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JOB DESCRIPTION - SART Advocate

Position: SART Advocate - Bilingual 

Wage: $19.25/hour

Reports to: Program Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location: Visalia, CA

Supervises: N/A

Department: Rape Crisis Center

Language: English, Spanish

About Family Services
Family Services helps children, adults, and families heal from violence and thrive in healthy relationships. We serve victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, child abuse, and other trauma through shelter, mental health services, and comprehensive support services. Our prevention programs also help stop the cycle of abuse. We are a private, nonprofit organization working to build a community of safe homes, safe relationships, and safe children—which means a safer, healthier community for everyone. Family Services offers salary and highly competitive benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, vacation, sick, retirement), commensurate with experience and skills. Family Services is highly committed to diversity and a workplace environment that respects, appreciates and values employees from all backgrounds.

Summary: The main function of the SART Advocate is to provide supportive counseling, information, referrals, and advocacy services to survivors of sexual assault, assist survivors and significant others with applying for compensation benefits through the California Victim Compensation Board; provide community education and professional training in regards to sexual assault. The SART Advocate(s) must be in the rotation for initial in-person response to calls for crisis intervention and/or accompaniment for sexual assault victims. Must be available weekends. Required schedule: Tuesday – Saturday.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide confidential, trauma-informed crisis intervention and counseling services to survivors of sexual assault and their significant others.

  • Provide case-management, court preparation, and judicial advocacy and court accompaniment services.

  • Complete information required for client files or service provision records.

  • Complete 40-hour Rape Crisis Counselor Training (provided as in-house and on-the-job training).

  • Demonstrate strong organizational skills to manage a case load of up to 100 clients.

  • Must possess ability to understand and appreciate diversity, and to be sensitive to different experiences and lifestyles.

  • Actively participate in all staff meetings, training, community collaborative meetings, committees and task forces as assigned. 

  • Develop linkages and coordination with related service providers.  Carry out public relations and community education activities on behalf of the agency.

  • Provide support and coordination for the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)

  • Must demonstrate capacity to be highly organized and detail oriented; to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing, in English.

  • Maintain records and submit statistical and narrative reports as required by CAL OES and Family Services.

  • Assist in the organization and implementation of Sexual Assault Awareness month activities and other special events throughout the year.

  • Maintain regular communication with the Program Manager with reference to program needs and problems.

  • Communicate ideas and concerns with supervisor.

  • Perform all tasks in a safe manner to avoid injury to self and others.

  • Adherence to policies related to HIPAA, confidentiality, information sharing and appropriate use of agency client database.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Education: AA Degree; BA helpful, with an emphasis in social services, psychology, or related field.  Must possess, or be able to complete State-approved 40-hour training leading to certification as a sexual assault victim counselor.  
  • Experience:  Six months experience with a human/social services agency.  Must demonstrate effective public speaking/communication skills in crisis and in public settings. 
  • Transportation: Valid California driver license, availability of automobile for business use, and at least minimal auto liability insurance coverage as required by law.

Additional Requirements:

  • Bilingual English/Spanish fluency required.
  • Must have ability to read and write English
  • Must be able to make sound decisions independently during crisis hotline calls. 
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills—oral and written.
  • Ability to function as a part of a team and work in collaboration with outside agencies.
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate feedback and utilize supervision. 
  • Background check, including fingerprinting clearance from the Department of Justice; Demonstrate eligibility to work in the United States.
  • Familiarity with community-based services in Tulare County and neighboring counties in the Central Valley.

Physical Demands & Working Environment

  • Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to many types of situations, including crisis-driven or potentially difficult situations involving clientele living with mental health conditions, engaged in drug/alcohol use, victims of crime, etc.
  • The administrative functions of the position are performed primarily in a shared office setting under minimal temperature variations, in a generally hazard free environment and in a clean atmosphere.
  • May be exposed to all outside weather conditions and be able to walk and stand for long periods of time.
  • This position typically spends time sitting, standing, climbing stairs, walking, driving, carrying and lifting (up to 25lbs).
  • Frequent operation of computer keyboard, firm/strong grasping, and repetitive hand control. Able to complete all forms in personal writing.
  • Make and receive telephone calls. Use of general office equipment, copier, scanner, and fax machine. Subjected to outside environmental conditions.
  • Close vision, peripheral vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Psychological tolerance for confrontation and/or disruptive behaviors

To Apply
Complete our online application below or download and submit an employment application with a resume and cover letter by one of the following methods:

E-mail: info@fstc.net
Fax: (559) 732-1987
 

The conditions described above must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Family Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Thank you to our generous sponsors.

  • First 5 Tulare County
    First 5 Tulare County
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