Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate; DAVA

Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate (DAVA) Position Overview

The Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate (DAVA) plays a critical role in supporting military members and their families s position is focused on addressing family maltreatment through proactive education, community awareness, and direct victim advocacy. The DAVA serves as a primary resource for victims, providing comprehensive intervention services and navigating the unique complexities of the military healthcare and family advocacy systems.

• Victim Advocacy: Provide immediate and ongoing advocacy services to victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault, ensuring they are informed of their rights and available resources.
• Crisis Intervention: Deliver support and comprehensive intervention services to individuals and families experiencing maltreatment.
• Education & Outreach: Participate in the development and delivery of education and awareness programs designed to prevent family maltreatment within the military community.
• Case Coordination: Work closely with the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) and other multidisciplinary teams to ensure a coordinated response to reports of domestic abuse.
• Referral Services: Connect clients with medical, legal, and social services both on and off-base, maintaining a professional network of support resources.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Social Work, Psychology, Marriage/Family/Child Counseling, Counseling, Behavioral Science, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of two years of direct experience assisting and providing advocacy services to victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault.
• Certification: Must obtain the Basic Advocate credential via the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP) with a designation of Comprehensive Intervention Specialist within six months of hire.
• Compliance: Ability to work within a federal contracting environment and meet the background requirements for access to a military installation.

• Communication: Exceptional oral and written communication skills for sensitive client interactions and inter-agency reporting.
• Military Cultural
  
  Competency:
  
  Understanding of the unique challenges faced by military families and the structure of the Air Force Family Advocacy Program is a plus.
• Professional Ethics: Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality and ethical standards when handling sensitive family maltreatment cases.