POSITION: Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Victim Advocate

Formerly known as United Against Sexual Assault of Sonoma County

Job Posting: Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Victim Advocate

Verity is the sole Rape Crisis Center within Sonoma County. Verity’s work includes the only 24/7 Sexual Assault Crisis Line serving all of Sonoma County and is staffed by certified sexual assault counselors. We offer around-the-clock crisis intervention and medical/forensic accompaniment services as well as further advocacy and court and legal accompaniment services to survivors of sexual assault and trauma as well as to their friends and family.

POSITION: Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Victim Advocate LOCATION: Petaluma Police Department/Investigations DVSA Unit (Please note: Job share position is an employee of Verity but will be based at the Petaluma Police Department) TIME COMMITMENT: Part time position ~ 16 hours/ week, job share HOURLY RATE: $17.00 START DATE: August 16, 2011

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the direct supervision of the Investigation’s Sergeant at the Petaluma Police Department and the Counseling Services Manager of Verity, formerly known as United Against Sexual Assault of Sonoma County, assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking by providing support, information, resources and referrals for needed services. Advocate would work closely with fellow DVSA Advocate, communicating regarding case management and scheduling. Assist in training officers, medical staff, and other community members in the dynamics of domestic violence, sexual assault and trauma.

Essential Duties: ▪ Make contact with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking as soon as possible following a call/report to law enforcement. ▪ Respond to call out by DVSA detective or PPD to scene to assist/support victims ▪ Provide crisis intervention by responding in-person or by telephone to the emotional crisis of a victim. ▪ Provide follow-up services/support to victims via case management. ▪ Work closely with partner DVSA advocate to ensure quality case management. ▪ Provide/coordinate emergency assistance: immediate (within 24 hours of request) intervention in response to a victim’s basic needs, including but not limited to food, shelter, or transportation. ▪ Assist victims with restraining orders by completing, filing and coordinating service of forms necessary to obtain a restraining order. ▪ Assist victims in reporting crimes to law enforcement and crime related costs for court ordered restitution. ▪ Support victims through the criminal and civil justice systems by providing case status information, explaining court processes, and accompanying victims to court/hearings. ▪ Transport victims to court, hospitals, or other locations that are related to providing victim services. ▪ Accompany victims to hospitals for treatment and/or SART exams and other agencies or organizations that are related to providing victim services. ▪ Read and review (along with the DVSA detective) cases/reports of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking taken by the Petaluma Police Department. ▪ Record contacts, attempted contacts, and services provided to victims. Enter data of contacts and services along with demographics and other necessary statistics for the DVSA Law Enforcement (LE) Unit grant. ▪ Assist in completing progress reports for the DVSA LE Unit grant. ▪ Complete monthly reports of activity for Verity. ▪ Assist (along with the DVSA detective) in the training of LE officers in the dynamics of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, trauma reactions, victimology, and other grant mandated topics. ▪ Participate in community outreach by providing presentations, workshops, and other needed information in the local schools, businesses, and other community organizations.

Requirements:

▪ Meet the requirements of a domestic violence and sexual assault counselor as defined by the Evidence Code (1035-1036.2 and 1037-1037.7) by completing state certified training in sexual assault and domestic violence (40 hours each). ▪ Maintain sensitivity to confidentiality of victims and LE information. ▪ Maintain a professional demeanor with other agency professionals and community members. ▪ Willingness to work in collaboration with other community and/or governmental organizations. ▪ Excellent written and oral communication skills. ▪ Ability to establish a rapport/work with youth and adults of all ages and backgrounds. ▪ Be available to respond to a scene to assist victims of DVSA related crimes. ▪ Ability to perform under pressure and act quickly in response to safety concerns ▪ Computer literacy with Windows, Access, Outlook and Internet ▪ Must be able to pass an extensive background check (polygraph included)

Desired Qualities:

▪ Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related field ▪ Have training/experience in providing crisis intervention and assisting victims with the paperwork necessary to obtain a restraining order ▪ Familiarity with the criminal justice process ▪ Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Verity does not discriminate, and will not tolerate discrimination, on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion or creed, age, or handicap or disability as those terms are defined under applicable law.

To apply: Download application at http://ourverity.org/aboutverity/job-openings/ and email your completed application, resume, and cover letter to [email protected] or fax to: (707) 545-8136 ATTN: Michelle Doyel. You may also mail your application, resume and cover letter to: Verity, 835 Piner Road, Suite D., Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Closing Date: April 29, 2011