Perform essential victim service, advocacy, and support duties; provide a non-clinical response that is trauma-informed, gender-responsive, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented, and without prejudice to adult victims of sexual assault. Demonstrate understanding of trauma related to sexual violence and related complexities. This work involves Privacy Act and Controlled Unclassified Information and is therefore highly sensitive in nature.

Apply basic strategies for skilled communication, including developing rapport and actively listening, to provide initial victim advocacy services and crisis intervention support for adult victims of sexual assault and comply with mandated timeframes for responding to requests and completing required documents within those timeframes. Conduct mandated initial risk screening; non-clinical safety assessment and planning; and coordinate medical, legal, and civilian and military law enforcement resources to address immediate risk, safety, and supportive service needs in accordance with applicable policy, prioritizing confidentiality and informed consent. Coordinate which cases can be managed independently with the SARC, employing judgement and problem-solving skills to identify a victim's specific needs and service delivery. Accept official reports of sexual assault by assisting the victim in completing the Defense Department (DD) Form 2910 and other official Department of Defense (DoD) forms as applicable, taking sensitive care of handling personally identifiable information when it is disclosed, as well as covered communications. Ensure to communicate with the victim an understanding of the SAPR VA role in the reporting process, subsequent processes associated with their election to file a report in accordance with DoD and Service level policies and regulations and provide tailored referrals and resources as applicable. Assist the victim in prioritizing actions and identifying short and long-term options to support needs and recovery. Demonstrate expertise in offering comprehensive guidance to victims on reporting options (Restricted and Unrestricted), to include options for those not ready to report, explaining exceptions and limitations for each, and ensuring understanding of the eligibility criteria for Special Victims' Counsel (SVC). Uphold the rights and confidentiality preferences of victims consistently throughout the reporting process. Support victims when contacting appropriate offices and facilitate warm hand-offs as requested. Ensure victims of sexual assault receive information and support during administrative, medical, investigative, and legal procedures to support victim self-determination and informed decision making. Perform a series of complex assessments using trauma-informed approaches for all reports of adult sexual assault. Apply research informed practices associated with victim advocacy, social service principles, and behavioral theories to include mandatory administration of standardized risk screenings and non-clinical safety assessment(s), thoroughly addressing all presenting safety concerns through use of risk mitigation strategies and techniques, developing an individualized safety plan with each victim, and conducting ongoing needs assessments and planning to address victim safety and support needs.

Implement mandatory standardized risk screening protocols to address immediate risk and safety concerns and apply strategies to develop tailored interventions that address the needs of individual victims. Provide assistance to victims in securing medical treatment for physical and psychological injuries; safe shelter; protective orders; support before, during, and after trials; educational services; transportation; financial services; and any other services identified and requested by the victim.

Value and prioritize confidentiality and informed consent standards when advising the victim on the purpose of any information shared during each interaction, ensuring to advise the victim on the protections and exceptions to confidentiality for all covered communications, to include Restricted and Unrestricted Reporting, per Military Rules of Evidence 514 "Victim Advocate - Victim Privilege" and DoD Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program (D-SAACP) Professional Code of Ethics, and applicable guidance. Independently prepare and submit to the SARC the "Victim Advocate Recommendations to the Commander" package within 24 hours of all Unrestricted Reports being filed, which contains recommendations to the victim's Commander on immediate and ongoing care, to include any known risk and safety concerns, information about retaliation, and requirements to maintain the victim's rights, privacy/confidentiality, and safety. Inform victims of the resources available to report instances of sexual assault related retaliation, reprisal, ostracism, maltreatment, sexual harassment, or to request a transfer.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Conditions of employment

• Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
• May be required to successfully complete a trial period.
• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• Within six (6) months of appointment, must graduate from required SAPR training courses and be awarded the DoD Sexual Assault Advocate Certificate. An active D-SAACP certification must be maintained for this position.
• For all other positions requiring a security clearance (Secret or Top Secret) the applicant must possess or be able to obtain a clearance within one year of appointment.

Qualifications

THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE REPRESENTED BY THE CONTENTS OF YOUR RESUME.

Verbiage displayed on your resume or application must contain your own words. You may refer to position descriptions, i.e. the general and specialized experience located within the vacancy announcement, to assist with describing work experience. Resumes or applications received in verbatim will not be considered.

In your resume you will need to address the general and specialized experience listed below. Please use as much detail as needed, giving dates (months and years) of the experience, position title and how the experience was gained. This information is needed to determine if you are qualified for the position.

The USA Jobs resume builder is recommended to ensure full credit is given for the qualification requirements listed below. YOUR RESUME MUST BE LIMITED TO TWO PAGES, MAXIMUM.


Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: 1 year specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Experience, education or training analyzing problems, identifying significant factors, gathering pertinent data and recognizing solutions; preparing reports, plans, policies and various correspondence; evaluating objectives and develop plans to facilitate the availability and effective utilization of various social science resources. Must have knowledge of the organization and its mission and utilized the organizational staff procedures. Experience applying analytical and evaluative techniques to issues or studies concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of social science program operations carried out by administrative or professional personnel, or substantive administrative support functions.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your resume showing:

• Contact Information-your name and the best way to contact you.
• Relevant work experience-include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (month/year), the number of hours worked per week and describe how you meet the required qualifications of the job. Federal jobs should include series and grade.
• Education, certifications or licensures.

• Veteran's preference must be validated by formal submissions including all necessary supporting documentation. You MUST provide acceptable documentation of your preference or appointment eligibility WITH your application. Veteran's preference does not apply to promotion, reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer or reinstatement.Accepted documentation includes:
  1. An SF-15,

AND

1. 2. A legible copy of your DD-214 (Member 4), "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions,

OR

1. 3. A "certification" that is a written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active-duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed,

**If claiming 10-point preference you must submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces (or documentation of purple heart, if applicable).

Next steps