Job Summary: Provide crisis intervention and supportive counseling to victims/survivors of sexual violence within Herkimer County. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Respond to victims and their non-offending family members at the initial reporting of alleged child sexual abuse and/or adult sexual assault.
- Provide crisis intervention, advocacy/accompaniment and information/referrals to child/adult victims and their non-offending family members throughout the initial interview, investigation and prosecution process.
- Provide supportive information in regards to the interview process; investigation process, criminal justice process and court proceedings; medical advocacy/accompaniment; and all follow-up proceedings pertaining to the allegation of child/adult sexual abuse/severe physical abuse to victims and their non-offending family members.
- Schedule and accompany on-site forensic medical exams for child sexual abuse victims.
- Refer initial on-site counseling appointments with Child Advocacy Center mental health Therapist for child/adult sexual abuse victims and their non-offending family members.
- Provide advocacy/accompaniment and support during the initial disclosure/interview and forensic medical exam to child/adult abuse victims and their non-offending family members as needed.
- Provide all necessary follow-up services as required by case circumstances to include but not limited to monthly home visits and weekly phone contacts to child/adult abuse victims and their non-offending family members.
- Participate in Child Advocacy Center meetings, MDT meetings, case reviews, case planning discussion and training as required.
- Provide progress notes detailing pertinent case related contacts and information.
- Keep caseworkers and investigators assigned to the case informed of case developments.
- Provide continuity of services and maintain appropriate case load.
- Provide on-call coverage after normal business hours, weekends and holidays.
- Provide compassion and understanding for victims and families to foster additional disclosures by victims who might go without assistance.
- Assist victims/survivors with filling out crime victim compensation application and provide follow up.
- Maintain current information on laws, policy and procedures regarding sexual violence.
- Maintain positive working relationships with multidisciplinary team, community agencies, courts, law enforcement, and medical professionals.
- Make child abuse reports to registry as appropriate.
- All other duties as assigned.
Position Specifications:Education:
- Associate's degree in Psychology, Human Development, Child Development, Social Work, Human Services, Sociology or related field preferred or 3 years of relevant experiences.
Required, Specialized, or Technical Knowledge:
- Acceptance and support of the YWCA Mission
- Ability to interact with staff, residents and/or agencies while maintaining
confidentiality
- Well organized and Flexible
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently with little or no supervision
- Ability to work with and interact with diverse populations
- Must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel
- Knowledge of Microsoft computer software.
Expectation for all Employees: Supports the organizations mission, vision and values by exhibiting the following: Þ Integrity Þ Respect Þ Commitment Þ Compassion Þ Credibility Þ Expertise Þ Teamwork Equipment Used: • Computer, fax, adding machine, telephone, voice mail, copier. Must hold a valid driver's license and insurance and be able to travel as necessary. Physical Activities: • Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, walking, grasping, talking, hearing. Physical Demands: • Sedentary work exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Visual Acuity Required: • Heavy acuity is required in this position. Work Conditions: • There is no substantial exposure to adverse environmental conditions with the exception of weather-related travel conditions.