Violence Prevention and Response Specialist

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The University’s SafeCampus unit seeks a Violence Prevention and Response Specialist to support community members experiencing safety concerns, including harassment, threats, escalating conflicts, suicide concerns, and gender-based violence. Reporting to the Director of SafeCampus, the VPR Specialist provides trauma-informed case intake, safety planning, behavioral threat assessment and management, and referrals to appropriate resources. The position serves as the primary responder to the SafeCampus helpline during business hours, assisting callers in varying levels of distress and identifying appropriate actions to mitigate risk and promote safety. The VPR Specialist conducts all stages of behavioral threat assessment and management (BTAM), including gathering information, analyzing relevant digital and public records, participating in multidisciplinary threat assessment meetings with campus partners, and ongoing monitoring of concerning situations. The role requires sound judgment, discretion, subject matter expertise, and a strong understanding of the UW community and culture. The VPR Specialist also supports violence prevention and education efforts through presentations, University committees, reporting, communications, and collaboration with campus partners. Success in this role requires a compassionate, trauma-informed approach and the ability to tailor safety planning and interventions to individual needs. Option for hybrid in-person/remote work schedule, subject to leadership approval.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in social work, public administration/health, gender women & sexuality studies, psychology, or related field.
A minimum of 3 years of related experience including responsibilities that demonstrate: Knowledge and understanding of violence prevention & intervention and a strong theoretical and practical understanding of power-based violence (sexual assault/relationship violence/stalking).
Demonstrated ability to respond with empathy and support to individuals from diverse identities, cultures, and backgrounds who are experiencing crisis or in heightened emotional states.
Trauma-informed approach to working with people impacted by violence.
Ability to work collaboratively with campus and community partners.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a part of a team with individuals from diverse identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize, multi-task, and be well organized with thorough attention to detail.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Comfort with public speaking and experience delivering presentations.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the field of behavioral threat assessment & management (BTAM) including knowledge of threat assessment concepts, models, and structured professional judgment tools (i.e., WAVR-21).
Experience working on a multi-disciplinary behavioral threat assessment and management (BTAM) team.
Primary prevention or response experience in the areas of sexual assault or relationship violence preferred, including experience in triaging concerns related to actual or potential violence.
Experience working on a crisis hotline, specific to calls about violence or suicide.
Experience working in higher education with all university populations.

Responsibilities

Respond to community members on the SafeCampus helpline during regular business hours (Monday–Friday 8am-5pm).
Clarify, assess and triage calls from members of the UW community with safety and wellbeing concerns.
Ensure that immediate/imminent threats of violence are properly identified and triaged.
Provide high-level, discrete support to callers.
Provide information, consultation, and seamless referrals to University and community resources including law enforcement, student life, human resources, victim advocacy, counseling services, etc.
Connect service requests with appropriate resources and ensure that appropriate follow-up occurs.
Exercise independent judgment in interpreting and applying policies, protocols, rules, and regulations related to violence prevention and response.
Independently advise and communicate with employees, students, and members of the public regarding SafeCampus content, policies, procedures and activities.
Provide high-level, confidential support to colleagues within SafeCampus, and the Violence Prevention Assessment Team (VPAT).
Follow up with partners as needed to verify implementation of risk mitigation plans and to monitor situations over time.
Reconvene the assessment team if needed.
Administrative support for VPAT meetings: assistance with scheduling, organization of case summaries, and documentation of VPAT Action Plans.
On a case-by-case basic, perform digital forensic assessments (DFA) of open-source intelligence (OSSI) found in court databases, social media sites, and other relevant digital spaces.
Maintain accurate records of SafeCampus consultations including initial reports, action steps, and follow-up information.
Establish, cultivate and maintain effective working relationships with UW partner units and organizations on all three campuses, all medical centers and research facilities.
Build relationships and collaborate with other UW and community programs to support university-wide violence prevention and wellness efforts.
Represent SafeCampus on UW committees and in other forums, occasionally on weekends or evenings.
Miscellaneous duties as assigned.