Justice Systems Advocate

Description

The Justice Systems Advocate is responsible for the development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of services to clients with an emphasis on systems-involved populations and other underserved communities. Provides individual advocacy, court accompaniment, skill-building services, and other supportive services to adult victims/survivors of sexual violence who are currently detained or have a history of incarceration. 

The Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency working to eliminate sexual violence and its impacts through education, advocacy, and support services. SARA serves individuals and communities in the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson. SARA works with child and adult survivors of all genders, as well as nonoffending friends and family of survivors of any kind of sexual violence.

Job Duties

Essential Functions:  

Client Services & Advocacy 

• Provide supportive services to systems-involved adults, primarily individuals currently incarcerated or recently released from detention settings, who have experienced sexual violence. This may include individuals on specialty court dockets, referred from probation and parole, or are at risk of incarceration. Services include crisis intervention, emotional support, resilience-focused skill building, information, and referrals. 
• Identify needs, provide appropriate services and/or referrals, and monitor client progress.  
• Respond to any requests for services related to the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) in coordination with the PREA Coordinator of detention facilities.  

• Review, evaluate, and revise services to ensure effective response to underserved populations in SARA’s service area.  
• Prepare progress reports for sexual assault program requirements.  

Community Engagement & Training:  

• Establish and nurture relationships with allied professionals, jail or prison officials, and community organizations instrumental in facilitating connections with people who have experienced sexual violence.  
• Maintain positive, professional communications with allied professionals regarding response to survivors of sexual violence, including those who are incarcerated or at risk of incarceration. 

• Serve as SARA’s representative at PREA-related meetings and other pertinent meetings related to serving incarcerated individuals.  
• Contribute to agency outreach activities and to community-driven initiatives to address the needs of traditionally underserved victims of sexual violence in each of SARA’s service areas.  
• Provide training to allied professionals on the impact of sexual violence, developing an effective response, and available community resources. 

Crisis Intervention:  

• Provide crisis intervention, support and referrals on the hotline, during business hours, in collaboration with the rest of the staff.  

• Participate in on-call rotation to advocate for clients in the Emergency Department. This includes daytime availability and weekday on-call hours from 5 pm – 9 am.  

Other Duties/Responsibilities:  

• Document activities in VAdata.  
• Pursue professional development opportunities.  
• Participate in Client Services Team meeting and staff meetings.  

• Collaborate with staff on projects and initiatives.  
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Deputy Director or Executive Director.  

Skills Required

• Knowledge of and/or sensitivity to issues of sexual violence.  
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities working with incarcerated individuals.  

• Basic understanding of Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) – Training available for staff. 
• Knowledge of community resources within SARA’s service area; City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson.  
• Demonstrated skills in oral and written communications.  
• Demonstrated computer skills.  
• The ability to work cooperatively with different personalities and individuals of diverse racial/economic/cultural backgrounds.  

• Self-awareness, emotional regulation skills, and ability to respond to stressful situations. 

Education/Experience: Two years of relevant working experience preferred, especially those with experience working with the carceral system.  

Work Schedule

Regular Business Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Occasional on-call rotations, community events, and trainings outside of business hours.

Additional Info

This position may include occasional evening and weekend hours. Employee must have access to a vehicle, possess a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Employee must submit to a criminal and child abuse background check at least every three years and must demonstrate proof of legal ability to work in the United States. Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel is required.