Serves on the SAPR watchbill as a primary, initial point of contact for victims of sexual assault and as an advocate for the expressed interests of victims.  Assists the SARC in coordinating the services that victims receive from various agencies including medical, legal, mental health, and investigative services.

 Facilitates care and provide referrals and non-clinical support to the adult victims of a sexual assault.  Ensures that the victim understands that speaking with the VA is voluntary.   As appropriate, thoroughly explains to the victim each of the reporting options available to him or her, including the exceptions and/or limitations on use applicable to each. 

Provides information and facilitates referrals for services tailored to the client’s needs and safety that may include: providing crisis intervention, imparting information about the SAPR Program and the reporting options offered to victims of sexual assault under the program, ensuring victims are informed of their rights and of the available military and civilian resources. Facilitates victim’s contact with military and civilian resources, as requested by the victim.  Refers victims, who do not wish to disclose their identity, to civilian resources.

Attends Sexual Assault Case Management Group (SACMG) meetings when a case is presented involving a victim with whom the SAPR VA has had contact in order to advocate the victim and to ensure the victim’s needs are met.

Maintains follow-up contact with the victim as requested by the victim.  Supports the victim in decision-making by providing relevant information and discussing available options.  Assist the victim with prioritizing actions and establishing short- and long-term goals related to recovery from sexual assault.

Supports the victim in advocating on his or her own behalf.  Assists the victim in contacting appropriate military and civilian legal offices for personal legal advice and assistance specific to the victim’s circumstances or case, including the filing for civilian or military protective orders. The VA shall not provide legal advice, but may provide general information on the civil or criminal legal process.

Advises the victim of the impact of sexual assault on family members and offer referral information for family members.

Accompanies the victim to appointments and civilian and military court proceedings, as appropriate and when requested by the victim.

Consults regularly with the SARC on ongoing assistance provided.   Is directly accountable to the SARC for all SAPR cases. ( Reports all victim’s support services and response informa­tion to the SARC and consults with the SARC on an ongoing basis to ensure comprehensive care for victims throughout the care process.)

Assists the installation SARC with interfacing with military and civilian agencies to identify relevant resources and means of accessing appropriate services to promote availability of victim advocacy services and support systems.  Assists the SARC with the development and coordination of installation SAPR prevention and public awareness campaigns and local events. 

 Conducts trainings on sexual assault prevention and response, as required.

Assist SARC in incident data collection and reporting requirement. Is required to capture service delivery outputs in FFSMIS.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

 The candidate must exercise mature judgment and tact in that he/she represents the Navy SAPR Program in dealing with senior level officials such as Admirals, Master Chiefs, and Commanding Officers. 

Conditions of employment

PLEASE READ THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY TO ENSURE ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE ADDRESSED IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE.

KEY REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

You must be a US Citizen.

Males must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. http://www.sss.gov

Selectee must be determined suitable for federal employment.

Selectee may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.

Selectee is required to participate in the direct deposit pay program.

A favorable background is a requirement of this position. Failure to obtain and maintain a favorable background may result in the withdrawal of the position offer or removal. 

Qualifications

Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:

Completion of a four year degree in behavioral health, social science, or criminal justice and two years of experience that demonstrates acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral health or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field OR an appropriate combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of knowledge and skill equivalent to that gained in the above.

Must have the analytical ability and skill in interpersonal relationships.

The incumbent must have knowledge of the dynamics of sexual assault and victim advocacy and care.  Knowledge of the military, Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Navy (DoN), and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program is preferred.

      The incumbent must have the ability to understand, be sensitive to, and have empathy for victims.  Ability to develop trusting helping relationships and to work effectively with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

      The incumbent must have the ability to intervene in crisis situations, using sound professional judgment, ethical practice, and common sense.

      The incumbent must have the ability to work cooperatively with military and civilian medical, social service, law enforcement, and legal personnel on behalf of victims.

      The incumbent must be skilled in oral and written communication.

      The incumbent must have the demonstrated ability to provide effective trainings and briefings, as he/she might be requested to provide these services as a support to the SARC.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

As part of the application process, you must complete and submit an occupational questionnaire.

Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating and/or appointment eligibility.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

All resumes will be reviewed to determine if they meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this announcement, and will be rated based on the information provided in the resume to determine the level of knowledge, skill, and ability, related to the job requirements. Using the qualifications of the position, a predetermined rating criterion of knowledge, skills, and abilities will be used for each resume. Best qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager. The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews.