Rape Crisis Advocate

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking a Rape Crisis Advocate to support 24-hour crisis services for victims/survivors and their families. The role includes crisis intervention, advocacy in medical/legal/academic matters, safety planning, and case management throughout Hampshire County.

Under supervision, the advocate will participate in violence prevention efforts, prepare timely reports, and help in staff training.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or 2+ years of college with related coursework.
• Relevant training and experience.
• Experience providing culturally responsive services for diverse communities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to utilize common software tools (Teams, Office, Box, Google Docs).
• Driver's license and access to a vehicle.
• Bachelor's degree and 1-3 years of related experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide short-term peer counseling and crisis intervention.
• Offer medical, legal, and academic advocacy; safety planning; case management.
• Facilitate support groups and conduct outreach across Hampshire County.
• Travel to various locations to respond to crises and provide ongoing support.
• Document and report service data; coordinate with partners and stakeholders.
• Assist in training and supervision of program staff as assigned.
• Ensure compliance with privacy, reporting, and campus policies.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Multitasking

Team collaboration

Education

Associate degree or 2+ years college

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Office

Box

Google Docs

Job description

Title: Rape Crisis Advocate

Executive Area: Student Affairs & Campus Life

College/School/MBU: Advocacy, Inclusion & Sup Prog

Department: Center for Women and Community

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary Under the general supervision of Associate Director for Counseling and Rape Crisis Services, assists in the provision of services of the daily operations of 24 hour comprehensive services for victims/survivors and the family and friends of victims/survivors of sexual and relationship violence, and participates in violence prevention efforts and education to meet grant, program, and departmental goals.

This is a grant-funded position with reappointment dependent on funding availability.

Essential Functions Provides short-term peer counseling; crisis intervention; medical, legal and academic advocacy; safety planning; case management; and facilitates related support groups throughout Hampshire County. Travel to various locations throughout Hampshire County to provide immediate in-person crisis response and ongoing support, consistent with program and operational needs.

Responsibilities can include meeting and communicating with other service providers about clients.

Complies with all relevant regulations, policies, standards, and protocols including those regarding privileged communication between rape crisis counselors and victims, and mandated reporting of abuse.

Participates in the daily operations of 24-hour rape crisis services including ensuring scheduling and staffing of hotline and providing and/or scheduling back-up to ensure coverage. Participates in training and selection and can provide supervision and support to program staff.

Participates in implementation of violence prevention outreach, education, and training for diverse populations.

Maintains and completes timely reports to document accurate service data and other related administrative need such as travel, procard, etc. Generates relevant reports; participates in organizational and committee meetings; maintains positive working relationship with partners and stakeholders and provides consultation as assigned.

Other Functions Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, Executive Area/Division, and University goals and objectives.

Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements.

Demonstrates capacity, skill and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.

Works collaboratively with other campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of Student Affairs and Campus Life.

Understands responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behaves in ways consistent both with law and with University policy.

Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace defined by personal and professional competence, integrity, and collaboration.

Understands and contributes to implementation of departmental and institutional goals for achieving non-discrimination and creating a respectful, inclusive environment that is supportive of diversity.

Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public university related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.

Minimum Qualifications Associate's degree in related field or two (2) or more years of college with related coursework.

Relevant training and experience.

Experience providing culturally responsive services for diverse communities.

Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, meet time sensitive deadlines, and prioritize workload with minimal supervision.

A collaborative team approach to work, meets individual goals, and constructively provides, seeks, and implements feedback.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to utilize programs such as: Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Office, Box, and/or Google Docs.

Driver's license and access to a vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree and 1-3 years of related experience; to include counseling.

Experience working in the field of sexual and relationship violence.

Experience in one or more of the following areas: conducting training, developing curriculum, supervising staff and/or volunteers, recruitment and retention of staff, leading support groups, and/or working with teens.

Completion of Rape Crisis Counselor or Domestic Violence Counselor training through a recognized Sexual Assault or Domestic Violence agency.

Contemporary knowledge of current events, social movements, climate, and political trends broadly and those related to campus life especially. Experience working in a university setting and college communities.

Bilingual.

Additional Details Work performed in a noisy, crisis response environment

Working Conditions Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement M-F, maybe some evenings, weekends, holidays, snow days

Salary Information Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 25

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions for Applicants Upload your resume, along with your completed application. Our team will check references at the final stage of the interview process. Please be prepared to provide contact information for at least three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.