Sexual Assault Services Specialist

About the Role

The YWCA Greater Harrisburg is seeking a full‑time Sexual Assault Services Specialist to serve as the primary point of coordination and specialized expertise for sexual assault services within the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program. The specialist provides trauma‑informed advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, and hospital‑based response while upholding survivor autonomy, confidentiality, and empowerment.

Pay

Starting salary: $24 per hour. This position includes compensated on‑call responsibilities.

Schedule

37.5 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the program’s primary specialized resource for sexual assault services and survivor response.
• Provide individualized, trauma‑informed advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referral, and ongoing support to survivors of sexual violence.
• Ensure clients entering Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault services are appropriately screened for sexual violence and connected to specialized services.
• Maintain continuity of care by coordinating services across advocacy, counseling, medical, legal, and community systems.
• Provide hospital‑based sexual assault response and accompaniment, including support before, during, and after medical forensic care when requested.
• Assist survivors in understanding their rights, options, and resources while supporting survivor autonomy and informed decision‑making.
• Coordinate warm referrals and follow‑up with counseling, legal advocacy, medical services, law enforcement, victim services, and other community resources.
• Collaborate with other DV/SA advocates and counselors to strengthen the program’s response to survivors experiencing both domestic and sexual violence.
• Provide consultation and support to program staff regarding sexual assault screening, response, referrals, and survivor engagement.
• Participate in case consultation, peer case review, and ongoing quality‑improvement activities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with hospitals, community partners, and other systems that interact with sexual assault survivors.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation in accordance with program, funder, and organizational requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, criminal justice, or related field; or an Associate’s degree with two years of relevant experience.
• Two years of experience working with survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, trauma, victimization, or related human‑services populations (strongly preferred).
• Knowledge of sexual violence, trauma responses, victim rights, advocacy, safety planning, and community resources.
• Ability to build trusting relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Strong communication, crisis‑response, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with hospitals, law enforcement, courts, community providers, and multidisciplinary partners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and support survivor‑directed decision‑making.
• Ability to travel to local hospitals and community locations as required; reliable vehicle and valid driver’s license (vehicle for employee transport only; mileage reimbursed).
• Current FBI, Child Abuse, and State Police clearances.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage – medical, dental, and vision.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Life insurance.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
• Pension retirement plan (eligible after two years of service).
• 403(b) retirement plan – contributions begin on day one.
• Generous paid time off and sick days.
• 11 paid holidays.