CAC Advocate

Location: Ilion

Job Summary:

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

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• 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.

Position Specifications:

Education:

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

Required, Specialized, or Technical Knowledge:

• 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.

Expectation for all Employees:

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

Þ Integrity

Þ Respect

Þ Commitment

Þ Compassion

Þ Credibility

Þ Expertise

Þ Teamwork

Equipment Used:

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

Physical Activities:

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

Physical Demands:

• 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.

Visual Acuity Required:

• Heavy acuity is required in this position.

Work Conditions:

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