Victim Advocate

Crisis Center of Tampa Bay•Tampa, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay brings help, hope and healing to people facing serious life challenges or trauma resulting from sexual assault or abuse, domestic violence, financial distress, substance abuse, a medical emergency, suicidal thoughts, and emotional or situational problems. The Victim Advocate provides crisis intervention, emotional support, and advocates on behalf of clients with medical, legal, mental health, and social service systems. The Victim Advocate performs duties of considerable difficulty which require initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, mental health, or other social sciences related field, and one year advocate and/or crisis counseling experience.
Must possess reliable transportation and a valid Florida Driver’s license.
Complete 30-hour (within 30 days of hire) training through the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence.

Nice To Haves

Have knowledge of State of Florida and Statutes, and policies impacting victims’ rights and options.

Responsibilities

Provide exceptional customer service as an advocate to clients who have experienced trauma from sexual assault or abuse in a safe, courteous, and professional manner.
Participate in the performance quality improvement (PQI) process, and uses data to improve client services and outcomes.
Provide comprehensive victim services to all clients requesting advocacy.
Respond to sexual assault exams 24/7.
Provide community outreach to increase awareness and access to The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay services with an emphasis on minority and underserved populations.
Provide sexual assault awareness and prevention education presentations to various community groups, schools, social service agencies, and other groups as needed.
Attend community meetings and professionally represent the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.
Develop and maintain relationships with the medical, legal, mental health and social service systems in order to better advocate for victims of sexual violence.
Accompany clients to legal and medical appointments as related to their experience with sexual violence.
Assist clients through the Victim Compensation application process.
Assist clients through the process of filing for injunctions for protection through the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Maintain updated information for Hillsborough County community resources.
Attend all SAS department and other required Crisis Center of Tampa Bay meetings.
Use the empowerment model to develop safety plans with clients.
Develop positive and collaborative relationships with other agencies.
Have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures of the Crisis Center and all partnering agencies.
Know and comply with HIPAA regulation.