Emergency Advocates (Paid positions)
SARA is seeking compassionate people to work as Emergency Advocates for victims of sexual assault and abuse. Emergency Advocates provide support and crisis intervention to victims at the hospital emergency room or police department after office hours and on weekends. Emergency room calls may range from 2-6 hours.
SARA provides 24-hour support to direct and indirect victims of sexual violence. This includes female, male, and child victims. Emergency Advocates remain with the victim throughout the forensic/medical exam if the victim wishes. Advocates provide active listening, support, referrals and information to the client and any friends or family that may accompany the victim to the hospital. The Advocate ensures the client has a safe place to go after leaving the hospital and has a safe mode of transportation to get there. This is not a counseling or therapeutic position. Strong professional boundaries and an understanding of the limits of one’s competence and role are essential.
This position pays on a split rate, one for being on-call and one for providing accompaniment. Weekday overnight shifts are 5pm to 9am (16 hours). Weekend shifts are from 5pm to 5pm (24 hours).
Requirements:
- Emergency Advocates are required to be on-call for two weekend shifts each month.
- Emergency Advocates must keep a cell phone on their person at all times while on-call; must be alert and able to respond, and must remain within a reasonable distance in order to dispatch out if called to do so.
- Emergency Advocates must arrive at the emergency room or police station within 30 minutes from the time the call is received.
- Emergency Advocates are expected to complete 40 hours of staff training.
- Following any accompaniments, the Emergency Advocates must follow-up with the appropriate staff member to arrange continuing services.
- The Emergency Advocates will attend one Direct Services meeting a month. The ER advocate will be asked to attend one staff meeting a month.
- Must pass a criminal background check.
Qualifications:
- Must be comfortable working in a hospital or police department environment, including but not limited to seeing the drawing of blood and visible injuries.
- 2 years crisis experience preferred.
- Prior experience in positions handling sensitive information and complying with confidentiality policies.
- Must be able to work with a variety of professionals such as law enforcement and hospital personnel and maintain the standards of SARA.
- Must be non-judgmental and have the ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Have reliable transportation.
To apply, please email your resume and a cover letter addressing how your experience meets SARA’s needs to director@saracville.org.
