Clarification from the agency

Open to Public

NONAPPROPRIATED FUND POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:     Victim Advocate

JOB SERIES:  0101                                                   PAY LEVEL:  NF-04

INTRODUCTION:
This position is located within the Behavioral Health Advocacy Program (BHFAP) at the Marine & Family Programs Branch, Marine Corps Community Services, Camp S.D. Butler. The primary purpose of this position is to provide comprehensive assistance to and liaison with victims of spouse abuse, non-offending parents in child abuse instances, rape and sexual assault victims, and to educate personnel on the base regarding the issue of domestic violence and the most effective response to domestic violence on behalf of victims and at-risk family members.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 
Screens victims of spouse abuse, evaluates their needs and provides them with information about domestic violence, safe and confidential ways to seek assistance, their rights as Marine or Navy spouses and the resources and services available to them. This involves administering assessment instruments, maintaining current information on resources and services and advising victims, before disclosure of the limited confidentiality rule.

Coordinates with case managers in developing appropriate plan of assistance/intervention which provides for the safety of the victim and family members. When Family Advocacy Case Managers are not on duty, this may involve working with law enforcement and/or the sponsoring command. This involves decisions affecting a wide range of problems and services, some of which are quite difficult. Services provided for victims of rape/sexual assault, spouse abuse and their families include the following: crisis intervention; assistance in securing medical treatment for injuries; information on legal rights and resources available through both military and civilian programs; education; pretrial, trial and post-trial support; and follow-up. Assists in conducting support groups for victims.

Maintains a notebook of contacts and referrals. Ensures that case manager is fully aware of victim¿s situation and requests necessary entries be made by case managers into appropriate case record. Ensures confidential handling of all documents or conversations relative to victim care.

Assists investigative agencies in interviewing the victim. Advocates for the expressed interests and safety of the victim when providing testimony in court marital or civilian judicial system.
        
Understands and anticipates the nature of the position requiring some off duty hour requirements, to include a 24 hour duty rotation.
                
Provides briefings as well as prevention/education seminars on issues related to family conflict, spouse abuse and child abuse. 
Provides input to the BHFAP Director in the establishment and implementation of local policies and directives pertaining to the Behavioral Health Family Advocacy Program.

Through coordination and cooperation on cases, enhances the intervention capabilities of civilian and military agencies on behalf of victims who are in the Navy-Marine Corps or who have been abused by a service member.

Provides follow-up to all identified victims (to include those who have declined services) three months following initial contact to ensure that no further intervention is necessary.

Provides World Class Customer Service with an emphasis on courtesy.  Assists customers and communicates positively in a friendly manner.  Takes action to solve problems quickly.  Alerts the higher-level supervisor or proper point of contact for help when problems arise.  

Adheres to safety regulations and standards.  Promptly reports any observed workplace hazards, and any injury, occupational illness, and/or property damage resulting from workplace mishaps to the immediate supervisor.

Adheres to established standards of actively supporting the principles of the EEO program and prevention of sexual harassment.  

Performs other duties as assigned.

This is a white-collar position where occasional lifting up to 20 lbs may be required.

Conditions of employment

• See Duties and Qualifications

EVALUATIONS:

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS: 

1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college in counseling, behavioral science, psychology, social work, criminal justice or counseling in the areas of children, marriage or family. 
2. At least two years of experience in assisting and providing advocacy services to victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault that have been supervised by a social worker at the master's level. 
3. Current license and physical ability to operate a motor vehicle.
4. Must successfully complete a background security investigation.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 

1. Knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence.
2. Intensive practical knowledge of community resources and services, crisis intervention, and how individuals in distress may quickly obtain the types of assistance they need.
3. Knowledge of laws pertaining to family relationships and protection of children and adults. Formal training in any aspect of law is not required but must be capable of working and interacting with lawyers, court officials, police, etc. Experience with preparing court testimony and victim impact statements is helpful.
4. Knowledge of military organization, missions, lifestyles, and situations which can contribute to family stress, problems and crisis situations.
5. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse individuals during crisis situations, including persons in the medical, legal, and social service communities.
6.  Ability to express oneself orally and in writing in a highly professional manner to meet and deal with diversified groups, individuals and organizations, and to compose written reports and material clearly, concisely, and effectively per military format.
7. Familiarity with the dynamics of substance abuse, particularly with regard to recognizing symptoms and understanding the impact upon family dynamics.

This position is designated as a Position of Trust, and the incumbent must be eligible for a background check.  The incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a National Agency Check with Inquiries and State Criminal History Repository Check (Tier 1) with Childcare background checks which are required for positions that involve working with children under 18 years of age.

This activity is a Drug-free workplace.  The use of illegal drugs by NAF employees, whether on or off duty, cannot and will not be tolerated.  Federal employees have a right to a safe and secure workplace, and Marines, sailors, and their family members have a right to a reliable and productive Federal workforce.

Due to the nature of work in this position, the incumbent may serve in an ¿on call¿ duty status outside of normal work hours that includes:  remaining in a reasonable call back radius, carrying a cell phone or pager, or regularly checking email to respond to emergencies; remaining in a state of readiness to perform work with limitations on pursuing outside leisure activities, and/or reporting to a designated post of duty to be ready to or to perform work.
 

How you will be evaluated

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

Your application/resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. This vacancy will be filled by the best qualified applicant as determined by the selecting official.