Sexual Assault Services Specialist

YWCA Greater Harrisburg; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Coverage

Employee Assistance Program

Life Insurance

Disability (Short & Long-Term)

Pension Retirement Plan

403(b) Retirement Plan

Generous PTO & Holidays

Job summary

YWCA Greater Harrisburg seeks a full‑time Sexual Assault Services Specialist to coordinate specialized services for survivors and provide trauma‑informed advocacy, crisis response, and ongoing support. The role includes hospital-based response, safety planning, and cross-system coordination within Dauphin and Perry Counties.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate survivor‑centered practice, confidentiality, and strong collaboration with hospitals, law enforcement, and community partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree with relevant experience.
• 2 years experience with survivors of sexual assault or related populations preferred.
• Knowledge of sexual violence, trauma responses, victim rights, advocacy, safety planning, and community resources.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary specialized resource for sexual assault services and survivor response.
• Provide trauma-informed advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, information/referral, and ongoing support to survivors.
• Ensure proper screening for sexual violence and connect clients to specialized services.

Skills

Trauma-informed practice

Crisis intervention

Advocacy

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services OR criminal justice

Associate's Degree + 2 years experience

Job description

The YWCA Greater Harrisburg is seeking a full-time professional to join our team as aSexual Assault Services Specialist.

This positionserves 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; oran 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