Volunteer Rape Crisis Advocate (Brooklyn, NY)

VOLUNTEER TITLE: Rape Crisis Advocate

DESCRIPTION: Volunteers attend a 40-hour training on sexual and domestic violence. Upon completion, volunteers are certified advocates who sign up for scheduled shifts to respond to the WHMC Emergency Department when a patient reports sexual assault.

TRAINING DATES: ALL ARE MANDATORY, No exceptions!

Thursday 7/16 5:30pm-8:30pm

Saturdays 7/18 and 7/25 9am-5pm

Sundays 7/19 and 7/26 9am-5pm

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Services are not limited to, but include, the following:

• Volunteers sign up for three regular overnight or weekend shifts per month.
• The volunteer advocate is responsible for being reachable and available during their assigned shifts.
• Provide immediate emotional support and crisis counseling for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
• Explain medical procedures and legal options
• If patient prefers, attend the medical exam and forensic evidence collection
• Act as a liaison and advocate with hospital staff and criminal justice personnel on behalf of the survivor
• Provide information and referrals, including follow-up care with VITP
• Facilitate patient’s comfort during ED visit, and help to arrange for clean clothes and transportation upon discharge
• Complete advocate report form to clearly communicate your perspective on patient’s ED visit to VITP Program Coordinator
• Promptly follow-up with VITP program coordinator for supervision during or following a case

Attend monthly advocate supervision and training meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Application and interview required
• Volunteers must be 18 years old or over
• Completion of 40-hour training
• Commitment to attending volunteer meetings as detailed above

Commitment, dependability, an open mind, and ability to work independently as well as part of a team

Work Hours: Shifts: Weekdays 5:30pm to 8:30am, and Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 8am-8pm and 8pm-8am.

LENGTH OF ASSIGNMENT: A year long commitment is required; however, a longer commitment is preferred

HOW TO APPLY:

For application and interviewing process contact:

E-mail: VITP@wyckoffhospital.org

3 shift types available:

• Weekend AM on-call shift: 08:00 to 20:00
• Evening on-call shifts: 17:30 to 08:00
• Weekend PM on-call shift: 20:00 to 08:00