Position Summary

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay brings help, hope and healing to people facing serious life challenges or trauma resulting from sexual assault or abuse, domestic violence, financial distress, substance abuse, medical emergency, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems.

The Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Volunteer provides crisis intervention, emotional support, and advocates for survivors of sexual assault. The Victim Advocate Volunteer will provide resources and community referrals. The Victim Advocate Volunteer reports to the Manager of Advocacy and in his/her absence the Director of Sexual Assault Services.

Strategic/Transformational Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional customer service as an advocate to clients who experienced trauma from sexual assault or abuse in a safe, courteous and professional manner.
• Participate in the performance quality improvement (PQI) process, and uses data to improve client services and outcomes.

Transactional/Administrative Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive victim services to all clients requesting advocacy.
• Respond to sexual assault exams 24/7, when scheduled, within 1 hours’ notice.
• Commit to volunteering for four on-call shifts a month
• Empower clients with developing a safety plan and provide information and referral as needed for resources
• Coordinate services for survivors with law enforcement, medical staff, and other systems
• Provide community outreach to increase awareness and access to services with an emphasis on minority and underserved populations.
• Attend volunteer meetings on a quarterly basis and one on one supervision as needed with the Lead Advocate
• Have knowledge of State of Florida Laws and Statutes and policies affecting victims’ rights.
• Maintain updated information for Hillsborough County resources.
• Have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures of the Crisis Center and all partnering agencies.
• Complete all trainings required by the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and The Florida Council Against Sexual Violence within the designated time period.

Required Competencies

Adaptability *Remains open-minded and adjusting one’s behavior in light of changing conditions; Managing transition between tasks well and adapts to shifting priorities; Facilitating others’ ability to flex and refocus in light of changing conditions or priorities.

Cooperation / Teamwork *A desire to accomplish together what you cannot accomplish alone; respecting all views and leveraging each other’s skills and experiences; working in the best interest of the team in the pursuit of common goals.

Customer Service *Both internal and external, listens and respects all customers’ opinions and ideas and maintains appropriate professional boundaries. Demonstrating concern for the needs and expectations of customers and making them a high priority; Responding effectively to customer questions and needs in a timely manner. Building strong relationships of trust with customers.

Engaging Communication *Ability to shape communication so as to draw favorable attention of and meet the needs of the audience; Conveying ideas and opinions clearly through tact and consideration of others; Listening attentively to others’ ideas and opinions in an effort to fully understand the message; Writes and speaks clearly and effectively.

Judgment *Making sound decisions based on accurate and relevant facts gathered, rather than emotions; Analyzing situations carefully by applying logic and practical thinking before taking action or making referrals for services.

Problem-Solving *Anticipating and identifying work-related problems; Analyzing problems in a systematic and timely manner; Gathering relevant information prior to implementing reasonable solutions; Acting decisively to implement appropriate solutions, and considers the impact on other areas within the organization.

Self-Management *Taking of responsibility for one’s behavior and well-being; Working effectively under stress and adapting one’s style to changing situations; Comfortable working in a fast paced environment, and needs minimal supervision; Exhibiting a professional demeanor.

Valuing and Fostering Diversity *Demonstrating respect for individual differences and establishing a climate where all people can be comfortable and productive through sensitivity, empathy, and acceptance of cultural, racial, mental health, and socio-economic diversity.

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of level II DCF background clearance is required.
• Must be 18 years old or older.
• Must possess reliable transportation with the ability to reach the designated site within established parameters.
• Complete 30-hour Advocacy Core Training through the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence prior to on-the-job training.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Physical Requirement: Employee must be at to sit, climb or balance, hear, use hands, taste/smell, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, stand, walk, talk, and reach with hands and arms.

Working Conditions: Duties are performed primarily in an office environment and/or clinical setting.

Travel: Limited to between sites and/or local hospitals.

Hours: Services are available 365 days a year 24 hours a day. Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Volunteers may be required to be available on-call during holidays, evenings, and/or weekends; and during hurricanes and other times of disasters/critical incidents