CAC Advocate

Job Summary:

Provide crisis intervention and supportive counseling to victims/survivors of sexual violence within Herkimer County.

• Respond to victims and their non-offending family members at the initial reporting of alleged child sexual abuse and/or adult sexual assault.
• Provide crisis intervention, advocacy/accompaniment and information/referrals to child/adult victims and their non-offending family members throughout the initial interview, investigation and prosecution process.
• Provide supportive information in regards to the interview process; investigation process, criminal justice process and court proceedings; medical advocacy/accompaniment; and all follow-up proceedings pertaining to the allegation of child/adult sexual abuse/severe physical abuse to victims and their non-offending family members.
• Schedule and accompany on-site forensic medical exams for child sexual abuse victims.
• Refer initial on-site counseling appointments with Child Advocacy Center mental health Therapist for child/adult sexual abuse victims and their non-offending family members.
• Provide advocacy/accompaniment and support during the initial disclosure/interview and forensic medical exam to child/adult abuse victims and their non-offending family members as needed.
• Provide all necessary follow-up services as required by case circumstances to include but not limited to monthly home visits and weekly phone contacts to child/adult abuse victims and their non-offending family members.
• Participate in Child Advocacy Center meetings, MDT meetings, case reviews, case planning discussion and training as required.
• Provide progress notes detailing pertinent case related contacts and information.
• Keep caseworkers and investigators assigned to the case informed of case developments.
• Provide continuity of services and maintain appropriate case load.
• Provide on-call coverage after normal business hours, weekends and holidays.
• Provide compassion and understanding for victims and families to foster additional disclosures by victims who might go without assistance.
• Assist victims/survivors with filling out crime victim compensation application and provide follow up.
• Maintain current information on laws, policy and procedures regarding sexual violence.
• Maintain positive working relationships with multidisciplinary team, community agencies, courts, law enforcement, and medical professionals.
• Make child abuse reports to registry as appropriate.
• All other duties as assigned.

• Associate's degree in Psychology, Human Development, Child Development, Social Work, Human Services, Sociology or related field preferred or 3 years of relevant experiences.

• Acceptance and support of the YWCA Mission
• Ability to interact with staff, residents and/or agencies while maintaining

confidentiality

• Well organized and Flexible
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision
• Ability to work with and interact with diverse populations
• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel
• Knowledge of Microsoft computer software.

Supports the organizations mission, vision and values by exhibiting the following:

Integrity

Respect

Commitment

Compassion

Credibility

Expertise

Teamwork

Computer, fax, adding machine, telephone, voice mail, copier. Must hold a valid driver's license and insurance and be able to travel as necessary.

Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, walking, grasping, talking, hearing.

Sedentary work exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

Heavy acuity is required in this position.

There is no substantial exposure to adverse environmental conditions with the exception of weather-related travel conditions.