Sexual Assault Services Specialist

YWCA USA; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Coverage

EAP

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Pension Plan

403(b) Plan

Paid Time Off

11 Holidays

Job summary

YWCA Greater Harrisburg seeks a full-time Sexual Assault Services Specialist to coordinate and provide expert advocacy for survivors. The role includes trauma-informed screening, crisis intervention, safety planning, hospital-based response, and ongoing support, with emphasis on survivor autonomy and confidentiality.

Requirements include a Bachelor's in human services or related field (or an Associate's with 2 years experience), experience with survivors, strong communication, collaboration with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human services, criminal justice, or related field; or an Associate's Degree with 2 years of relevant experience.
• 2 years experience working with survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, trauma, or related human-services populations strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of sexual violence, trauma responses, victim rights, advocacy, safety planning, and community resources.
• Ability to build trusting relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Strong communication, crisis-response, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate with hospitals, law enforcement, courts, community providers, and multidisciplinary partners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and support survivor-directed decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the program's primary specialized resource for sexual assault services and survivor response.
• Provide individualized, trauma-informed advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referral, and ongoing support to survivors of sexual violence.
• Help ensure that clients are appropriately screened for sexual violence and connected to specialized services when identified.
• Maintain contact with sexual assault survivors and coordinate services across advocacy, counseling, medical, legal, and community systems.
• Provide hospital-based sexual assault response and accompaniment, including support before, during, and after forensic care when requested.
• Coordinate warm referrals and follow-up with counseling, legal advocacy, medical services, law enforcement, victim services, and other resources.
• Develop and maintain relationships with hospitals and community partners; participate in case consultations and quality-improvement activities.

Skills

Crisis response

Trauma-informed practice

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services, criminal justice, or related field

Associate's Degree with 2 years of relevant experience

Job description

The YWCA Greater Harrisburg is seeking a full-time professional to join our team as a Sexual Assault Services Specialist. This position serves as the primary point of coordination and specialized expertise for sexual assault services within the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program. The Specialist ensures appropriate screening for sexual violence, provides specialized advocacy and ongoing support to sexual assault survivors, coordinates continuity of services, and provides hospital-based sexual assault response. The successful candidate will bring a strong commitment to survivor autonomy, empowerment, confidentiality, and trauma-informed practice, along with the ability to respond calmly and compassionately to individuals experiencing crisis.

Position Details

• Starting Salary $24/hr.
• Please note that this position comes with compensated on-call responsibilities.
• Working hours are 37.5 hours per week.
• Monday - Friday 8am-4pm

Responsibilities Of The Position

• Serve as the program's primary specialized resource for sexual assault services and survivor response.
• Provide individualized, trauma-informed advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referral, and ongoing support to survivors of sexual violence.
• Help ensure that clients entering Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault services are appropriately screened for sexual violence and connected to specialized services when identified.
• Provide continuity of care by maintaining contact with sexual assault survivors and helping coordinate services across advocacy, counseling, medical, legal, and community systems.
• Provide hospital-based sexual assault response and accompaniment, including support before, during, and following medical forensic care when requested.
• Assist survivors in understanding their rights, options, and available resources while supporting survivor autonomy and informed decision-making.
• Coordinate warm referrals and follow-up with counseling, legal advocacy, medical services, law enforcement, victim services, and other community resources.
• Work collaboratively with other DV/SA advocates and counselors to strengthen the program's response to survivors experiencing both domestic and sexual violence.
• Provide consultation and support to program staff regarding sexual assault screening, response, referrals, and survivor engagement.
• Participate in case consultation, peer case review, and ongoing quality-improvement activities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with hospitals, community partners, and other systems that interact with sexual assault survivors.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation in accordance with program, funder, and organizational requirements.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in human services, criminal justice, or related field; or an Associate's Degree with 2 years of relevant experience.
• 2 years experience working with survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, trauma, victimization, or related human-services populations strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of sexual violence, trauma responses, victim rights, advocacy, safety planning, and community resources.
• Ability to build trusting relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Strong communication, crisis-response, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with hospitals, law enforcement, courts, community providers, and multidisciplinary partners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and support survivor-directed decision-making.
• Ability to travel to local hospitals and other community locations as required by the position.
• Must have a reliable vehicle for travel within Dauphin and Perry Counties with a valid Driver's License.
  • Please note: Vehicle is for transportation of employee only - no client transport.
  • Mileage is reimbursed.
• Must possess current FBI, Child Abuse, and State Police Clearances.

Why You'll Love Working With Us – Check Out Our Awesome Benefits!

• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you healthy
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Because your well-being matters
• Life Insurance – Peace of mind for you and your loved ones
• Short & Long-Term Disability – We've got your back when life takes an unexpected turn
• Pension Retirement Plan – Start earning a pension after just two short years of service
• 403(b) Retirement Plan – Begin contributing on day one to secure your financial future
• Generous Paid Time Off – Recharge with paid time off days and sick days
• 11 Paid Holidays – Extra time to relax, celebrate, and enjoy what matters most