Victim / Survivor Advocate

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Victim/Survivor Advocate supports Cornell’s comprehensive response to sexual violence, dating/intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, stalking, and other forms of sexual misconduct. The position exercises independent professional judgment in assessing survivor needs, developing individualized advocacy strategies, and supporting coordinated institutional responses. The focus of this job is to support the SHARE Office within the Skorton Center for Health Initiatives through confidential advocacy, institutional collaboration, and related activities to reduce risk, promote care, and enhance the health and safety of the Cornell community.

Requirements

Master’s degree in public health, social sciences, student affairs, or a related field, with at least three to five years of relevant experience in a collegiate or comparable setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Direct client services experience in victim assistance or crisis intervention.
Demonstrated experience exercising independent professional judgment in complex, sensitive, and rapidly evolving situations involving trauma, confidentiality, safety, and institutional response.
Knowledge of sexual violence, interpersonal violence, sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and trauma-informed care, particularly within college populations.
Understanding of and sensitivity to the needs of diverse and historically underrepresented communities.
Strong skills in case management, including organization, follow-up, attention to detail, and the ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with sound judgment and discretion.
Experience in program coordination, group facilitation, and delivering educational or support programming.
Knowledge of public health and behavioral health principles relevant to survivor support and prevention.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally, build collaborative relationships across campus constituencies, and work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Compassionate, empathetic listening skills and strong problem-solving abilities, with responsiveness to the evolving needs and circumstances of survivors and cultural humility.
Familiarity with forensic processes.
Flexibility adapting to changing priorities and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Nice To Haves

Doctoral degree in public health, social sciences, student affairs or a related field.
In-depth knowledge of adolescent/early adulthood development.
Experience with trauma-informed practice for support and care.
Deep understanding of the complex and unique campus dynamics that may affect how a survivor engages with services, their education and activities, and any adjudication processes.
Commitment to equitable access, social justice, and individual empowerment.
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Title IX.
Familiarity with Cornell and local resources.

Responsibilities

Supports Cornell’s comprehensive response to sexual violence, dating/intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, stalking, and other forms of sexual misconduct.
Exercises independent professional judgment in assessing survivor needs, developing individualized advocacy strategies, and supporting coordinated institutional responses.
Provides confidential advocacy, institutional collaboration, and related activities to reduce risk, promote care, and enhance the health and safety of the Cornell community.
Consults with campus partners.
Navigates complex situations with minimal supervision.
Manages confidential and sensitive information with sound judgment and discretion.
Facilitates groups and delivers educational or support programming.
Works with inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing programs.