Duties
This position is located at the JFHQ and specified Wings in a Non-IRC Funded position. Serves as the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocate (VA) as the primary SAPR program victim assistance resource at the installation for all supported tenant commands in high concentration areas. The SAPR VA provides sexual assault victim advocacy and a non-clinical response that is trauma-informed, gender-responsive, culturally competent, and recovery-oriented. This includes accepting Restricted and Unrestricted Reports of sexual assault, providing referrals, and informing victims of their options. Advocacy support includes risk screening, ongoing non-clinical safety assessment and planning, and needs assessments for adult victims of sexual assault. The SAPR VA reports to, is supervised, and evaluated by the Supervisory Principal Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC).MAJOR
DUTIES:
Victim Advocacy and Support 75%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. Demonstrate highly adaptive application of strategies and skilled advocacy practices in identifying, establishing, and modifying victim advocacy support and assistance.
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.
Requirements
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.
- Required to obtain within 60 days of appointment to a Position of Trust and Moderate Risk; the employee must have a favorable completion and award of a Tier 3 background investigation as directed by DoD and NGB.
- Within 90 days of appointment as a National Guard SAPR Professional, even if currently D-SAACP certified, the newly appointed employee will be required to complete the NGB Joint Course.
- Required to obtain and maintain D-SAACP certification and maintain certification through meeting annual continuing education training requirements.
- HRO must complete a Screening/Rescreening Criteria Worksheet (NGB J1 ENCL A, V2.0, 09May2022) for enrollment into The NG SAPR Joint Initial Course.
Qualifications
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: 1 year specialized experience (24 Months overall 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.
Education
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position that included at least 24 semester hours of course work in the behavioral or social sciences.
or
Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field that included at least 24 semester hours of course work in the behavioral or social sciences.
or
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.
If you are using Education to qualify for this position, please ensure transcripts are included.
You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position.
Additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
1. Ability to assist victims of sexual assault and domestic violence towards the process of recovery, through advocacy and resource information.
2. Knowledge of sexual assault and family violence dynamics, local community resources, and relevant federal and state law (such as DOD SAPR or Army SHARP Programs)
3. Ability to develop and facilitate effective prevention and education trainings.
4. Ability to complete required reports/documents on incidents of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Required Documents
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.
2.
Other supporting documents: transcripts, veterans preference documentation.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.