Rural Sexual Abuse Advocate (Marshall/Tama County)

Rural Sexual Abuse Advocate (Marshall and Tama County)

The Rural Sexual Abuse Advocate is a full-time salaried position. The primary responsibility of this position is direct service to victims/survivors of forms of Sexual Abuse. The Rural Sexual Abuse Advocate is responsible to the Sexual Abuse Program Supervisor and a member of the Sexual Abuse Comprehensive Services Team of ACCESS. This position is based in Marshalltown, with the primary service area of Marshall and Tama Counties. Work may occur in any/all areas of ACCESS’ service area, including Iowa State University Campus, Boone, Greene, Marshall and Tama Counties.

100% of this position is considered direct service in the capacity of serving primary or secondary victims and/or preparing the community to respond effectively to the needs of victims.

This position participates in an on-call response system for Sexual Abuse victims/survivors during day, evening and weekend hours. This position also participates in crisis-line coverage during any/all hours.

Victim-Centered Responsibilities

• Provide assessment of needs to victims/survivors in order to understand the best way to promote safety and healing in the victim’s/survivor’s life.
• Perform crisis advocacy and intervention to assist a victim/survivor in attaining emotional and physical safety.
• Provide systems advocacy to reduce barriers and promote victim/survivor connection to essential services.
• Provide individual and/or group counseling to victims/survivors.
• Provide information and referral to victims/survivor to increase their connection to resources and support.
• Provide assistance to family members and supports of the victim/survivor when impacted by the abuse, including all forms of advocacy listed above when appropriate.

Program, Administrative & Educational Responsibilities

• Provide educational programs/trainings to schools, service agencies, community groups, etc.
• Maintain client records and files.
• Share office support duties with other Sexual Abuse program staff members.
• Attend and participate in community councils, coalitions, and meetings as assigned.
• Serve as the ACCESS’ liaison to the Marshall County Sexual Assault Response Team, medical, criminal justice, and other systems serving victims/survivors within Marshall and Tama Counties.
• Maintain a professional and positive attitude in all interactions while representing ACCESS.
• Network and collaborate with local, regional and statewide victim service providers.
• Collect and report on statistics of victim service and program/education provision.
• Other duties as assigned.

Expectations of Continued Learning

• Attend relevant conferences and trainings.
• Remain current on Sexual Abuse/sexual assault research, legislative issues and changes to the Iowa Code.
• Gain understanding of special populations as applies to service provision, including but not limited to rural victims, youth victims, immigrant/international victims, elder victims, male victims, LGBT victims, and various other populations.
• Remain current and informed of systems that a victim/survivor may need to navigate such as civil/criminal legal systems, Iowa State University systems, and services that offer emergency assistance.
• Remain current on trends of best care and intervention with victims/survivors of Sexual Abuse.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to navigate evolving social climates while providing client centered care. They will be committed to completing tasks in a fast-paced environment and able to support diverse clientele while maintaining an understanding of available resources. ACCESS staff should be empathetic, inclusive and non-judgmental. Service provision should focus on the self- determination and empowerment of the victim/survivor. This position provides an opportunity to engage with community members, victim service agencies, coalitions, as well as state and local systems. We are seeking candidates who excel in:

• Client centered care
• Relationship-building with diverse populations
• Managing multiple projects
• Thinking outside the box and finding creative solutions

Due to the on call duties of this position, candidates must be able to maintain an hour response time when driving from home. Providing services across multiple counties requires that this position have a valid driver’s license, a good driving record according and ongoing access to a reliable and insured personal vehicle, or ability to acquire these within the first month of hire. As part of the hiring process we complete a background check. Not all results are disqualifying and we encourage candidates to discuss potential findings with hiring personnel.

Upon hire, all staff must successfully complete the 32-hour ACCESS victim advocacy training and continued training as needed/requested to maintain IowaCASA requirements and to meet the requirements of Chapter 915.20 of the Iowa Code.

Preferred Qualifications Include

Knowledge of the dynamics of abuse and working in rural communities. Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please send cover letter and resume to be considered for the position

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $34,598.64 - $37,599.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• On call

Application Question(s):

• Number of years experience in the field of victim advocacy?

Work Location: In person