Crisis Advocates to Support Sexual Assault Survivors

CRISIS ADVOCATES NEEDED TO SUPPORT SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS THROUGH THE SOUTHERN ARIZONA CENTER AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT, A DIVISION OF CODAC.

Crisis Advocates provide crisis intervention, support, advocacy, information and referrals for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Advocates respond to Pima County hospitals to meet with and support survivors during a crisis. Volunteer shifts support our after-office hour and weekend hospital response efforts. Survivors may be of any age, gender, sexual orientation, race, background, etc.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide brief crisis intervention and respond to hospital sexual assault response calls (as needed).
• Advocate for and assist victims in connecting with support services in the community including shelters, law enforcement, medical and social services.
• Provide information about options on orders of protection.
• Maintain confidentiality of client.
• Coordinate with on-call Forensic Examiner when receiving a call from hospitals or law enforcement about sexual assault.
• Document all activities appropriately.
• Take at least two (2) on-call shifts each month; shifts available after business hours and on weekends.

REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge and sensitivity regarding issues of sexual assault, human trafficking and domestic violence (training provided).
• Ability to make a long-term commitment. This includes availability on evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to complete initial training program and follow-up shadowing.

SHIFT TIMES/DAYS

Volunteers are requested to provide a minimum of two on-call shifts per month and Interns are requested to provide weekly availability to ensure that requirements for hours are met according to their program’s needs.

The after-hours on-call shifts are:

• Monday through Friday 5pm-8am (a 15-hour shift)
• Saturday or Sunday 8am-8pm (a 12-hour day shift)
• Saturday or Sunday 8pm-8am (a 12-hour night shift)

During these hours, the on-call Advocate will be holding a company phone referred to as the "after-hours SARS line." Hospital staff, law enforcement, or Victims Services may call at any point during the shift. If a call comes in and services are requested, it is the responsibility of the on-call Advocate to respond to the medical facility/hospital within one hour and provide advocacy to the survivor identified.

It is also the responsibility of the advocate to pick up the phone at the beginning of their shift and hand off the phone to the next Advocate at the completion of their shift.

During SACASA’s office hours, SARS calls, walk-ins, and crisis-line calls are covered by day-time staff. However, Volunteers/Interns can request day-time hours (Monday-Friday 8am-5pm) and assist staff with these services during office hours in addition to their after-hours shifts. Other day-time services/tasks are also available for interns to participate in upon request (see more details in the following section).

3 shifts available:

• After-Hours, in-person crisis advocacy at medical facilities and in the community, as appropriate (Sexual Assault Response Service): 08:00 to 20:00 MST
• After-Hours, in-person crisis advocacy at medical facilities and in the community, as appropriate (Sexual Assault Response Service): 17:00 to 08:00 MST
• 20:00 to 08:00 MST