Sexual Abuse Advocate

ACCESS is hiring for a Sexual Abuse Advocate who provides support to victims/survivors of all forms of sexual abuse. The Sexual Abuse Advocate serves sexual abuse victims/survivors of all ages, with a strong emphasis on serving and assisting victims/survivors and their non-offending family members. This position provides expertise to teammates and community members in working with families and how sexual abuse impacts youth. The Sexual Abuse Youth Advocate is reports to the Outreach Program Supervisor and is a member of the Sexual Abuse Comprehensive Services Team. 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. 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.
• Serve as resource to other staff members in serving youth experiencing sexual abuse and human trafficking.

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 ACCESS’ liaison to youth/family service entities and resources in all the counties we serve.
• 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.
• 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 emergency assistance.
• 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.

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 and youth

· 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 the impact of abuse on children and families.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $34,598.00 - $37,598.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave

Work Location: In person

Salary : $34,598 - $37,598