Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate Training
Position Description: Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate
A Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate (CSVA) is often one of the first points of contact a survivor has when reporting an assault. In some cases, it is the first time a survivor is disclosing their sexual assault to anyone. A CSVA assists survivors and their loved ones by providing crisis intervention, emotional support, essential information, and referrals. For this reason, advocates are of critical importance to supporting survivors’ needs.
Qualifications:
- 18 years of age or older
- Reside in Ocean County
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for accompaniments throughout the county
- Confidence in providing direct service to survivors
- Consent to criminal background check
- Willingness to improve knowledge of sexual assault and systems
- Respect and commitment to serve all individuals in the community, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, faith or spiritual practice, income, or ability
Responsibilities:
- Complete required 40+ hour training, facilitated by sexual assault program in New Jersey
- Maintain confidentiality through all interactions with survivors and loved ones
- Provide understanding of trauma to survivors, loved ones, and community members
- Offer immediate support to callers of 24-hour hotline, delivering compassion, empathy, validation, information and education
- Assist survivors in making informed decisions and supporting them as they navigate medical and legal systems
- Serve as survivor-focused member of Sexual Assault Response Team at hospitals, police stations, prosecutor’s offices, courts, etc.
- Attend regular ongoing education and volunteer meetings
Term:
- A commitment to one year of service
- Availability to take shifts consistently each month
Classes meet Monday nights September 9- December 16, 2019 from 6pm-9pm.