Lead Victim Advocate

POSITION TITLE: Lead Victim Advocate & Certified Sexual Assault Counselor

SERVICE AREA: Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties

REPORTS TO: Program Director                 

CLASSIFICATION: Full Time/ Exempt

POSITION DESCRIPTION: To provide direct service to victims of sexual assault, crime victims and traumatic circumstances. Provide supervision in the performance and coordination of direct service staff providing individualized services and resources to victims of sexual assault, crime victims and traumatic circumstances. Provide task supervision to staff within the 24/7 advocacy department. 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITY:

Information and Referral - 20%

• Information about the criminal justice process
• Information about victim’s rights, how to obtain notification, etc.
• Referral to other victim service programs
• Referral to other services, support and resources (including legal, medical and other service providers.

Personal Advocacy / Accompaniment - 20%

• Victim advocacy/ accompaniment to emergency medical care
• Victim accompaniment to medical forensic exam
•  Law enforcement interview advocacy/ accompaniment
• Criminal Advocacy / accompaniment service/ support
• Civil Advocacy/ accompaniment (includes assistance with protection orders)
• Prosecution interview advocacy/ accompaniment
• Intervention with employer, creditor, landlord or academic institution
• Transportation assistance
• Interpreter services
• Assistance with victim compensation

Emotional Support or Safety Services - 20%

• Crisis Intervention (in person includes safety planning)
• Helpline/ Crisis line counseling
• Individual Counseling
• On scene crisis response
• Therapeutic support
• Support groups (facilitated)
• Emergency financial assistance
• Shelter housing
• Relocation assistance

Criminal/ Civil Justice system assistance - 10%

• Notification of criminal justice events (case status, court proceedings, etc.)
• Victim impact statement assistance
• Emergency justice related assistance
• Civil legal attorney assistance in obtaining protection or restraining order
• Civil legal attorney assistance with family law issues
• Other civil legal attorney assistance (landlord, employment, etc.)
• Criminal advocacy /accompaniment service
• Civil Advocacy / accompaniment service

Advocate Coordination -10%

• Participates in recruitment, hiring, onboarding, performance management, and employee relations activities, including coaching, corrective action, and disciplinary decisions.
• Provides consultation and support to staff managing high-risk or complex cases and, as needed, delivers direct crisis intervention services to program participants and their non-offending family members or caregivers.
• Oversees 24/7 helpline scheduling and scheduling to ensure continuous service coverage. Monitors and evaluates crisis intervention and triage services to ensure quality, effectiveness, and compliance with organizational standards.
• Collaborates with the management team to address service delivery needs, provides guidance on the impact of complex cases on staff well-being, and promotes a safe environment for both participants and employees.
• Oversees the annual review and update of the community referral resource manual by coordinating staff and intern assignments to ensure information remains accurate, current, and comprehensive.

Travel - 5%

• Required to travel for the provision of services. 

Case Review - 5%

• Facilitates meetings with advocate department staff to discuss case status.

Training and Special Projects - 5%

• Reviews documentation expectations with new hires and updates relevant training materials for onboarding new advocates
•  Provides community education and outreach
• Responsible for upkeep of designated agency offices and locations

Performs other duties as requested - 5%

• Miscellaneous duties are performed according to instruction

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of crisis intervention principles, trauma-informed care, and the

dynamics of sexual assault, child abuse, violent crime, and victimization.

• Knowledge of applicable laws, judicial and civil systems, public health

regulations, accreditation standards, and federal confidentiality requirements.

• Knowledge of community resources and governmental, nonprofit, and private

service systems.

• Ability to train, supervise, and mentor staff while ensuring compliance with agency

policies, documentation standards, and accreditation requirements.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and crisis management skills, with the ability to

exercise sound judgment in high-pressure situations.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and

community partners.

• Ability to prepare accurate reports, maintain detailed documentation, and utilize

standard computer applications, including Microsoft Office.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals

from diverse backgrounds while demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and

cultural humility.

• Ability to respond appropriately to graphic, sensitive, and traumatic situations while

maintaining professionalism and protecting client confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree, preferred in counseling, psychology, mental health, social work, or other related social services field.
• A minimum of two years of supervisory experience in the social services field
• At least three years full-time equivalent experience as a Victim Advocate in rape crisis or in a related field
• Successfully pass a criminal background check and E-verify.
• Possess a valid Florida Driver’s license, proof of automobile insurance, and have a satisfactory driving record.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm and respond to individuals in crisis and emergency situations.
• Ability to interact positively with unique individuals of all ages, genders, religions, cultures, ethnicities, attitudes, beliefs, other characteristics without discrimination.
• Knowledge of law enforcement and court procedures.
• Basic computer skills including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Understand and protect client confidentiality.
• Successful completion of the FCASV core training within 30 days of employment.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions in accordance with established policies and regulations.
• Ability to work a non-traditional schedule and respond to call outs when assigned to helpline coverage.