Sexual Abuse Advocate

Summary: The Special Programs and Outreach Coordinator is a full-time salaried position. The primary responsibility of this position is to coordinate special outreach initiatives as planned by the Sexual Abuse team. This position involves direct service to victims/survivors of forms of Sexual Abuse. The Special Programs and Outreach Coordinator is responsible to the SAC program team leaders. This position is based in Story County. Work may occur in any/all areas of ACCESS’ service area, including Iowa State University Campus, Boone, Greene, Marshall and Tama counties.

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

Qualifications: All staff must successfully complete a 32-hour victim advocacy training and continued training as needed/requested to attain/maintain Iowa CASA’s Sexual Abuse Counselor certification and to meet the requirements of Chapter 915.20d of the Iowa Code. ACCESS staff should be empathetic and non-judgmental. Service provision should focus on the self-determination and empowerment of the victim/ survivor. Experience and/or education in related field preferred. This staff member must have a valid driver’s license, a good driving record according to ACCESS’ evaluation, and must have ongoing access to a reliable and insured personal vehicle. Preference will be given to bilingual applicants.

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.
• Coordinate plans for special programs to ensure that ACCESS reaches targeted populations effectively and in informed manners.
• Serve as the liaison to the entities identified as ACCESS special outreach programs including but not limited to Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) professionals, and systems and organizations serving marginalized communities.
• 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.

Competencies

• Attend relevant conferences and trainings.
• Remain current on Sexual Abuse/sexual assault research.
• Gain understanding of special populations as applies to service provision, including but not limited to youth victims, rural 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 long term healing resources.
• Remain current on trends of best care and intervention with victims/survivors of Sexual Abuse.
• Remain informed on legislative issues. Keep current on changes in the Iowa Code.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $34,598.00 per year

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Ames, IA 50010: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person