Support Victim/Survivors of Sexual Assault

Volunteer Position: Sexual Assault Supportive

Department: Victim Services

Hours: On-Call - Allows flexibility

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Mission Statement: Eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Primary Function: The position requires a dedicated individual who will uphold the confidentiality of all client and agency information while providing critical support and advocacy for primary and secondary victims of domestic violence, intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual assault (SA), and human trafficking (HT)

Qualifications:

1. Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program, or in a related field of interest.
2. When on call, have the ability to respond within 60 minutes of a page.
3. Listen with compassion to someone in crisis.
4. Demonstrate patience and a non-judgmental attitude in relation to the survivor's interests and attitudes.
5. Have a general understanding of issues related to racial and gender issues, injustice, equality, equity, women’s rights, etc.
6. Ability to remain calm and work under pressure
7. Proficiency in Spanish is helpful but not required

Statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Volunteers do not replace staff, but assist staff with needs.

Responsibilities:

1. Respect the confidentiality of all client/agency information.
2. Respond to pages when YWCA receives calls reporting a domestic assault, sexual assault, or human trafficking from police and hospitals.
3. Provide support and advocacy to primary and secondary victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
4. Sign up for shifts as part of our 24-hour SANE supportive calendar.
5. Respond to pages when YWCA receives calls reporting a domestic assault, sexual assault, or human trafficking from police and hospitals, when on call
6. Complete in-office hours at YWCA, helping with the Emergency Response Team and/or Shelter Program. (Scheduling specifics will be discussed with and approved by your supervisor.)
7. Attend the required one-on-one supervision with your supervisor as scheduled.
8. Assist with administrative duties related to the SANE Program as needed
9. Adhere to the policies and procedures of YWCA.
10. 2-day Emergency Response training provided by YWCA
11. Complete the necessary virtual MiVan training as required by the State of Michigan
12. Other trainings as assigned

Training Requirements:

1. Sexual Assault Nurse Exam (SANE) and Emergency Response Team (ERT) two-day training provided by YWCA in collaboration with other agencies.
2. Complete understanding of YWCA Mission.
3. General understanding of issues related to racial and gender issues and injustice, equality, equity, and Women’s Rights.

Training Covers:

1. Basic empathy skills
2. Role Play
3. Sexual assault laws and information on legal processes
4. Information on evidence collection/medical concerns.
5. Rape Trauma Syndrome and common reactions to assault
6. Issues of diversity
7. Information about date rape drugs
8. Self-care for caregivers/support providers