Rape Crisis Center of Central New Mexico

Job Title:      Victim Advocate

Report To:    Crisis Services Manager                  

Hours:          25 hours/week

Description:

The Crisis Services Department of the RCCCNM is designed to effectively address and reduce the impact of sexual violence through our work with survivors of sexual violence. RCCCNM currently provides two 24 hour services, including a crisis hotline and medical advocacy including services for Spanish-speaking survivors.

The Victim Advocate of RCCCNM is responsible for working with the Crisis Services Manager and the Crisis Services Department to maintain and ensure the effectiveness of sexual assault victim advocacy. Advocates are responsible for providing crisis intervention and advocacy to survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones on the 24 hour hotline and at Sexual Assault Nurse Exams performed at the Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center and area hospitals. Advocates meet with clients during business hours and provide legal advocacy as needed. Will respond to calls on the hotline and provide advocacy for Survivors who present at the SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Unit).  Will work with Volunteer Advocate Coordinator and Crisis Services Advocates to recruit and train Volunteer Advocates to work within the Crisis Services Volunteer Program.

Collaborates with other agencies and organizations to improve the community response to and services for victims/survivors of sexual assault.  Maintains files and records for grants and statistics relevant to the Crisis Services activity.  Responsible for assigned shifts on the back-up system for the 24-hour hotline. Works with the Crisis Services Manager and Crisis Services Staff to ensure an appropriate response to victims of sexual assault and their loved ones. 

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services related field or a combination of relevant education, training, and experience totaling 3 years.  A minimum of 1 year direct services in social service or related field.  Excellent crisis management skills.  Access to own vehicle and telephone.  Willingness to work with other agencies and peers in the Crisis Services Department to collaborate within the community for service provision. Understands and is sensitive to issues of cultural, class and relational diversity. Ability to adhere to strict standards of confidentiality. Must be able to communicate in both English and Spanish in written and verbal communications.  Must obtain Criminal Records Background clearance. Bi-Lingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit or stand for long periods of time. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk; or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job may include close vision, distance vision and depth perception.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provides crisis intervention services by taking crisis calls on a 24-hour hotline, providing advocacy at the hospital and other off-sight visits, and by seeing clients on a walk-in basis.
2. Prioritizing services which effectively address the issue of sexual assault in service to survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones.
3. Provide appropriate and effective crisis intervention services to RCCCNM clients. 
4. Meets or exceeds state, federal and agency standards for file maintenance and client interaction.
5. Will work with Crisis Services Staff to complete day to day tasks set forth by the Crisis Services Manager. 
6. Assist in prepare monthly/quarterly/annual reports, as required to meet funding and agency requirements
7. Maintain accurate records of each service provided in accordance with agency standards.
8. Maintain comprehensive resource and referral information for use in Crisis Services Department and within the organization.
9. The Crisis Services Victim Advocate will help facilitate an effective 40 hour volunteer advocate training.
10. Will work with Crisis Services Manager to develop advocacy skills as needed.
11. Will attend required meetings.
12. Will work as a proactive team member of Crisis Services to ensure all shifts and on call requirements are met.
13. Must have excellent verbal and communication skills.
14. Must have excellent computer skills (word, excel, access and email).
15. Assists in ensuring the overall success of the Rape Crisis Center. 

This Job Closes October 24, 2011

Please reply to Kate Davis @ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Please provide the following:
Cover Letter

Resume

3 Professional or Academic References

Rape Crisis Center of Central New Mexico is an EEOP