Sexual Assault Advocate / Adult Detention Facilities ~ Verity

We are hiring a Sexual Assault Advocate / Adult Detention Facilites! Apply Today!

Job Description

PLEASE NOTE: Due to COVID19 all Verity positions are remote working from home. Should the situation change this position will be expected to go into the Sonoma County Jail, Juvenile Hall, and other
public areas to conduct this work.

JOB TITLE: Sexual Assault Advocate, Adult Detention Facilities

HOURS: 40 hours, Hourly, Non-Exempt. This position is grant funded with funding guaranteed through September 30, 2022, with expectations of renewal.

SALARY & BENEFITS:
$23.00 an hour. Verity provides generous accrual of vacation and sick time prorated at .75 FTE and 12 paid holidays annually. After the 90-day introductory period, the employee may join Verity’s health insurance plan.

REPORTS TO:
Intervention Manager

OVERVIEW: Reporting to the Intervention Manager, the Sexual Assault Advocate (SAA) provides client-centered crisis intervention & intake assessment, ongoing advocacy, and ongoing supportive services for survivors of sexual assault who are currently or formerly incarcerated. Sexual assault includes, but is not limited to sexual abuse, human trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation, and rape.
The right candidate will have the capacity to work both independently and as a team member. This position acts as a point of contact between Verity and Sonoma County’s Detention Centers and supports the Intervention Dept. Manager in completing grant-related reports and other program operations. The SAA maintains partnerships with other community agencies and providers to coordinate and advocate all service needs. The SAA will be knowledgeable about the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA.) They will work closely with in-house detention programs, medical teams, and mental health teams. The SAA also serves on committees and workgroups related to incarceration to advocate for survivors’ needs.
Offer of position is contingent upon completion of Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department Background Check. Upon initial review of background packet, if all appears to be in order, then the paid training period of this position can begin. Once the background is cleared, the individual may begin working within in the detention facility, dependent on current COVID-19 policy.

MAJOR
FUNCTIONS: Crisis Intervention/Accompaniment/Advocacy Services:
• Provides remote and in-person crisis intervention & advocacy for currently or formerly incarcerated survivors of sexual violence.
• Utilize crisis management skills to support clients who may be escalated, upset, have substance abuse, or mental health needs
• Completes initial needs assessment for incarcerated clients
• Provides ongoing services expanding on client’s initial needs assessment, including comprehensive follow-up contact & ongoing advocacy services via phone and in-person
• Facilitates support groups within Sonoma County Jails and local rehabilitation centers
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality and privacy for all clients
• Works with clients to create individualized case plans from a client-centered, empowerment model that supports survivors of sexual violence and incarceration to reintegrate into to society and heal from their assault
• Supports clients through the criminal justice systems by providing case status information, explaining detention and prosecution processes, advocating for clients’ best interests while incarcerated, and accompanying victims to related appointments

Administrative:
• Collects, maintains, and inputs timely and accurate confidential client information, assessments, and services provided into Verity’s database systems
• Works as a team player, collaborating effectively with other staff members and community agencies
• Attend weekly Verity staff meetings, providing input and updates regarding client needs
• Adhere to all Verity personnel policies and protocols
• Additional duties and responsibilities as required by Executive Director or supervisor to facilitate the overall effective operation of Verity

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience working or volunteering in related field is required. Examples of acceptable prior experience includes (but is not limited) to previous rape crisis or domestic violence work, work supporting client with mental illness, LGBTQ+ clients, currently or formerly incarcerated clients, and clients experiencing homelessness and/or addiction.
• State certification as a California Rape Crisis Counselor—if chosen applicant is not currently certified, the candidate must be able to complete Verity’s Crisis Line Counselor training upon hiring.
• The selected candidate must complete and be able to pass an extensive law enforcement background check, in order to access the Detention Facilities.
• Ability to connect and establish trust with a diverse population of clients
• Ability to interpret and understand instructions, write reports and document client interactions in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to maintain a high level of client confidentiality
• Ability to manage a high client caseload
• High School diploma or GED or equivalent

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

AA or BA in related field (social work, psychology, social justice, gender studies) is beneficial, but not required for the position
Experience in crisis intervention highly desirable
Bilingual in Spanish and English is strongly preferred
Case management and/or direct client experience is strongly preferred
Experience with data-entry is strongly preferred

KEY PERSONAL SKILLS • Prior experience working or volunteering in related field is required. Examples of acceptable prior experience includes (but is not limited) to previous rape crisis or domestic violence work, work supporting client with mental illness, LGBTQ+ clients, currently or formerly incarcerated clients, and clients experiencing homelessness and/or addiction.
• State certification as a California Rape Crisis Counselor—if chosen applicant is not currently certified, the candidate must be able to complete Verity’s Crisis Line Counselor training upon hiring.
• The selected candidate must complete and be able to pass an extensive law enforcement background check, in order to access the Detention Facilities.
• Ability to connect and establish trust with a diverse population of clients
• Ability to interpret and understand instructions, write reports and document client interactions in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to maintain a high level of client confidentiality
• Ability to manage a high client caseload
• High School diploma or GED or equivalent

• AA or BA in related field (social work, psychology, social justice, gender studies) is beneficial, but not required for the position
• Experience in crisis intervention highly desirable
• Bilingual in Spanish and English is strongly preferred
• Case management and/or direct client experience is strongly preferred
• Experience with data-entry is strongly preferred

• Knowledge of Sonoma County community resources
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to culturally diverse groups
• Possesses strong common-sense skills
• Treats others with respect, acts in a professional manner
• Able to handle common problems without supervisor intervention while knowing when supervisor participation is warranted
• Comfortable with public speaking
• Ethical, compassionate, and social-justice-minded

TO APPLY:
Please send a cover letter, resume and Verity application via email to [email protected]

Verity Applications can be downloaded at: www.ourverity.org/apply

Resumes will not be considered without a cover letter and completed Verity application.

Verity is an equal opportunity employer. Verity does not discriminate and will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, disability or disability under the terms set forth under applicable law.