Position Title: Sexual Violence Advocate
Purpose of Job: The purpose of a sexual violence advocate is to support and advocate for the rights and self-defined needs of survivors of sexual violence and their friends, families, and other concerned persons on the Central MN Sexual Assault Center’s (CMSAC) 24-hour crisis phone line and in person at area hospitals, law enforcement centers, and other community locations.
Requirements:
● Be 18 years of age or older.
● Successfully complete the Minnesota-mandated 40+ hour sexual violence advocate training, including CMSAC’s post-interviews.
● Commit to taking a minimum of three crisis line shifts per month. Sexual violence advocates use their own personal cell phones and work from home during shifts. Volunteer shifts are either 16 or 24 hours long during the evening and on weekends.
● Commit to volunteering as an advocate with CMSAC for a minimum of 12 months.
● Live in our service area of Benton, Stearns, Sherburne, and Wright counties.
● Attend monthly advocate meetings and other specified trainings as advised by the Client Services Coordinator for the purposes of continuing education and case consultation.
Responsibilities: The Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center sexual violence advocate, under supervision, will be asked to:
● Serve as a first responder for CMSAC’s 24-hour crisis phone line.
● Provide crisis intervention, support, and sexual violence education to victims and their friends, families, and other concerned persons.
● Provide victims with accurate information about their medical, law enforcement, and legal options.
● Accompany victims to hospitals in Benton, Sherburne, Wright and Stearns Counties and law enforcement centers when seeking medical care and criminal justice assistance. Support survivors during these proceedings.
● Empower victims to make the decisions that are best for them in a victim-centered, trauma-informed, and professional manner.
● Work as a team with multidisciplinary professionals, such as law enforcement, medical, and legal personnel, to provide the best care and services possible for victims of sexual violence and their friends and families.
● Provide resources and referrals to survivors of sexual violence, their friends, families, and other concerned persons.
- Notify the Client Services Coordinator of all crisis line activity, complete appropriate paperwork, and follow policies and procedures as discussed during training.