Victim Advocate

U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command • Fort Benning, GA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation using the DHA for Shortage Category/Critical to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. The position provides comprehensive advocacy and liaison services to victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment for the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, Office of the Commander, SHARP Program Office at Fort Benning, Georgia.

The Victim Advocate provides immediate and long-term support, crisis intervention, and access to a 24/7 hotline for adult victims. The role guides victims through reporting options while ensuring confidentiality and informed consent, coordinates access to legal, medical, law enforcement, and community resources, and maintains case records and reports. The advocate also assesses safety and develops case management plans, advises commanders on victim care and safety concerns, and conducts training, outreach, and prevention activities.

Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination based on a background investigation. The incumbent must obtain and maintain eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access, hold a valid state driver's license, and obtain and maintain DoD Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program (D-SAACP) certification within six months of employment. Required training, certification, and appointment orders must be completed before victim contact or access to victim information. The position may require carrying a cell phone and serving on a rotating 24-hour, seven-day-a-week on-call basis.

A one-year probationary period is required. Direct deposit is required. Multiple positions may be filled. Permanent Change of Station costs are not authorized. The position is part of the Medical Career Program. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and provide proof of citizenship. A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available; eligibility depends on position type, and candidates are directed to contact the hiring agency for details.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• A bachelor's degree or higher in behavioral or social science, or a related discipline appropriate to the position; alternatively, a qualifying combination of education and experience, or four years of appropriate experience demonstrating equivalent knowledge of behavioral or social sciences.
• One year of specialized experience providing professional advocacy services to victims or survivors of sexual assault and/or sexual harassment; conducting client assessments to evaluate needs and risks; conducting related training or seminars; and coordinating services with internal or external offices. Alternatively, qualifying doctoral-level graduate education or a combination of education and experience may be used.
• Obtain and maintain eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access.
• Possess or obtain and maintain a valid driver's license issued by one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions.
• Obtain and maintain DoD Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program (D-SAACP) certification within six months of employment.
• Complete required training, obtain certification, and be placed on appointment orders before having victim contact or access to victim information.
• Undergo required background checks and any suitability or fitness determination.
• Provide transcripts when required to qualify based on education; foreign education must be evaluated as described in the posting.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Meet a one-year probationary period and use direct deposit of pay.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional, comprehensive advocacy services to victims and survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment.
• Provide immediate and long-term advocacy services and crisis intervention support, including maintaining 24/7 hotline access for adult victims.
• Guide victims through reporting options while ensuring confidentiality, informed consent, and access to appropriate legal and medical resources.
• Maintain accurate case files and official reports in compliance with legal, privacy, and organizational standards.
• Prepare recommendations to commanders regarding victim care, safety concerns, and retaliation issues.
• Coordinate medical, legal, law enforcement, and community resources to address victim safety and support-service needs.
• Conduct safety assessments, develop tailored case management plans with short- and long-term goals, and document them in case management systems.
• Plan training sessions for commanders, civilians, first responders, and community stakeholders on sexual harassment and sexual assault response.
• Conduct outreach and awareness activities, including community assessments and prevention campaigns, to promote program effectiveness.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package available to employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type, and candidates should contact the hiring agency for details.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level