Sexual Assault Prevention Response Victim Advocate
Announcement Number: 23-11887538
Location: Fort Meade, MD
Salary: $67,122 - $77,947
Closing Date: March 25, 2023
Duties
Serves on the SAPR watchbill as a primary, initial point of contact for victims of sexual assault and as an advocate for the expressed interests of victims. Assists the SARC in coordinating the services that victims receive from various agencies including medical, legal, mental health, and investigative services.
Facilitates care and provide referrals and non-clinical support to the adult victims of a sexual assault. Ensures that the victim understands that speaking with the VA is voluntary. As appropriate, thoroughly explains to the victim each of the reporting options available to him or her, including the exceptions and/or limitations on use applicable to each.
Provides information and facilitates referrals for services tailored to the client's needs and safety that may include: providing crisis intervention, imparting information about the SAPR Program and the reporting options offered to victims of sexual assault under the program, ensuring victims are informed of their rights and of the available military and civilian resources. Facilitates victim's contact with military and civilian resources, as requested by the victim. Refers victims, who do not wish to disclose their identity, to civilian resources.
Attends Sexual Assault Case Management Group (SACMG) meetings when a case is presented involving a victim with whom the SAPR VA has had contact in order to advocate the victim and to ensure the victim's needs are met.
Maintains follow-up contact with the victim as requested by the victim. Supports the victim in decision-making by providing relevant information and discussing available options. Assist the victim with prioritizing actions and establishing short- and long-term goals related to recovery from sexual assault.
Supports the victim in advocating on his or her own behalf. Assists the victim in contacting appropriate military and civilian legal offices for personal legal advice and assistance specific to the victim's circumstances or case, including the filing for civilian or military protective orders. The VA shall not provide legal advice, but may provide general information on the civil or criminal legal process.
Advises the victim of the impact of sexual assault on family members and offer referral information for family members.
Accompanies the victim to appointments and civilian and military court proceedings, as appropriate and when requested by the victim.
Consults regularly with the SARC on ongoing assistance provided. Is directly accountable to the SARC for all SAPR cases. ( Reports all victim's support services and response information to the SARC and consults with the SARC on an ongoing basis to ensure comprehensive care for victims throughout the care process.)
Assists the installation SARC with interfacing with military and civilian agencies to identify relevant resources and means of accessing appropriate services to promote availability of victim advocacy services and support systems. Assists the SARC with the development and coordination of installation SAPR prevention and public awareness campaigns and local events.
Conducts trainings on sexual assault prevention and response, as required.
Assist SARC in incident data collection and reporting requirement. Is required to capture service delivery outputs in FFSMIS.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
The candidate must exercise mature judgment and tact in that he/she represents the Navy SAPR Program in dealing with senior level officials such as Admirals, Master Chiefs, and Commanding Officers.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent Unit
- Must have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer
- Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of employment
- Must be a US Citizen
- Must have a valid state Driver's License as occasional travel is required in the course of normal duties of the position
Qualifications
Resumes must include information which demonstrates experience and knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) as they relate to this position. Applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing their experience level and KSAs.
A qualified candidate possesses the following:
- Must have the analytical ability and skill in interpersonal relationships.
- The incumbent must have knowledge of the dynamics of sexual assault and victim advocacy and care. Knowledge of the military, Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Navy (DoN), and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program is preferred.
- The incumbent must have the ability to understand, be sensitive to, and have empathy for victims. Ability to develop trusting helping relationships and to work effectively with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- The incumbent must have the ability to intervene in crisis situations, using sound professional judgment, ethical practice, and common sense.
- The incumbent must have the ability to work cooperatively with military and civilian medical, social service, law enforcement, and legal personnel on behalf of victims.
- The incumbent must be skilled in oral and written communication.
- The incumbent must have the demonstrated ability to provide effective trainings and briefings, as he/she might be requested to provide these services as a support to the SARC.
Education
Completion of a four year degree in behavioral health, social science, or criminal justice and two years of experience that demonstrates acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral health or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
OR
An appropriate combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of knowledge and skill equivalent to that gained in the above.
Additional information
"To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine."
Spouses of active duty military members of the Armed Forces may receive preference in hiring under this announcement if they are among the best qualified referred and are within reach of selection. Spouse Preference does not apply to NF 04 and NF 05 positions. Please clearly identify in your application that you are asking for spouse preference and complete the Request for Military Spouse Preference form and submit a copy of current PCS orders. Failure to submit current PCS orders with application will prevent spousal preference from being granted. Acceptance or declination of a regular full or part-time non-appropriated or appropriated fund position ends your ability to claim this preference.
Some positions have special requirements. In these cases, selection is tentative pending satisfactory completion of these requirements. Applicants may be required to provide proof of education, etc. All selections are contingent upon the obtaining of satisfactory employment reference checks.
SELECTIVE SERVICE REQUIREMENT: If you are a male born after December 31, 1959 and at least 18 years of age, employment law (5 U.S.C. 3328) requires that you must register with the Selective Service System (military draft), unless you meet certain exemptions. If applicable, failure to register will prevent you from being considered for employment. To register, please visit the Selective Service web site at https://www.sss.gov/register/.
When relocation expenses are authorized to perform a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the federal government, the IRS considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Additional information: https://www.dfas.mil/CivilianEmployees/Civilian-Permanent-Change-of-Station-PCS/Tax-Information/.
Public Trust is a type of background investigation, but it is not a security clearance. Depending on the job, you must complete either the Standard Form 85 (SF85) or 85P (SF85P) questionnaire.
