Duties

Summary

This position is that of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocacy (VA) Support Specialist. The SAPR VA Support Specialist works under the program oversight of the installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator for sexual assault cases and is supervised by Installation SARC. The purpose of this position is to serve as the primary initial point of contact for victims of sexual assault.
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Responsibilities

Serves on the SAPR watchbill as a primary, initial point of contact for victims of sexual assault and as an advocate for the expressed interests of victims. Assists the SARC in coordinating the services that victims receive from various agencies including medical, legal, mental health, and investigative services.

Facilitates care and provide referrals and non-clinical support to the adult victims of a sexual assault. Ensures that the victim understands that speaking with the VA is voluntary. As appropriate, thoroughly explains to the victim each of the reporting options available to him or her, including the exceptions and/or limitations on use applicable to each.

Provides information and facilitates referrals for services tailored to the client's needs and safety that may include: providing crisis intervention, imparting information about the SAPR Program and the reporting options offered to victims of sexual assault under the program, ensuring victims are informed of their rights and of the available military and civilian resources. Facilitates victim's contact with military and civilian resources, as requested by the victim. Refers victims, who do not wish to disclose their identity, to civilian resources.

Attends Sexual Assault Case Management Group (SACMG) meetings when a case is presented involving a victim with whom the SAPR VA has had contact in order to advocate the victim and to ensure the victim's needs are met.

Maintains follow-up contact with the victim as requested by the victim. Supports the victim in decision-making by providing relevant information and discussing available options. Assist the victim with prioritizing actions and establishing short- and long-term goals related to recovery from sexual assault.

Supports the victim in advocating on his or her own behalf. Assists the victim in contacting appropriate military and civilian legal offices for personal legal advice and assistance specific to the victim's circumstances or case, including the filing for civilian or military protective orders. The VA shall not provide legal advice, but may provide general information on the civil or criminal legal process.

Advises the victim of the impact of sexual assault on family members and offer referral information for family members.
Accompanies the victim to appointments and civilian and military court proceedings, as appropriate and when requested by the victim.

Consults regularly with the SARC on ongoing assistance provided. Is directly accountable to the SARC for all SAPR cases. ( Reports all victim's support services and response informa­tion to the SARC and consults with the SARC on an ongoing basis to ensure comprehensive care for victims throughout the care process.)

Assists the installation SARC with interfacing with military and civilian agencies to identify relevant resources and means of accessing appropriate services to promote availability of victim advocacy services and support systems. Assists the SARC with the development and coordination of installation SAPR prevention and public awareness campaigns and local events.

Conducts trainings on sexual assault prevention and response, as required.

Assist SARC in incident data collection and reporting requirement. Is required to capture service delivery outputs in FFSMIS.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

The candidate must exercise mature judgment and tact in that he/she represents the Navy SAPR Program in dealing with senior level officials such as Admirals, Master Chiefs, and Commanding Officers.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
None

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Must pass all applicable records and background check.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
• Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of employment.
• This is a non-critical sensitive position. Department of Navy background check authorizing ITII access must be completed and contain no convictions of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Qualifications

Resumes must include information which demonstrates experience and knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) as they relate to this position. Applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing their experience level and KSAs.
Must have the analytical ability and skill in interpersonal relationships.

The incumbent must have knowledge of the dynamics of sexual assault and victim advocacy and care. Knowledge of the military, Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Navy (DoN), and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program is preferred.

The incumbent must have the ability to understand, be sensitive to, and have empathy for victims. Ability to develop trusting helping relationships and to work effectively with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

The incumbent must have the ability to intervene in crisis situations, using sound professional judgment, ethical practice, and common sense.

The incumbent must have the ability to work cooperatively with military and civilian medical, social service, law enforcement, and legal personnel on behalf of victims.

The incumbent must be skilled in oral and written communication.

The incumbent must have the demonstrated ability to provide effective trainings and briefings, as he/she might be requested to provide these services as a support to the SARC.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

Education

**Must provide a copy of your College Transcripts (showing degree awarded/conferred) when you apply.**

Completion of a four year degree in behavioral health, social science, or criminal justice and two years of experience that demonstrates acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral health or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field

OR

an appropriate combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of knowledge and skill equivalent to that gained in the above.

Note: If your degree must be from an accredited college recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Additional information

Salary is dependent on experience and/or education.

Some positions have special requirements. Selectee may be required to complete a one (1) year probationary period. Participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment is required. We utilize E-Verify to confirm selectee's eligibility to work in the United States. Salary is dependent on experience and/or education.

This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within 60 days of issuance of selection certificate. For positions requiring travel more than twice per year, selectee may be required to obtain and maintain in good standing a Government-issued Travel Card for official government travel purposes.

Executive Order 12564 requires a Federal workplace free of illegal drugs. According to the Executive Order, all Federal employees are required to remain drug free throughout their employment. Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Command is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace. The use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and use of or intoxication by illegal drugs will result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal Service.

If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

All resumes will be reviewed to determine if they meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this announcement, and will be rated based on the information provided in the resume to determine the level of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) related to the job requirements. Using the qualifications of the position, a predetermined rating criterion of KSAs will be used for each resume. Best qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager. The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Secret

Drug test required
No

Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

The following documents are required at the time of application:

• OF 306 : U.S. Office of Personnel Management Declaration for Federal Employment
• A résumé
• If current Federal Employee: provide a copy of your most recent Personnel Action Report (PAR)/SF-50 and evaluation report
If claiming Military Spouse Preference (MSP): provide a copy of the sponsor's Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders and marriage certificate
• If claiming Veterans Preference (VP): provide a copy of your DD-214, Member-4 page
• If claiming Department of Defense (DOD) Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) Business Based Action (BBA) Priority consideration, submit a copy of the notice of separation