Clarification from the agency

This is a Title 5 excepted position. This job announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies for additional positions vacated during the job bid process. IAW UTNGR 690-12 dated AUG 2022, Priority will be given to all current, onboard employees of the UTNG. This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program and Veterans Preference.

Major Duties: This is not an all-inclusive list

As a SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION RESPONSE VICTIM ADVOCATE (SAPR VA) (TITLE 5), GS-0101-11, you will:

• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• Collaborate and consult with other SAPR personnel in the state to ensure efficient service delivery, manage caseloads, and meet reporting requirements.
• Demonstrate proactive awareness of vicarious trauma and support efforts to address and build individual and organizational resilience.
• Facilitate the planning, scheduling, and delivery of SAPR training for diverse stakeholders and local populations, covering SAPR policies, procedures, reporting options, and other pertinent topics delegated by the Supervisory Principal SARC in compliance with DoD and Service policy.
• Locate and reserve training sites for SAPR annual training and briefs, to include the coordination of audio-visual support and equipment and that necessary training materials are present. Record training attendance, disseminate, collect, and support analysis of course evaluations, coordinate guest speakers, and support marketing and communication efforts.
• Successfully complete DoD-approved training and professional development to stay informed about best practices and emerging issues and maintain D-SAACP certification.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Conditions of employment

• Must be a US Citizen.
• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• Pending analysis, you may be required to complete a new 1-year probationary period when moved to this position IAW CNGBI 1400.25.
• This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program.
• Potential for incentive pay.
• Within 60 days, the employee must have a favorable completion and award of a Tier 3 background investigation and continuously maintain as directed by DoD and NGB to conduct duties and responsibilities as a SAPR Professional.
• Additional checks will be performed on a recurring basis.
• Incumbents are required to self-report civilian arrests, the filing of criminal charges, and/or convictions of any criminal offense to their supervisors and security office.
• 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.
• Incumbent must maintain an active D-SAACP certification in accordance with (IAW) Section 584 of Public Law 112-81 and DoD Instruction (DoDI) 6495.03 as a condition of employment.
• Failure to maintain certification may result in disciplinary and/or adverse action up to removal from federal service.
• Facilitate the planning, scheduling, and delivery of SAPR training for diverse stakeholders and local populations.
• Establish and maintain connections with internal and external stakeholders, including law enforcement, legal professionals, healthcare providers, Chaplains, Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce members, leaders, and community organizations.
• Must be able to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends, and holidays, on an on-call or rotational basis.
• This position may require temporary duty (TDY) business travel up to 25% of the time.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and have the ability to operate a motor vehicle should the need arise.
• May require travel by car, in military and/or commercial aircraft, and by other means of transportation as appropriate to perform temporary duty assignments.
• The employee may be subject to random drug testing.
• This is an Essential Personnel position and may be subject to a maximum of 14 days of duty per year in preparation for, or in response to, a state emergency or disaster declaration.

Qualifications

*Your resume must reflect in detail how the duties and responsibilities under each position you have held with each employer meets the below listed general and specialized experience required for the position.

**Must include beginning and ending dates of employment stated as MM/YYYY; and total hours worked per week in order to determine part time vs. full time credit.

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
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.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
Have least 1 year specialized experience as a GS-0101-09? Must submit SF 50 to validate experience.

OR
Have experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge of DoD or other government agency's programs in regard to sexual assault, domestic abuse, victim advocacy reporting options, directives, regulations, and/or implementing guidance, including:

• Knowledge of the DoD and Service-specific programs and structure, along with local, state, and federal laws; and military regulations, policies, and executive orders pertaining to sexual assault victim advocacy.
• Diverse knowledge of accepted practices and procedures associated with victim advocacy, social services delivery systems, principles, and behavioral theories relating to victim advocacy, sexual assault, and other acts of interpersonal violence.
• Ability to reach independent and authoritative conclusions as to appropriate actions needed to provide crisis intervention support and assess victims' needs, safety, and levels of risk in serious and complicated circumstances.
• Comprehensive knowledge of essential support and advocacy services, liaison resources, community networks, and best practices for aiding victims of sexual assault, adhering to established procedures.
• Proficiency in data entry, organization, report preparation, and information development to ensure effective handling and utilization of information related to victim advocacy.
• Knowledge of training and education techniques to implement and deliver sexual assault training and brief installation leadership, other SAPR VAs, first responders, and other stakeholders on the policies, practices, procedures, issues, and concerns associated with sexual assault and victim advocacy.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with all levels of management, staff, and military personnel and their families.
• Expertise in applying varied methods of sexual assault victim advocacy, including crisis intervention, situational assessment, and needs analysis to provide tailored support and assistance and evaluate safety and levels of risk.
• Demonstrated skill in employing tact and diplomacy in challenging and sensitive scenarios; fostering productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders; and establishing effective partnerships to identify, modify, and deliver victim support and assistance.
• Ability to develop trusting relationships within the scope of supporting sexual assault victims. This may include cultivating relationships with stakeholders in and outside of the SAPR program.
• Skill in providing culturally informed services that empower marginalized individuals and adapt support strategies to align with the cultural, social, and personal contexts of each victim.
• Possess comprehensive knowledge of on-installation and off- installation resources within the direct geographical region to offer each victim tailored comprehensive referrals to SAPR services. This includes, but is not limited to, victim advocacy, legal services, and medical/mental health support services. Knowledge level requires an understanding what military and civilian resources are available, what each resource can provide for the victim, and limitations and/or exceptions to services available, confidentiality that may apply to each resource.
• Knowledge of the duties, priorities, commitments, policies, and program goals of the SAPR program sufficient to provide available and appropriate resources.
• Ability to define scope and parameter of the SAPR VA role to empower victims from initial response to termination of the professional relationship.

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.

Category Rating: Your application will be evaluated and rated under Category Rating selection procedures. Once the application process is complete, a review of your qualifications will be conducted to determine if you are qualified for this job. Qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The quality categories are:

1. Highly Qualified: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements for this position.
2. Well Qualified: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements for this position.
3. Qualified: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements for this position.

Your rating will be based on both your entire application package as well as the responses to the assessment questionnaire. Please note that if, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your category rating can and will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid work on the same basis as for paid experience. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. To receive credit for such experience you must indicate clearly the nature of the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the number of hours per week spent in such employment.

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

1. Resume: Resumes are limited to two-pages, information. Applicants submitting a resume that exceeds the two-page limit will not be eligible for consideration.

For each relevant work experience, make sure you include:
- Job Title and Employer (including series and grade for any Federal positions)
- Start and end dates with month/year (e.g., 05/2019 - 08/2022)
- The number of hours you worked per week

Ensure work experience descriptions are aligned with the job announcement and address all required qualifications. Brief descriptions should demonstrate your ability to perform the tasks at the required level as stated in the job announcement.

When relevant or required for the position, include your possession of education/ certification/license and provide any required documentation such as transcripts, and/or details (type and date) of certifications and/or licenses.
- Education information should include:
o Name of school/institution
o Completion date
o Degree type
o Cumulative Grade point average (GPA)

When relevant, include:
- Current Security Clearance
- Job-related training
- Language skills
- Organizations and affiliations
- Professional publications
- Eligibility for special programs (e.g., military spouses, individuals with disabilities, etc.)

Helpful Hints for Creating a Two-Page Resume
Prioritize most relevant and recent experience.
Use concise, results focused language.
Align language from the job announcement.
Focus on demonstrating skills and competencies.
Remove outdated or unrelated experience.

2. Other supporting documents:

• Applicable documents required for qualification, education, or certification as stated above.
• Must provide transcripts for education requirements.

Failure to provide all the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

3. Qualifying Veteran's Preference documents, if you possess them (DD Form 214, VA Disability Letter, SF15)

NOTE: NOT ALL VETERANS QUALIFY FOR VETERAN'S PREFERENCE. To be eligible for Veteran's Preference, the applicant must meet specific qualifying criteria. The list of qualifying criteria that can be found at the following link:
OPM Guide: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals/

Veteran's Preference eligibility must be validated. The applicant must ensure all required documentation is submitted.
Note: Any alterations in the shaded areas render the DD-214 void.

Acceptable documentation may be:

• If claiming TP: You must submit a copy of your DD Form 214, "Certificate of Release or discharge from Active Duty". The DD Form 214 must reflect dates of service, Character of Service as Honorable or under honorable conditions, and must indicate that you were awarded an authorized campaign medal.
• If claiming CP or CPS: You must submit a copy of your DD Form 214 and a Disability Letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The DD 214 must reflect dates of service, and Character of Service as Honorable, or under Honorable conditions. The Letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs must reflect your disability rating (0 to 100%) for preference eligibility. (You may obtain one by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online at VA.gov. You will need to submit a Standard Form, SF-15, "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference".)
• If claiming XP: VETERAN: You must submit a copy of your DD Form 214, and a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your disability or documentation showing you are awarded the Purple Heart. SPOUSE: Submit veteran's DD Form 214, a letter from the Department of Veteran's Affairs indicating veteran is 100% disabled or unemployable, or a documentation indicating veteran retired, was separated, or resigned from civil service on the basis on service-connected disability. You will need to submit a Standard Form, SF-15, "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference". Note: preference is not awarded if the veteran is living and is qualified for Federal Employment.

Next steps