SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION RESPONSE VICTIM ADVOCATE (SAPR VA)

Duties

A GS-0101-11, SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION RESPONSE VICTIM ADVOCATE (SAPR VA):

• Perform essential victim service, advocacy, and support duties; provide a non-clinical response that is trauma-informed, gender-responsive, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented, and without prejudice to adult victims of sexual assault. Demonstrate understanding of trauma related to sexual violence and related complexities. This work involves Privacy Act and Controlled Unclassified Information and is therefore highly sensitive in nature.
• Apply basic strategies for skilled communication, including developing rapport and actively listening, to provide initial victim advocacy services and crisis intervention support for adult victims of sexual assault and comply with mandated timeframes for responding to requests and completing required documents within those timeframes. Conduct mandated initial risk screening; non-clinical safety assessment and planning; and coordinate medical, legal, and civilian and military law enforcement resources to address immediate risk, safety, and supportive service needs in accordance with applicable policy, prioritizing confidentiality and informed consent.
• Accept official reports of sexual assault by assisting the victim in completing the Defense Department (DD) Form 2910 and other official Department of Defense (DoD) forms as applicable, taking sensitive care of handling personally identifiable information when it is disclosed, as well as covered communications. Ensure to communicate with the victim an understanding of the SAPR VA role in the reporting process, subsequent processes associated with their election to file a report in accordance with DoD and Service level policies and regulations and provide tailored referrals and resources as applicable.
• Demonstrate expertise in offering comprehensive guidance to victims on reporting options (Restricted and Unrestricted), to include options for those not ready to report, explaining exceptions and limitations for each, and ensuring understanding of the eligibility criteria for Special Victims' Counsel (SVC). Uphold the rights and confidentiality preferences of victims consistently throughout the reporting process. Support victims when contacting appropriate offices and facilitate warm hand-offs as requested.
• Perform a series of complex assessments using trauma-informed approaches for all reports of adult sexual assault. Apply research informed practices associated with victim advocacy, social service principles, and behavioral theories to include mandatory administration of standardized risk screenings and non-clinical safety assessment(s), thoroughly addressing all presenting safety concerns through use of risk mitigation strategies and techniques, developing an individualized safety plan with each victim, and conducting ongoing needs assessments and planning to address victim safety and support needs.
• Implement mandatory standardized risk screening protocols to address immediate risk and safety concerns and apply strategies to develop tailored interventions that address the needs of individual victims. Provide assistance to victims in securing medical treatment for physical and psychological injuries; safe shelter; protective orders; support before, during, and after trials; educational services; transportation; financial services; and any other services identified and requested by the victim.
• Inform victims of the resources available to report instances of sexual assault related retaliation, reprisal, ostracism, maltreatment, sexual harassment, or to request a transfer.
• Collaborate and consult with other SAPR personnel in the state to ensure efficient service delivery, manage caseloads, and meet reporting requirements. Demonstrate proactive awareness of vicarious trauma and support efforts to address and build individual and organizational resilience.
• Facilitate the planning, scheduling, and delivery of SAPR training for diverse stakeholders and local populations, covering SAPR policies, procedures, reporting options, and other pertinent topics delegated by the Supervisory Principal SARC in compliance with DoD and Service policy. Locate and reserve training sites for SAPR annual training and briefs, to include the coordination of audio-visual support and equipment and that necessary training materials are present.
• Assist the SARC in the management and maintenance of up-to-date case files in Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database (DSAID), as applicable, ensuring compliance with legal, privacy, and organizational policies and victim advocacy professional standards within the applicable timeframes per guidance.
• Employ complex trauma-informed practices to provide tailored emotional support, ensuring victims feel respected, heard, and understood.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
• May be required to successfully complete a trial period.
• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• A resume and supporting documents must be submitted (see "How to Apply").
• This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position.
• This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
• Position requires ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers, contributing to a cooperative working environment and successful accomplishment of the mission.
• May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours; overtime may be required.
• Duties and responsibilities may significantly impact the environment. You are responsible to maintain awareness of your environmental responsibilities as dictated by legal and regulatory requirements, your organization, and its changing mission.

Qualifications

GENERAL EXPERIENCE :
Experience providing advocacy and a non-clinical response that is trauma-informed, gender-responsive, culturally competent, and recovery-oriented.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE :
Must have at least 48 months experience, education or training analyzing problems, identifying significant factors, gathering pertinent data and recognizing solutions; preparing reports, plans, policies and various correspondence; evaluating objectives and develop plans to facilitate the availability and effective utilization of various social science resources. Must have knowledge of the organization and its mission and utilized the organizational staff procedures. Experience applying analytical and evaluative techniques to issues or studies concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of social science program operations carried out by administrative or professional personnel, or substantive administrative support functions.

***Note: If this vacancy announcement indicates Specialized Experience, "1 year equivalent to at least next lower grade level", you must provide your last SF 50, if you are a current or former Federal Employee and you want to be considered under this provision.

Education

Education Requirements:
High School Diploma or GED

Degree Required:
Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position that included at least 24 semester hours of course work in the behavioral or social sciences.

OR

Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field that included at least 24 semester hours of course work in the behavioral or social sciences.

OR

Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. (Refer to Qualification section - Specialized experience)

You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position.

If you are selected for a vacancy that requires a specific degree and/or coursework you will be required to provide official transcripts prior to appointment.

Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience:
3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

Additional information

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency ( ).

- Certain incentive(s) may be available pending funding and approval but are not guaranteed..

********This is an indefinite position. If an individual employed in the excepted civil service accepts this position, he/she will receive an indefinite appointment. If a Reduction-In-Force occurs the indefinite appointee will have no reemployment rights to his/her former position or any other position. If funding level and employee manning levels permit, incumbent may be converted to permanent technician status without further competition. ******

*Condition 1: The SAPR Professional is required to obtain within 60 days of appointment to a Position of Trust and Moderate Risk; the employee must have a favorable completion and award of a Tier 3 background investigation as directed by DoD and NGB to conduct duties and responsibilities as a SAPR Professional.

*Condition 2: Within 90 days of appointment as a National Guard SAPR Professional, even if currently D-SAACP certified, the newly appointed employee will be required to complete the NGB Joint Course.

*Condition 3: Within 120 days of appointment, unless previously D-SAACP certified, the newly appointed SAPR Professional will be required submit the DD Form 2950, must be submitted by the next D-SAACP review board.

*Condition 4: Required to obtain and maintain D-SAACP certification and maintain certification through meeting annual continuing education training requirements.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY :
The WA National Guard is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.

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