Victim Advocate

Provides services in support of the advocacy, intervention, prevention, education and training to address domestic violence under the Army’s Family Advocacy Program (FAP). This position supports the Army’s Victim Advocacy Program (VAP) which provides comprehensive services 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, to assist and advocate for victims of domestic abuse and to ensure a victim's easy transition to community resources. The victim advocate (VA) serves Soldiers and Army Families living on and off the installation in accordance with the program protocol.

• Provides crisis intervention and comprehensive services to include emotional support, arrangement of transportation; accompany victims to medical, legal and/or law enforcement appointments (when requested), assist in securing protective orders, emergency food and/or shelter and information benefits.

• Works directly with victims to ensure that expressed needs are advocated and presented to personnel at intervening agencies.
• Assesses imminent risks for health and/or safety of the victim and make referrals as appropriate.
• Assists victims with navigating the system to obtain the services desired and refer victims to the appropriate services for continued care.
• Ensures victims of domestic abuse receive sensitive, confidential and immediate comprehensive care and treatment needed to restore health and well-being.
• Performs initial screening, non- clinical risk and lethality assessment and safety planning with victims of domestic abuse.
• Assists victims in developing safety plans, conduct a lethality  assessment, and provide emotional support, crisis intervention, prevention awareness and education to victims.
• Liaisons with the installation Family Advocacy Program Manager (FAPM) to ensure that comprehensive victim services and training are provided through a coordinated community response to domestic abuse victims, , Family Members, Soldiers and Civilians authorized to receive services at a Military Treatment Facility.
• Provides crisis intervention and a warm hand off to community resources for victims who are not eligible for services through a Military Treatment Facility.
• Provides information on victim rights, services and resources available on and/or off the installation.
• Coordinates with the (FAPM) to develop procedures that ensure victims of domestic abuse receive timely and appropriate information.
• When contacted by a victim of domestic abuse, make contact either telephonically within 20 minutes or face to face within 60 minutes (when requested) by the victim.
• Explains FAP disclosure and reporting options during the initial contact  to ensure that the victim makes informed decisions about  disclosing information regarding the abuse.
• Ensures that first responders, (Emergency Medical Services and or law enforcement etc.)  are contacted immediately during crisis situations where there is imminent harm to the victim, their children or program staff..
• Operates within established guidelines of the FAP and the Victim Advocacy Program, AR 608-18.
• Conducts domestic abuse training and awareness programs to educate Soldiers and Family members and Civilians.
• Understanding of Problematic Sexual Behavior- Child and Youth (PSB-CY)
• Guide client families through the investigative process, encourage their participation in the process, and help them understand their rights as a victim of a crime.
• Formulate appropriate intervention strategies to improve a family’s coping skills during a child abuse case investigation and prosecution process.
• Identify and make every attempt to meet the needs of children and families who may be in crisis
• Educate non-offending caregivers about the dynamics and possible long-term consequences of child abuse
• Assess family needs and encourage non-offending caregivers to participate in recommended services and counseling.
• Provide information and assistance with completing Crime Victims’’ Compensation applications.
• Serve as a liaison between the family and multidisciplinary team members as needed.
• Assist multidisciplinary team members in identifying client needs and providing recommendations.
• Represent the child and family’s best interest at multidisciplinary team case review meetings.
• Accompany non-offending caregivers to court or other appointments, when requested.
• Participate in relevant community awareness, campaigns and prevention events.
• Maintain ongoing case management, all data entry must be completed within three business days.
• Ensure daily contact with a victim while in crisis and no less than every 30 days when not in crisis.
• When a victim departs the servicing area, case shall be transferred as appropriate, when advocacy services are completed, the case will be closed as appropriate, with concurrence from the FAPM.
• Part Time Positions: part time positions vary in hours from 12 – 35 hours per week.  Flexible schedule is required for this position, as you will be asked to work primarily nights, weekends, and some hours during the day, depending on the needs of the installation.  More information will be provided if you are selected for the interview process.

The job duties listed above are representative and not intended to be all-inclusive of what may be expected of an employee assigned to this job. A leader may assign additional or other duties which would align with the intent of this job, without revision to the job description.

Other Job Requirements

Responsibilities

Bachelor"s Degree from an accredited school in social/work, psychology, marriage, family, and child counseling, counseling or behavioral science, education, community health or public health.
Two years" experience working with victims of domestic abuse/sexual assault violence or victim advocacy services.
Working knowledge of Family violence dynamics, safety planning, risk assessments, local community resources, and federal and state laws pertaining to domestic abuse or sexual assault, Family law and the Victim Rights Bill.
Possess ability to intervene in crisis situations, using sound professional judgment, ethical practice, and common sense.
Ability to work independently to assess risk, develop, implement, and evaluate safety and intervention plans to meet victim needs.
Demonstrated understanding, sensitivity, and empathy for victims.
Possess the ability to develop trusting helping relationships.
Possess the ability to work effectively with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to work cooperatively with military and civilian medical, social service, law enforcement, and legal personnel on behalf of victims.
Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted motor vehicle license.
Must possess transportation to transport victim in crisis (non-emergent) situations as a last resort.
Must be able to provide on-call 24 hours/7 days per week victim advocacy services.

General Job Information

Title

On Site Victim Advocate, Fort Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia

Grade

WDN_FASS_VA

Work Experience - Required

Victim Advocacy

Work Experience - Preferred

Military

Education - Required

Bachelor's - Counseling

Education - Preferred

License and Certifications - Required

License and Certifications - Preferred

This is a Service Contract Act (SCA) covered position. The pay rate and health and welfare allowance are specified in the applicable wage determination agreement.

Magellan Health, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Tobacco-free workplace. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled.
Every employee must understand, comply with and attest to the security responsibilities and security controls unique to their position; and comply with all applicable legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements and internal policies and procedures.