Rape and Sexual Assault Education Advocate

JOB TITLE: Rape and Sexual Assault Education Advocate

REPORTS TO: Rape and Sexual Assault Program Manager

HOURS: Full-time 40 hours per week

BENEFITS: 401(k) 3% match, Accrued PTO, Paid Holidays, Premium Pay, Insurance (Medical/HSA, EAP COBRA Qualified, Dental, Vision, Life, Voluntary Life, Voluntary Short-Term Disability)

DESCRIPTION:  The RSA Education Advocate provides community education, outreach, and supportive services to survivors of rape and sexual assault while representing DOVE Center in a wide variety of educational and awareness settings. This role develops and delivers presentations, creates engaging prevention and education materials, and participates in campus-based and community events that expand understanding of sexual violence and increase awareness of available resources.  

In addition to outreach and education, the RSA Education Advocate provides case management support to RSA clients, including follow-up services, documentation, and coordination for survivors who contact the helpline or present at the hospital or shelter. The advocate teaches foundational topics such as the abuse cycle, trauma symptoms, and grounding techniques, and assists in ensuring culturally competent services for all participants. The role also serves on the 24-hour Hospital Advocate Response Team (HART).  

RSA Advocates are expected to demonstrate commitment and reliability through consistent attendance, punctuality, and follow-through on responsibilities.  They should be continual learners, self-motivated and take initiative while exhibiting and encouraging a positive, professional attitude.  At DOVE, we value individuals who approach challenges with optimism, respect, and a solutions-focused mindset.  Effective time management and organizational skills are essential, including the ability to prioritize crucial tasks, juggle multiple responsibilities, and adjust to changes in routine.  Flexibility and team support are critical; when organizational or team priorities shift employees are counted on to pull together and step up to ensure our mission moves forward.  Collaboration and accountability are at the heart of success, employees should work cooperatively with all departments, communicate effectively, and uphold shared responsibilities.  

The RSA Education Advocate is expected to stay current with best practices for providing victim advocacy, which includes a minimum of 80 hours required victim advocacy training and 16 hours of ongoing training annually.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Participate in the 24-Hour Hospital Advocate Response Team (HART) a minimum of eight shifts a month is required

● Coordinate with the RAPE & Sexual Assault Program Manager to ensure follow-ups and documentation are completed for all HART clients.  

● Attend monthly HART meetings and bi-monthly Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) meetings.

● Develop presentations for community education opportunities

● Plan and participate in community awareness events, provide outreach support with informational booths at community events

● Provide immediate backup for SAAM (Sexual Assault Awareness Month) and other outreach events

● Maintain availability for ad hoc educational events and present RSA services to various groups on campuses and during weekends  

● Co-facilitate therapy groups with counseling team

● Support survivor’s problem-solving and goal setting through Outreach, shelter and transitional housing case management.  Assist them in creating safety plans: provide education on choices and rights; connect them to community services and resources.  Assist survivors with completing intake, critical needs assessment, SPDAT assessment, action plan, safety/sobriety planning and risk of danger assessment

● Provide supportive advocacy as needed, which may include mobile advocacy, court advocacy, medical/hospital advocacy, co-facilitating groups, and follow-up advocacy.  Provide phone/walk in coverage at the Outreach office as assigned.  
● Provide survivors with resources and referrals to community partners; provide education to empower survivors to thrive in the healing process; and link underserved victims to supportive and culturally competent resources specific to survivors’ needs

● Engage in ongoing case staffing and supervision with program manager

● Document all client interactions within 24 hours

● Other duties and responsibilities as assigned within department for covering other service areas 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

● Minimum of 1 year experience providing victim advocacy or related social service work

● High school diploma/GED, bachelor’s degree in social science field preferred

● Presentation and/or education experience

● Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills (verbal and written); and polished presentation skills

● Must be highly organized and capable of self-direction

● Proficient time management and resource management capabilities

● Must adhere to the federal VAWA and HIPAA laws pertaining to confidential protected information

● Must adhere to guidelines set forth by DOVE Center, the Department of Human Services (DHS), Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), and other governing bodies, concerning program policies, and code of ethics

● Demonstrated commitment to excellent client service

● Computer literacy in word processing, databases, and spreadsheets

● Ability to work in the evening and weekends when needed

● Ability to work sensitively and effectively with diverse populations

● Employment dependent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check and initial onboarding training

● Dependable auto transportation, valid Utah State Driver’s License, and proof of insurance; clean driving record 

 DOVE Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or the presence of handicaps or disabilities, or any other basis protected by state or federal law.