Victim Advocate Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Meet the education or experience pathway for behavioral or social science qualifications: a relevant degree with at least 24 semester hours in behavioral or social sciences; an equivalent combination of education and experience including 24 semester hours; or four years of appropriate experience equivalent to a major in the field.
• For the GS-0101-11 level, have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
• Have experience analyzing problems, identifying significant factors, gathering pertinent data, recognizing solutions, and preparing reports, plans, policies, and correspondence.
• Have experience evaluating objectives and developing plans for effective use of social science resources, and knowledge of organizational mission and staff procedures.
• Have experience applying analytical and evaluative techniques to social science program operations or substantive administrative support functions.
• Have experience with sexual assault reporting and documentation, coordination and collaboration with other agencies, and end-to-end case management.
• Have experience supporting victims and continuity of care regardless of administrative or legal action, planning for victims' immediate safety and physical needs, and collaborating with agencies.
• Within 60 days of appointment, obtain a favorable Tier 3 background investigation and maintain required suitability; comply with recurring checks and self-report civilian arrests, criminal charges, or convictions.
• Within six months of appointment, graduate from required SAPR training courses and receive the DoD Sexual Assault Advocate Certificate.
• Maintain active D-SAACP certification as a condition of employment; SAPR duties cannot be performed if certification expires, is suspended, or is revoked until reinstated.
• Be able to work outside normal duty hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, on an on-call or rotational basis, potentially requiring 24/7 availability.
• Possess a valid driver's license and be able to travel as required, including by car, military or commercial aircraft, and other transportation.
• Provide transcripts or other documentation supporting educational claims.
• Meet federal employment suitability requirements; a probationary period may be required.
• If a male born after December 31, 1959, be registered for Selective Service as required.

Responsibilities

• Provide non-clinical, trauma-informed, gender-responsive, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented advocacy and support to adult victims of sexual assault.
• Use skilled communication, rapport-building, active listening, and crisis intervention to provide initial victim services.
• Respond to requests and complete required documents within mandated timeframes.
• Assist victims with DD Form 2910 and other applicable DoD forms when accepting official reports, while safeguarding personally identifiable information and covered communications.
• Explain Restricted and Unrestricted Reporting options, options for individuals not ready to report, the exceptions and limitations of each option, and eligibility criteria for Special Victims' Counsel.
• Conduct trauma-informed assessments for adult sexual assault reports, implement standardized risk screening, and develop individualized interventions addressing victims' needs and safety concerns.
• Explain confidentiality and informed-consent standards, including the purpose of information shared and the protections and exceptions applicable to covered communications and reporting options.
• Collaborate with state SAPR personnel to deliver services, manage caseloads, and meet reporting requirements.
• Plan, schedule, and deliver SAPR training for stakeholders and local populations on policies, procedures, reporting options, and related topics delegated by the Supervisory Principal SARC.
• Complete DoD-approved training and professional development and maintain active D-SAACP certification.
• Maintain relationships and coordinate with law enforcement, legal professionals, healthcare providers, Chaplains, prevention workforce members, leaders, and community organizations.
• Support victims and continuity of care regardless of administrative or legal action, and collaborate with agencies to address victims' immediate safety and physical needs.
• Develop communication strategies to expand leadership awareness and knowledge of reporting options.

Benefits

• Paid annual and sick leave
• Paid training opportunities
• Paid time off for military duties
• Flexible work scheduling
• Fitness/workout time (three hours per week)
• 11 paid federal holidays
• Promotion and advancement opportunities
• Work/life balance
• Federal pension after five years
• TSP savings plan
• Professional development and mentorship opportunities