Sexual Assault Prevention Response Victim Advocate
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.