Therapist/Advocate: Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Survivor population

Works with the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Team to support victims/survivors of sexual assault(s) whose cases are being reviewed, investigated and/or prosecuted by the Kalamazoo County Sexual Assault Kit Initiative.

1. Participates in weekly SAKI Team meetings at the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office.  SAKI Team meetings include case reviews, case updates, training, review of best practices, and team collaboration on cases.
2. Participates in contacts individually and with other SAKI Team members including, but not limited to:  victim notifications, victim meetings, witness interviews, and court preparation.  These contacts may occur inside and outside of Kalamazoo County and may occur in public places and private residences.
3. Provides client transportation for related services including, but not limited to; individual meetings, court attendance, housing, food assistance, clothing assistance, and other basic needs to reduce barriers. Driving outside Kalamazoo County will be common.
4. Provides in-home counseling and counseling-related services to clients and their non-perpetrating significant others/family members in individual settings, pertaining to their involvement with the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative.  (Services not limited to Kalamazoo County.)
5. Advocates on behalf of sexual assault victims in legal, medical, and other community settings pertaining to their involvement with the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative.  (Advocacy not limited to Kalamazoo County.)
6. Manage on-call/after-hours crisis calls, as clinically necessary.
7. Creates written documents/resources, such as information for victim folders pertaining to SAKI.
8. Attends appropriate training and in-service and community presentations that relate to the local and national SAKI projects.
9. Completes and submits SAKI Invoice (which includes a daily log of activities performed, hours worked, and mileage/expenses for the month. This invoice is submitted to YWCA Supervisor, once signed by YWCA supervisor, it is turned in to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office by SAKI Victim Advocate)
10. Completes YWCA paperwork such as a bi-weekly timesheet, maintaining an updated calendar, and mileage report submitted to YWCA supervisor.
11. Maintains up-to-date records of clients as prescribed by the agency, including but not limited to progress notes; quarterly reports; and assessment summaries.
12. Coordinates services with other referring agencies.
13. Intervenes with police, employers and/or landlords to ensure sensitive and effective responses policies, and procedures relative to domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
14. Makes referrals and advocates on the client’s behalf for emergency and routine mental and physical health care.
15. Collaborates with and trains other YWCA and community agency staff to assure seamless service delivery to victims/survivors.
16. Safeguards confidential information gained as a result of the job.

17. Complies with applicable local, state and federal licensing requirements/certification and/or regulations.
18. Completes and facilitates ethical risk assessment of individuals re: child/elder abuse; harm to self/other
19. As a YWCA employee, projects a positive image of the Association and its programs to the community, the Association and the program.
20. Work cooperatively with program participants, YWCA staff and volunteers.
21. Perform other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. YWCA location
2. Off-site location
3. Potential outdoor events
4. Sitting, standing, kneeling, bending, some lifting
5. Frequently required to talk or hear
6. While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet
7. The employee must occasionally lift and /or move more than 10 pounds

1. Master’s degree in psychology, social work, or closely related field. Specific training in trauma and/or sexual assault is highly desired.
2. Two years (may include internships) of direct clinical experience.
3. Certification or licensure in the State of Michigan or eligibility thereof.
4. A demonstrated working knowledge preferably with trauma specialization or with survivor population.
5. A demonstrated working knowledge of application of therapeutic modalities
6. The ability to communicate efficiently and professionally in written and oral formats.
7. Excellent interpersonal skills, with a willingness to work from a team perspective in treatment provision.
8. Ability to manage stressful situations.
9. Able to communicate with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
10. SAKI Victim Advocate is required to have a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
11. Able to learn and use technology and systems, including computer technology.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

1. Orientation to YWCA Personnel Policies, Mission, Purpose and One Imperative.
2. Racial Justice Training.
3. Orientation to Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Confidentiality, Mandatory Reporting.
4. Other appropriate training and in-service which will occur during employment.