SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION RESPONSE VICTIM ADVOCATE (SAPR VA) (TI

As a SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION RESPONSE VICTIM ADVOCATE (SAPR VA) (TITLE 5) with the Texas National Guard, your duties will include, but will not be limited to:

• 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. Coordinate which cases can be managed independently with the SARC, employing judgement and problem-solving skills to identify a victim's specific needs and service delivery.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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. Demonstrate highly adaptive application of strategies and skilled advocacy practices in identifying, establishing, and modifying victim advocacy support and assistance.
• 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.
• Value and prioritize confidentiality and informed consent standards when advising the victim on the purpose of any information shared during each interaction, ensuring to advise the victim on the protections and exceptions to confidentiality for all covered communications, to include Restricted and Unrestricted Reporting, per Military Rules of Evidence 514 "Victim Advocate - Victim Privilege" and DoD Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program (D-SAACP) Professional Code of Ethics, and applicable guidance.
• 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.
• Successfully complete DoD-approved training and professional development to stay informed about best practices and emerging issues and maintain D-SAACP certification.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Appointment Factor(s): This is a Title 5 Excepted Service position.

Area(s) of Consideration: CAT 1 - Open to Public (Nationwide): US Citizens, Nationals, or individuals who owe allegiance to the United States.

Remarks:

• Texas National Guard is an Equal Opportunity employer.
• Direct deposit is mandatory.
• Veterans' preference is applicable to this position.
• Trial period required (see additional information)
• Conditional Disqualifiers: The hired SAPR Professionals cannot have any automatic disqualifying conditions per DoDI 6495.03, Section 3.2a.1-7.

Other Requirements:

For positions requiring the operation of motor vehicles, candidates must have a valid state driver's license for the state in which they live or are principally employed.





Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

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.

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.
In addition to applicants meeting the basic requirements your resume must include relevant experience with beginning and ending dates of employment/experience reflecting the following specialized experience.

Specialized Experience Required:

At least 1 year specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-09). 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.
Knowledge Required by the Position

• Knowledge of the DoD and Service-specific programs and structure, along with local, state, and federal laws; and military regulations, policies, and executive orders pertaining to sexual assault victim advocacy.
• Diverse knowledge of accepted practices and procedures associated with victim advocacy, social services delivery systems, principles, and behavioral theories relating to victim advocacy, sexual assault, and other acts of interpersonal violence.
• Ability to reach independent and authoritative conclusions as to appropriate actions needed to provide crisis intervention support and assess victims' needs, safety, and levels of risk in serious and complicated circumstances.
• Comprehensive knowledge of essential support and advocacy services, liaison resources, community networks, and best practices for aiding victims of sexual assault, adhering to established procedures.
• Proficiency in data entry, organization, report preparation, and information development to ensure effective handling and utilization of information related to victim advocacy.
• Knowledge of training and education techniques to implement and deliver sexual assault training and brief installation leadership, other SAPR VAs, first responders, and other stakeholders on the policies, practices, procedures, issues, and concerns associated with sexual assault and victim advocacy.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with all levels of management, staff, and military personnel and their families.
• Expertise in applying varied methods of sexual assault victim advocacy, including crisis intervention, situational assessment, and needs analysis to provide tailored support and assistance and evaluate safety and levels of risk.
• Demonstrated skill in employing tact and diplomacy in challenging and sensitive scenarios; fostering productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders; and establishing effective partnerships to identify, modify, and deliver victim support and assistance.
• Ability to develop trusting relationships within the scope of supporting sexual assault victims. This may include cultivating relationships with stakeholders in and outside of the SAPR program.
• Skill in providing culturally informed services that empower marginalized individuals and adapt support strategies to align with the cultural, social, and personal contexts of each victim.
• Possess comprehensive knowledge of on-installation and off- installation resources within the direct geographical region to offer each victim tailored comprehensive referrals to SAPR services. This includes, but is not limited to, victim advocacy, legal services, and medical/mental health support services. Knowledge level requires an understanding what military and civilian resources are available, what each resource can provide for the victim, and limitations and/or exceptions to services available, confidentiality that may apply to each resource.
• Knowledge of the duties, priorities, commitments, policies, and program goals of the SAPR program sufficient to provide available and appropriate resources.
• Ability to define scope and parameter of the SAPR VA role to empower victims from initial response to termination of the professional relationship.

Conditions of Employment & Notes:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Required to obtain and maintain D-SAACP certification and maintain certification through meeting annual continuing education training requirements.
• Incumbent must maintain an active D-SAACP certification in accordance with (IAW) Section 584 of Public Law 112-81 and DoD Instruction (DoDI) 6495.03 as a condition of employment. In the event that D-SAACP certification expires, is suspended or is revoked, the individual is not authorized to serve in any SAPR position or perform SAPR duties until D-SAACP certification is reinstated. Failure to maintain certification may result in disciplinary and/or adverse action up to removal from federal service.
• 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. Record training attendance, disseminate, collect, and support analysis of course evaluations, coordinate guest speakers, and support marketing and communication efforts.
• Establish and maintain connections with internal and external stakeholders, including law enforcement (to include the Special Victim Investigation and Prosecution), legal professionals (to include Judge Advocates and SVCs), healthcare providers, Chaplains, Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce members, leaders, and community organizations, fostering collaboration, open communication, and a cohesive approach in sexual assault cases to support SAPR program initiatives and case management.

Only experience/education gained by closing date of this position will be considered. If you are using education to qualify for this position, you must provide transcripts to support your educational claims.

Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience:

In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have specialized experience AND / OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. You must proved transcripts.



Applicants who meet one of the DoD Priority Placement Program categories below are eligible to apply with this preference. (See Required Documents section)

• Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR)

• National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible

• Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement

• Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade
  
  Trial Period:
  
  As a condition of employment, you will be required to serve a 1- 2 trial year period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  
  - your performance and conduct;
  
  - the needs and interests of the agency;
  
  - whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  
  - whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
  
  Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
  
  Conditions of Employment & Notes: Continued from qualifications
• Incumbent must be able to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends, and holidays, on an on-call or rotational basis. The on-call or rotational status requires that SAPR VA work hours could vary, to include a requirement to be available 24/7, to respond to calls received via the helpline, from military or civilian law enforcement or from the military treatment facility or local hospital.
• This position may require temporary duty (TDY) business travel up to 25% of the time. Must possess a valid driver's license and have the ability to operate a motor vehicle should the need arise to operate a government vehicle/motor pool vehicle. May require travel by car, in military and/or commercial aircraft, and by other means of transportation as appropriate to perform temporary duty assignments.
• This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The employee is subject to random drug testing. Pre-employment drug testing and participation in random drug testing is a condition of employment. Note: The caveat is that the states, territories, and the district cannot drug test until a drug free workplace policy has been established and approved by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
• Educational Requirement: Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position. 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. OR Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
• This is an Essential Personnel position and may be subject to a maximum of 14 days of duty per year in preparation for, or in response to, a state emergency or disaster declaration. Head of Agency requests to exceed 14 days in a year must be approved in advance by the National Guard, Director of Manpower and Personnel (NGB-J1).