Crisis/Court Advocate

WOAR-Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence is seeking a passionate advocate against sexual violence to provide skilled support to survivors in navigating systems after a sexual assault. This includes medical and court accompaniment, hotline coverage and supportive counseling.

WOAR’s Organizational Mission: Working together to end sexual violence. WOAR is a non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate sexual violence through specialized treatment services, comprehensive prevention education programs, and advocacy for the rights of survivors of sexual assault. WOAR provides free services to anyone who has experienced sexual violence.

Responsibilities

DIRECT SERVICES – 75%

• Provides Primary Crisis Response Counseling on the hotline.
• Provides medical accompaniment to adult clients as needed.
• Facilitates weekly drop-in group for adult clients.
• Provides court accompaniment for survivors during preliminary hearings in Philadelphia, including providing:
• Outreach to victims and families
• Information on what to expect during court proceedings.
• Crisis counseling and emotional support to victims as needed during the legal proceedings.
• Actively and effectively engages in follow-up case management activities with clients to determine and refer to appropriate WOAR Service or external agency service as appropriate.
• Collaborates with other agencies providing services to clients.
• Advocates for proper treatment of victims of sexual assault.

HOTLINE COORDINATION – 10%

• Ensures Hotline coverage and protocols are in compliance with contractual obligations.
• On-call coverage of hotline during scheduled hours for any uncovered shifts.
• Conducts training on crisis skills and hotline protocols for staff, interns, and volunteers.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES – 10%

• Completes required client paperwork in a timely and accurate manner.
• Completes necessary court reporting requirements (i.e. Quarterly and Annual reports).
• Maintains and updates the agency referral manual.
• Completes required client paperwork in a timely and accurate manner.
• Inputs client information into agency database in a timely manner.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES – 3%

• Provides trainings on sexual assault issues/protocols to medical, social services and other professionals as required.
• Participates in monthly Direct Services and agency staff meetings.
• Supports and participates in agency activities such as staff retreats, special events, volunteer recognition events and fundraising as appropriate or assigned.
• Keeps staff and volunteers updated on legal procedures and policies related to sexual assault.
• Participates in bi-weekly individual supervision with 24hr Services Manager.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT – 2%

• Participates in appropriate staff development activities.
• Stays abreast of information concerning sexual assault issues.
• Stays abreast of information concerning legal issues, resources and protocols, crisis counseling techniques and interventions.

Skills and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or any healthcare related field is required.
• Must complete state mandated forty (40) hour victim service training
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Excellent writing and speaking skills
• Computer competency in Microsoft Office
• Strategic thinker; strong problem solving and analytical skills
• Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to function as team member of a unit and the agency as a whole
• Must have flexibility (some evenings required)
• Some in-state travel required
• PA 33/34 certifiable and FBI certifiable
• Must adhere to professional ethics and agency confidentiality policy
• Philosophical orientation compatible with WOAR's philosophy and mission

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person