florida•Fort Pierce, FL

21d•$37,000

About The Position

The Sexual Assault Assistance Program (SAAP) of the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee is seeking a qualified candidate for a Sexual Assault Advocate Position providing crisis intervention, advocacy and outreach to sexual assault survivors. Successful candidate will also work as an on-call first responder advocate for the Sexual Assault Assistance Program working with both reporting and non-reporting sexual assault survivors.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field, or associate’s degree and 1 year proven direct service work experience (either salaried or volunteer) in a Sexual Assault Program or related social service field will be considered equally.
Interest and concern for victims of sexual assault.
Understanding of the issues surrounding sexual assault and a familiarity with the needs of survivors and their families.
Demonstrated ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and work calmly through a crisis.
Personal automobile with required auto insurance in accordance with Florida Statutes and must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License.
No arrest history.
Completion of 40-hour Advocacy Core Training within 30 days of hire.
Ability to integrate well with existing Sexual Assault Assistance Program staff.
Ability to work effectively with medical personnel, law enforcement agencies, State Attorney’s Office staff, and all other professionals who come into contact with victims of sexual assault and other violent crimes.
Ability and commitment to maintain confidentiality, listen well with effective communication skills, be empathetic and a good problem solver, and offer non-judgmental care.
Knowledge of medical process involving sexual assault exams and the legal process involving victims of sexual assault.
Ability to work independently at times as well as to take directions and follow office/program policy and speak to sexual assault victims in a sympathetic manner so that the victim will feel safe and not be frightened or discouraged from continuing discussion.
Knowledge of other community agencies which might provide services to victims of sexual assault.

Responsibilities

Dispatcher/Rape Crisis Counselor On-Call for 24-hour SAAP Helpline providing crisis intervention, information and referrals, advocacy and support for sexual assault survivors who call the confidential, anonymous helpline.
Must possess the ability to explain and assist with Crimes Compensation to victims of sexual assault.
Refer victims of sexual assault to any other appropriate agency which might meet their specific needs.
Provide Crisis Intervention, referrals and information to victims of sexual assault.
Twenty-four (24)-hour on-call accompaniment to Law Enforcement, Hospital, and other places where sexual assault victims may be located.
Follow proper safety standards.
Travel throughout the four-county area (Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee) to assist victims of sexual violence.
Must be available to work overtime, evenings and weekends.
Provides on-going advocacy, accompaniment, information, referrals, assistance with crimes compensation and other forms, and crisis intervention for assigned clients and other direct services assistance as needed.
Provide referral for information regarding medical concerns such as venereal disease, pregnancy, HIV and other medical issues concerning victims of sexual assault.
Inform victims of sexual assault of their statutory Victim Rights and assess the victim’s need for more in-depth counseling and refer to the appropriate services.
Coordinate and attend outreach activities for assigned county including participation in county and circuit wide SART. Activities should meet FCASV certification requirements.
Update Information and Referral lists for assigned county annually.