Survivor Advocate

Survivor Advocacy Center of the Finger Lakes; New York (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Survivor Advocacy Center of the Finger Lakes seeks a dedicated Survivor Advocate to provide crisis intervention, counseling, and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, trafficking, and child abuse. The role includes on-site services, community outreach, and 24/7 crisis hotline coverage on a rotating basis.

You will assess needs, coordinate access to resources, and accompany clients through legal and medical processes, ensuring trauma-informed, confidential care

Qualifications

• Active listening and empathetic communication with survivors.
• Ability to remain non-judgmental in complex situations.
• Strong written and concise verbal communication.
• Commitment to client confidentiality and safety.
• Ability to work well in a team and respond to emergencies.
• Background screening and suitability for working with vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one support and safe space for survivors.
• Maintain calm presence in crisis situations.
• Assess survivor needs and develop safety plans.
• Facilitate access to mental health, legal, and housing resources.
• Support clients through judicial and medical processes.

Skills

Active listening

Empathy

Non-judgmental

Written communication

Verbal communication

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Crisis intervention

Adaptability

Crisis response

Education

Associate degree or higher

Job description

Job Description

Overview & Summary

The Survivor Advocate provides crisis intervention, counseling, and advocacy to the survivors of, or those directly affected by: domestic/dating/intimate partner violence; sexual assault and rape; stalking; human trafficking; and child abuse. The Survivor Advocate provides comprehensive, trauma-informed care and assistance to survivors in a sensitive, respectful, and confidential manner; bringing community resources to the survivor and their family. Services are provided individually and through support groups; on-site and in community locations. This position shares in the paid rotation of after-hours hotline coverage to ensure coverage of the 24/7 crisis hotline (including accompaniment to medical services).

Duties & Responsibilities

• 1. Provide one-on-one support to survivors, offering a safe space for them to share their experiences and feelings.
• 2. Maintain a calm, steady presence in high-stress and crisis situations to effectively support and reassure survivors.
• 3. Conduct assessments to identify the needs of survivors and develop personalized support and safety plans.
• 4. Utilize crisis intervention techniques to assist individuals in immediate distress.
• 5. Facilitate access to resources such as mental health counseling, legal services, financial assistance, affordable housing, and social work support.
• 6. Implement motivational interviewing strategies to encourage resilience and empower survivors to advocate for themselves.
• 7. Mentor survivors by sharing coping strategies and life skills that promote healing and recovery and educating them on the dynamics of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, trafficking, child abuse, and bullying.
• 8. Accompany, support, and advocate for clients during the judicial and medical processes.
• 9. Respond in person to Newark Wayne Community Hospital for Sexual Assault Forensic Exams (SAFE) within 45 minutes of the request (as needed).
• 10. Collaborate with community organizations and service providers to enhance support systems for survivors.
• 11. Maintain accurate documentation of interactions and progress while adhering to confidentiality standards.
• 12. Cover the 24/7 Crisis Hotline, on a rotating basis (approximately 1 week out of every 6 weeks).
• 13. Attend ongoing trainings/conferences annually, and as assigned.
• 14. Maintain confidentiality of clients and SACFL records.
• 15. Attend agency and community meetings as scheduled.
• 16. Reliably perform all assigned duties.
• 17. Take initiative on assigned and unassigned tasks.

Education, Experience, & Skills Required

• 1. Strong interpersonal skills; including a demonstrated ability to listen actively, effectively convey complex information, maintain professional boundaries, and display compassion and empathy.
• 2. Ability to remain non-judgmental when working with all types of people and during complex situations.
• 3. A passion for serving, supporting, and empowering survivors.
• 4. Strong written skills; and clear, concise verbal telephone skills.
• 5. Ability to maintain client confidentiality.
• 6. Ability to work cooperatively as a team member.
• 7. Ability to respond effectively to unexpected situations.
• 8. Ability to work irregular hours and holidays, as assigned.
• 9. Must have an Associate’s Degree or above.
• 10. This position is subject to required background screening and a determination of suitability to work with minors and other vulnerable populations. Any employment offer will be contingent upon successful completion of all legally required screenings. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant unless applicable law, regulation, funding requirement, or governmental determination prohibits employment in the position. SACFL considers criminal-history information in accordance with applicable federal and New York State law.
• 11. Must have a valid New York State driver’s license, and the minimum auto insurance on personal vehicle (if used for work activities) that is deemed necessary in the SACFL Personnel Policy.
• 12. Upon Hiring: Completion of 40-hour NYS Rape Crisis Counselor Certification; 40-hour Domestic Violence Advocacy Training; and other trainings required by NYS, Grantors, and SACFL Training Manager.

Additional Qualifications

• 1. Knowledge of domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking, sexual assau