Victim Advocate (SAPR) Job in Sasebo Naval Base, Japan

Vacancy No. FFR24-0277D Department Commander, Navy Installations
Salary $62,107.00 to $80,737.00 Grade 4 to 4
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/23/2024 Close Date 12/30/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Sasebo Naval Base, Japan


Summary

This position is that of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocate at Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan. The purpose of this position is to serve as the primary initial point of contact for victims of sexual assault.
***ACCESS TO MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE IN JAPAN IS EXTREMELY LIMITED. Please see Additional Information section below.***

Duties

  • Serves as a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocate (VA), facilitating care and providing non-clinical support to adult victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment.
  • Assesses safety concerns, inform victims of available reporting options and resources, encourage self advocacy, establish short and long-term goals for sexual assault recovery, and facilitate referrals.
  • Serves as an advocate for the expressed interests of victims with all intervening agencies to include law enforcement, medical, and legal.
  • Explains the restricted and unrestricted reporting options available to a victim, including the exceptions and/or limitations for victims' privileges under Military Rules of Evidence 514, and their rights and responsibilities as a victim.
  • Conducts risk assessments of victims to determine their immediate needs, and evaluate safety concerns and levels of risk.
  • Accompanies victims to appointments, investigator interviews, and civilian and military court proceedings, as appropriate and when requested by the victim.
  • Assists the installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) in the development and delivery of comprehensive sexual harassment training.
  • Captures service delivery outputs in the Fleet and Family Services Management Information System (FFSMIS).
  • Provides 24/7 support by serving on the SAPR watch bill.
  • Assists the SARC in coordinating the services that victims receive from various agencies including medical, legal, mental health, and investigative services.
  • Facilitates care to include crisis intervention, when necessary and provide referrals and non-clinical support to the adult victims of sexual assault.
  • Thoroughly explains to the victim each of the reporting options available to him or her, including the exceptions or limitations on use applicable to each, while ensuring victims are informed of their rights.
  • Maintains appropriate follow-up contact and assist the victim with prioritizing actions and establishing short- and long-term goals related to recovery from sexual assault.
  • Consults regularly with the SARC and is directly accountable to the SARC for all SAPR cases.
  • Attends the monthly Sexual Assault Case Management Group (SACMG) meetings in order to advocate on behalf of the victim and to ensure the victim's needs are met.
  • Assists the SARC with the development and coordination of installation SAPR prevention and public awareness campaigns and local events.
  • Conducts training on sexual assault prevention and response, as required.
  • Assists the SARC in incident data collection and reporting requirements.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a US Citizen.
  • Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
  • Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain a current valid driver's license.
  • Must meet federal suitability requirements such as successful completion of background investigation and obtain/maintain a Secret Security Clearance (T3). Failure to obtain/maintain the required level of clearance may result in job offer withdrawal.
  • Must complete, obtain, and maintain Defense Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program (D-SAACP) certification.
  • Must comply with DoD Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program (D-SAACP) policy guidelines and complete initial and ongoing certification training requirements.
  • This position may require travel from normal duty station to CONUS and OCONUS and may include remote or isolated sites. You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods of time.
  • A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any scheduled appointments.

Qualifications


In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 or NF-04 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
  • Experience providing non-clinical support to adult victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment;
  • Experience applying primary prevention principles, sexual assault dynamics, and local social services delivery systems, concepts, principles and theories and community resources for sexual assault, victim advocacy, and the prevention and response to provide one-one-one victim advocacy assistance and information to sexual assault victims;
  • Experience working with military and civilian medical, social service, law enforcement and legal personnel on behalf of sexual assault victims;
  • Experience using software applications, such as Microsoft Office suite to enter, collect and organize data, prepare reports, compose written reports and develop information;
  • Experience employing interpersonal skills and professional, verbal, and written communication methods and techniques to build trust and develop supportive relationships with military personnel and families of diverse backgrounds (racial, ethnic, religious, socioeconomic), sexual orientation, and gender identities;
  • Experience employing various methods and techniques typical of a sexual harassment victim advocate program, including crisis intervention, situational assessment, and analyzing the needs of the victim to provide support and/or assistance to them in the resolution of complex problems; AND
  • Experience using virtual video conferencing and training platforms, and various training methods and techniques to develop and deliver presentations and training.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-PROFhttps://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/social-science-series-0101/Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

Education

Applicants must meet the following positive education qualifications requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual: Applicants must possess:

Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

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.

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.

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: Applicants may substitute the following education for the required experience, provided it demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of the position: Successful completion of a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a related discipline appropriate to the position or Successful completion of 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be combined to meet the total qualification requirements. NOTE: You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating. Are you using your education to qualify? For positions requiring positive education requirements, or if you are using education to meet all or part of the qualification requirements, you must submit a copy of your transcripts or an itemized list of college courses which includes equivalent information from the transcript (course title, semester/quarter hours, and grade/degree earned).Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the qualification requirements if the applicant can provide documentation indicating that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide such evidence when applying for further information, visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Additional information

  • Employees (and their family members) who require medical or dental care in Japan may experience severe limitations accessing medical care both on the military installation and the local economy, and also could incur costly medical expenses.
  • Return rights for current employees must be negotiated with the losing command. Candidates not associated with the Department of Defense are ineligible for return rights.
  • Some positions have special requirements.
  • Selection may be tentative pending the completion of the satisfactory employment reference checks and receipt of proof of education (where applicable).
  • Selectee may be required to complete a one (1) year probationary period.
  • Participation in the Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer is required. Salary is commensurate with experience and/or education.
  • Selectees initially recruited from the United States or who are already on a Transportation Agreement will be entitled to transportation and moving costs for themselves and their family members. Household goods may be shipped and a housing allowance is paid to cover monthly housing and utility costs.
  • Compensation includes base pay, a Post Allowance which is a non-taxable (federal) allowance based on the Japanese yen exchange rate, and a Living Quarters Allowance sufficient to pay for a housing unit within close proximity of the Naval base. You may also ship or store your household goods. These and other benefits are available to those personnel hired on an overseas transportation agreement.
  • The Department of the Navy (DON) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, reprisal, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factor. The DON provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities who believe they may require reasonable accommodation(s) should email their request to ffr_nafrecruitment@us.navy.mil to ensure proper consideration is given.

Benefits

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.


Applicants with minimum qualifications will have one of the following:

  • A four-year degree or higher from an accredited college or university in behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR
  • Have at least four (4) years of appropriate experience demonstrated to represent acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. OR
  • Have an equivalent combination of education and specialized experience. (Equivalent combination is described here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/generalschedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-PROF)
Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be further evaluated for:
  • Possession of at least one (1) year of specialized experience in victim assistance or advocacy within either the military or the civilian sector.
  • Years of experience with military or civilian Sexual Assault Prevention and Response programs
  • Experience providing victim advocacy services to victims of sexual assault
  • Experience providing training or briefings
All resumes will be reviewed to determine if they meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this announcement and will be rated based on the information provided in the resume to determine the level of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) related to the job requirements. Using the qualifications of the position, a predetermined rating criterion of KSAs will be used for each resume. Best qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager. The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews.

Required Documents

The following documents are required at the time of application:

  • Resume
  • Proof of education/training: provide a copy of your awarded/conferred college transcript(s), if degree hasn't been conferred provide copy of HS Diploma, GED, or equivalent
  • If claiming Department of Defense (DOD) Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) Business Based Action (BBA) priority consideration: provide a copy of the notice of separation.
  • If claiming Military or Family Member Preference and/or Proof of SOFA Status: provide a copy of PCS orders and Family Entry Approval (Military) or Sponsor's Letter of Employment (Civilian).
  • If claiming Veteran's Preference: provide a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and any supporting documentation (SF-15, V.A. disability letter, proof of service, etc.).
  • If a current or former Federal Employee: provide a copy of your most recent Personnel Action Report (PAR) or SF-50.

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.

How to Apply

To be considered for this vacancy you must apply and complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/30/2024 to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application.

You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12653748

It is your responsibility to ensure your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date.

Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Applicant

To verify or check the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account. Once logged in, the Welcome screen lists your applications, your application status and the date it was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status

DON is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, reprisal, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factor. The DON provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities who believe they may require reasonable accommodation(s) should email their request to MILL_HQ_NAF_HR.FCT@navy.mil to ensure proper consideration is given.

Agency contact information

CNRJ NAF Human Resources
Address
Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo
CNRJ NAF HRO (N941)
PSC 473 Box 12
FPO, AP 96349-0001
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Using the required qualifications of the position, a standardized rating and ranking criteria of knowledge, skills, and abilities will be used to screen and assess each application.

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Times may vary during the hiring process, as your application status updates/changes you will be notified with a notification letter via email. Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., Spam Blocker, etc.), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

All applicants will be notified regarding their status by email. Applicants will either be contacted for an interview or sent an email of non-selection 3-6 weeks after the announcement closing date.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.