TO APPLY: Please review qualifications and submit two separate documents (in MS Word or PDF format only): 1. COVER LETTER and 2. RESUME
Please submit as two separate attachments to an email to jobs@actompkins.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
POSITION INFORMATION
The Youth Services Victim Advocate provides support, advocacy and case management services to sexually abused children, teens, supportive family members and adult survivors of child sexual abuse who receive services through our Child Advocacy Center and through other agency access points. The Advocate works actively and collaboratively with law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, medical personnel, mental health, school staff and others on behalf of the young person and family and will accompany youth and families to forensic sexual assault exams, pediatric medical exams as well as to court proceedings. They will also provide support services to other agency clients including domestic violence and adult sexual assault survivors. Services are provided individually, via groups, in person, by phone, on the hotline and virtually as per client need. The person in this position must be able to build trusting, respectful, and meaningful relationships with children, teens, and adults, have the capacity to hear difficult information about traumatic experiences, and be comfortable reaching out to people who are struggling.
Participation in a paid rotation of after-hours on-call (weeknight, weekend, and holiday) with other advocacy services staff is required. After-hours on-call involves responding to calls on our 24 hour hotline from community members or professionals. Must be able to respond in person to Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, NY within 45 minutes when on-call.
The Advocacy Center of Tompkins County www.actompkins.org, located in Ithaca, NY, honors its origins in the 1970s and continues to be guided by the principles of intersectional feminism, anti-racism/oppressive practices, and victim rights. We are dedicated professionals with a strong work ethic, and we value a healthy work/life balance and promote flexibility in work schedules when possible. We provide staff training and are committed to strong supervisory support and professional development opportunities
REQUIREMENTS
This is an in-office in person position
Must pass State Child Abuse/Neglect screening & Criminal Background Check.
Vehicle and valid driver's license is required. Some travel throughout Tompkins County including transporting of clients as needed along with occasional travel to other areas within NYS for professional development. Mileage reimbursement provided for position related travel. Must be able to respond in person to Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, NY within 45 minutes from home or wherever you are at the time the call comes in.
Must be able to drive, navigate stairs, periods of sitting. Standing and movement required. The physical requirements described here are representative of those needed to perform essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions if no undue hardship is posed to the agency.
BENEFITS INCLUDE
Generous financial contribution ($7,325 in 2024 to increase in 2025) towards our cafeteria health benefits program (includes medical, dental and/or dependent care expense reimbursements)
Two weeks of vacation the first year, 3 weeks in year two and increases thereafter; the administrative office is closed and staff receive holiday pay for 11 federal holidays, the day after Thanksgiving, and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Retirement contribution after 3 years of employment. After three years of employment, an annual contribution of a minimum of 5% of the employee’s salary will be made to the employee’s established retirement account. Retirement begins accruing at 18 months but you are not vested until you have completed 3 years of employment at the Advocacy Center.
Compensation for on call after hours shifts
You will be provided with comprehensive training, weekly supervision as well as support from your peers and other agency staff and supervisors.
QUALIFICATIONS
One year of crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy or case management experience in a human services or youth serving organization setting or translatable experience from another field
Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree and/or any combination of education, experience, and measurable past performance that demonstrates the capability to perform the duties of this position.
Ability to provide clear and articulate written information for grant reporting purposes and accurate data entry
Good communication, organizational and time management skills
Ability to handle multiple tasks under stressful situations
Ability to establish and maintain effective professional working relationships
Ability to work independently as well as in a team, with a willingness to appreciate different points of view and problem solve in a constructive manner.
Sensitive to the impact of sexual and domestic violence in diverse communities
Ability to develop a positive compassionate rapport with victims of domestic and sexual abuse
Commitment to working from an anti-oppression, harm-reduction, and strengths based trauma-responsive approach
Flexible schedule - must be able to work some after-hours evenings, weekends and holidays to meet on call requirements