Survivor Advocate

Job Title: Survivor Advocate                                              

Department: Student Life                                                  

Supervisor: Dir. of Safer Together & Director of Counseling Services  

Schedule: Temporary, PT, 15 hours/week

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt                                  

Other Conditions: This is a Part-Time, grant-funded position that is currently funded for 3 years.  As a grant-funded position, it is contingent upon the continuation of grant funds after the initial 3 years.  Some travel to grant-sponsored training and some evening and weekend hours may be required. This position includes 40 hours of Survivor Advocate training that is required to be completed prior to Nov 1, 2024.

Application materials include the following: Cover Letter and Resume

JOB SUMMARY:

The Survivor Advocate is responsible for providing advocacy and case management services, including resources and referrals, to student survivors of sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking at Eastern Mennonite University. The Survivor Advocate provides comprehensive ongoing support services to survivors in partnership with campus and community-based resources. The Survivor Advocate is not expected to provide 24/7 crisis response services or accompaniment services. This position will receive clinical supervision from the Director of Counseling Services and day-to-day supervision from the Director of Safer Together. This position is a confidential resource but is required to report aggregate data for Clery purposes..

• Provide trauma-informed, culturally competent advocacy services to EMU student survivors of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking through scheduled appointments using an empowerment model of consultation. 
• Inform survivors of their rights and options.
• Provide education about on- and off-campus resources, supports, and services, and assisting survivors in informed decision-making.
• Assist survivors through reporting and investigation processes
• Attend appointments and/or hearing meetings with the survivor.
• Refer or connect survivors to other on- and off-campus resources and supportive services.
• Provide safety planning and assists in accessing accommodations and other supportive measures as desired.
• Conduct risk assessments and providing safety planning.
• Facilitate access to campus and community safety measures.
• Assist survivors in obtaining academic, housing, work, and other accommodations and supportive measures.
• Provide ongoing case management support.
• Coordinate with Title IX, Campus Security, Residence Life, Counseling Services, CARE Team, and all other relevant EMU departments to provide wrap-around support services to survivors.
• Serve as a resource for campus and community reporting options and other campus or community services.
• Provide assistance and support in accessing and navigating campus judiciary processes.

• Knowledge of issues and dynamics related to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.
• Knowledge of best practices in trauma-informed care.
• Understanding of how sexual violence disproportionately impacts individuals holding identities that have been marginalized.
• Demonstrated attentiveness to intersectionality and a commitment to continued development of cultural competencies.
• Knowledge of Title IX and Clery guidance and regulations preferred, specifically as they pertain to victim rights.
• Knowledge of Commonwealth of Virginia laws related to victim rights and services a plus.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality while maintaining campus and community relationships.
• Ability to interpret and analyze information for effective decision making.
• Ability to organize.
• Attention to detail for accurately preparing and maintaining accurate records, correspondence and coordinate information.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, and the ability to deal effectively with a variety of situations and constituents.
• Ability to take initiative, set goals, prioritize and organize job tasks and workload in order to meet deadlines, ability to complete work in a timely manner and communicate progress routinely.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, critically, and creatively.
• Ability to use a PC and software such as, Microsoft Office and Google.
• Ability to operate commonly used office equipment such as a copy machine, fax, phone, etc.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with a wide variety of constituents.
• Ability to build relationships that balance the multiple, varying, and sometimes conflicting interest of diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and materials.
• Demonstrated commitment to high standards of customer service.
• Ability to frequently work hours outside of the normal work schedule, such as evenings and weekends.

Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work or related field preferred. Experience advocating for survivors, working in a sexual violence intervention and response program, providing case management or counseling, or working in the anti-violence field. Experience working in a university setting preferred.

Physical Requirements: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to sit and use hands and fingers, to handle, or feel.   The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb or balance.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.   Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.  The employee must occasionally travel to meetings and conferences off campus, which may include some overnight travel.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None