On Site Victim Advocate, Fort Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia

About the Role

This position provides services in support of advocacy, intervention, prevention, education, and training to address domestic violence under the Army’s Family Advocacy Program (FAP). It supports the Army’s Victim Advocacy Program (VAP), offering comprehensive services 24/7 to assist and advocate for victims of domestic abuse, ensuring a smooth transition to community resources. The Victim Advocate (VA) serves Soldiers and Army Families living on and off the installation, adhering to program protocols.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention and comprehensive services, including emotional support, transportation arrangements, and accompaniment to medical, legal, and law enforcement appointments.
• Assist in securing protective orders, emergency food, shelter, and information on benefits.
• Advocate for victims' expressed needs to intervening agencies and assess imminent risks to health and safety, making referrals as needed.
• Help victims navigate systems to obtain desired services and refer them for continued care.
• Ensure victims receive sensitive, confidential, and immediate comprehensive care to restore health and well-being.
• Perform initial screening, non-clinical risk and lethality assessments, and safety planning with victims of domestic abuse.
• Develop safety plans, conduct lethality assessments, and provide emotional support, crisis intervention, prevention awareness, and education.
• Liaison with the Family Advocacy Program Manager (FAPM) to ensure coordinated community response to domestic abuse victims.
• Provide crisis intervention and warm handoffs to community resources for ineligible victims.
• Offer information on victim rights, services, and resources available on and off the installation.
• Coordinate with FAPM to ensure timely and appropriate information for domestic abuse victims.
• Respond to victims within 20 minutes telephonically or 60 minutes face-to-face when requested.
• Explain FAP disclosure and reporting options during initial contact to ensure informed decisions.
• Contact first responders immediately in crisis situations with imminent harm.
• Operate within FAP and Victim Advocacy Program guidelines (AR 608-18).
• Conduct domestic abuse training and awareness programs for Soldiers, Family members, and Civilians.
• Guide families through investigative processes, encourage participation, and explain victim rights.
• Formulate intervention strategies to improve coping skills during child abuse investigations.
• Educate non-offending caregivers about child abuse dynamics and long-term consequences.
• Assess family needs and encourage participation in recommended services and counseling.
• Assist with Crime Victims’ Compensation applications.
• Serve as a liaison between families and multidisciplinary team members.
• Represent the child and family’s best interests at case review meetings.
• Accompany non-offending caregivers to court or appointments when requested.
• Participate in community awareness campaigns and prevention events.
• Maintain ongoing case management and complete data entry within three business days.
• Ensure daily contact with victims in crisis and no less than every 30 days when not in crisis.
• Transfer cases when victims depart the servicing area and close cases with FAPM concurrence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology, marriage/family/child counseling, counseling/behavioral science, education, community health, or public health from an accredited school.
• Two years’ experience working with victims of domestic abuse/sexual assault or in victim advocacy services.
• Working knowledge of family violence dynamics, safety planning, risk assessments, local resources, and federal/state laws related to domestic abuse, family law, and the Victim Rights Bill.
• Ability to intervene in crisis situations using sound professional judgment, ethical practice, and common sense.
• Ability to work independently to assess risk, develop, implement, and evaluate safety and intervention plans.
• Demonstrated understanding, sensitivity, and empathy for victims.
• Ability to develop trusting helping relationships and work effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to collaborate with military and civilian medical, social service, law enforcement, and legal personnel.
• Valid, unrestricted motor vehicle license and transportation for non-emergent victim transport.
• Availability for 24/7 on-call victim advocacy services.

Additional Information

Part-time positions vary from 12–35 hours per week, with a flexible schedule primarily involving nights, weekends, and some daytime hours. This is a Service Contract Act (SCA) covered position. The pay rate and health and welfare allowance are specified in the applicable wage determination agreement.