Sexual Assault Advocate

Sexual Assault Advocate

Organized by Suncoast Center, Inc.

Position:
Full‑time, 40 hours per week, Monday‑Friday 8:00 am—5:00 pm with 30‑minute unpaid lunch. No remote work. Flexible schedule for after‑hours exams and on‑call rotation.

• Advocate on behalf of victims/survivors of sexual violence through crisis intervention, support at forensic exams, and legal advocacy.
• Provide in‑person crisis counseling and 24‑hour crisis hotline advocacy.
• Offer information and follow‑up services to promote recovery and healing.
• Support survivors during SAVE exams and After Care clinic exams.
• Participate in after‑hours on‑call rotation for backup advocacy, in‑person and by telephone.
• Organize, maintain and facilitate support groups for primary and secondary survivors.
• Assist with filing Crime Victim Compensation claims.
• Accompany survivors to meetings, court or medical appointments.
• Provide follow‑up contact and assistance by telephone and in‑person.
• Coordinate with other crime victim programs as needed.
• Provide information and referrals to external and internal programs.
• Maintain client files and documentation per agency standards.
• Facilitate forensic evidence storage and turnover to law enforcement.
• Attend outreach events, Sexual Assault Awareness Month events, SART meetings, community committees, and task forces.
• Assist in exam‑room oversight according to OSHA guidelines.
• Participate in staff development, quality assurance meetings, and training.
• Maintain professional conduct and relationships with community professionals.
• Adhere to Suncoast Center policies, Ethics, Supervision, Confidentiality, Safety, Security, HIPAA, and HIPAA training.
• Complete ACT Trained Advocate training (30‑hour Florida Council training) and annual ACT recertification (8 hours).
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree (preferred in a social services related field).
• Minimum one year of employment or volunteer experience in direct client services.
• 21 years of age or older.

• Knowledge of trauma dynamics and impact of domestic and sexual violence.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative community relationships.
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Computer and technical skills sufficient to perform responsibilities and train others.
• Demonstrated appreciation for and ability to connect with diverse populations.
• Emotional maturity and effective teamwork with multiple organizations.
• Flexible hours, some evenings, and on‑call readiness.
• Commitment to ethical standards and excellence.

• Negative drug screening prior to and during employment.
• Clear criminal background check, annually, per Florida and local requirements.
• Valid Florida driver’s license and compliance with vehicle requirements.
• Compliance with Florida Laws and Administrative Codes (fingerprinting, moral character).
• Drug‑free workplace; comply with state and federal marijuana laws.
• Screening through the Clearinghouse per House Bill 531 (2025).

On‑site work in the community. Must have valid Florida driver's license, personal automobile insurance, and acceptable driving record. Full‑time schedule with flexible hours as needed.