Victim Advocate

Victim Advocate - Victim Advocates provide services to prevent domestic abuse through advocacy, education, training, and awareness programs educating Soldiers, Family members, and Army civilians under the Army Family Advocacy Program (FAP). Victim advocates also provide support with Emergency Placement Care (EPC). EPC program falls under FAP and provides placement and oversight for eligible children in an EPC Family home who cannot be cared for by their natural Family or legal guardian.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Must be able to participate in an on-call rotation schedule responding to incidents of domestic abuse and Emergency Placement Care (EPC) coordination and communicate understanding, sensitivity, and empathy for victims and non-abuse parent/guardian when handling victim cases.
• Effectively communicate with victims, develop trusting helping relationships.
• Work effectively with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Intervene in crisis situations exercising careful judgement, applying flexibility and innovative problem solving, and taking appropriate precautions to protect the welfare of those to whom they provide services under the guiding principle of "do no harm."
• Work independently to assess risk, develop, implement, and evaluate safety and intervention plans to meet victim needs.
• Operate within guidelines of the U.S. Army's Family Advocacy Program, Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate Program.
• Conduct briefings to small and large groups of civilians, Soldiers, and Commanders.
• Work cooperatively with Army Community Services and Family Advocacy Program staff, military, and civilian medical, social service, law enforcement, and legal personnel on behalf of victims.
• Educate installation personnel on the most effective responses and resources for domestic abuse on behalf of victims and at-risk family members.

Required Education/Experience

• Must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited school in social work, psychology, marriage, family and child counseling, counseling or behavioral science, education, community health or public health.
• Must have a minimum of two years' experience providing comprehensive assistance and support to victims of domestic abuse.
• Must have a minimum of two years' experience working with a military or civilian social service agency serving military families.
• Must have a minimum of one (1) year of EPC Coordination experience in working with a military Family Support Center; or civilian social service agency serving military Families.
• Thorough knowledge of Family violence dynamics, trauma informed advocacy services, environmental stressors, safety planning, risk assessments, local community resources, and federal and state laws pertaining to domestic abuse, Family law and the Victim Rights Bill

Minimum Required Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of military personnel automation systems and PC and possess good analytical skills, time management, and be an independent thinker.
• Ability to conduct briefings to small and large groups of civilians Soldiers and Commanders; ability to work cooperatively with military and civilian medical, social service, law enforcement, and legal personnel on behalf of victims; and ability to educate personnel on the installation regarding the most effective responses to domestic abuse on behalf of victims and at-risk family members.
• Experience working independently to assess risk, develop, implement, and evaluate safety and intervention plans to meet victim's needs.
• Prior military experience or experience with military programs.
• Must be familiar with U.S. Army rank structure and military culture.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with others, both in person and/or by telephone to conduct business.
• Travel will be required as needed.
• Experience with Microsoft Suite programs.
• You must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be able to pass a background check.
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate fluently in English.
• Must have strong listening skills and strong organizational skills.
• Must possess a current and valid driver's license.

Preferred Experience

• Victim Advocacy Certification