STAR (Standing Together Against Rape) is a dynamic nonprofit full of terrific people dedicated to its mission:  Prevent sexual trauma and provide comprehensive, collaborative crisis intervention, advocacy and support to victims/survivors, their families and our communities.  All services to survivors are offered free of charge. 

STAR employees come from diverse backgrounds with varying experience.  STAR provides comprehensive orientation, training and continuing opportunities to learn about various aspects of responding to trauma.

STAR is a founding member of the Anchorage Sexual Assault Response Team, an example of the best national standard of response to sexual trauma victims, along with the Anchorage Police Department and Forensic Nursing Services of Providence.

Medical, dental, vision and life insurance is available to all regular employees along with SIMPLE IRA retirement program with 3% employer match and immediate vesting, plus a minimum of three weeks paid leave the first year of employment and 11 paid holidays.  STAR offers a vibrant office environment, and employees frequently bring their pets to work.  Some remote work as well as in office work is possible. STAR prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of its staff and offers a free third party Employee Assistance Program to assist with matters related to various life events and challenges.

Job Title: Direct Services Advocate

Reports to: Direct Services Manager

Key Relationships:

STAR staff and volunteers, SART nurses, A.P.D. staff and AK CARES staff, District Attorney staff

Position Summary:

Provide crisis intervention, advocacy and support for all victims and their families of sexual violence through one-on-one personal support sessions, crisis line coverage, medical and court accompaniment, and group facilitation.

Qualifications:

• Education/Experience:

• 1 year of social service work experience and bachelor’s degree in related field or,
• 2-3 years social service work experience with 1 year of work experience being primarily crisis intervention related and Associate Degree, or
• 3-5 years social service work experience with 3 years of work experience being primarily crisis intervention related

Preferred Experience:

• 2 years of support group facilitation experience
• 2 years of educational group facilitation experience
• 2 years experience providing individual support to victims of sexual assault, sexual abuse, sexual harassment or domestic violence
• 2 years experience providing educational presentations to adults and children on the dynamics of sexual violence
• 2 years experience providing medical accompaniment to victims of sexual assault and/or sexual abuse

• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of sexual assault, child sexual abuse and victim services as well as skills in crisis intervention and group dynamics is preferred. 

• Must be able to manage multiple tasks.

• Must be proficient in computer use.
• Must be organized and detail oriented. 
• Must be able to work with team-based decision making processes, and have the ability to identify and problem solve.
• Must possess the ability to work with culturally diverse clients, staff and volunteers.

• Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.  

• Special note:

• Must be able to respond to hospitals and advocacy centers within 45 minutes of dispatch.
• Must be able to work independently and be self-directed.
• Must have a valid Alaska driver’s license and insured vehicle.
• Attend a 40-hour crisis line training within 6 months of hire.
• Rotating on-call and back-up coverage (including holidays) is required.

Level of Responsibility:

Maintains contacts of a confidential nature throughout the agency and outside the agency.

May be required to use independent judgment in interpreting agency rules and policies.

Job Responsibilities & Duties:

• Utilize knowledge of sexual trauma to assist victims in individual sessions, support groups, and crisis response scenarios.
• Conduct lethality assessment, safety checks, and safety planning.
• Report suspected abuse of children and vulnerable adults.
• Assess the needs and provide support to secondary victims.
• Assess the needs of clients and make appropriate community referrals.
• Provide victims with legal advocacy for appropriate civil and criminal matters.
• Fulfill training orientation as required by the Counsel on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.
• Assist in carrying out the goals and objectives of STAR and assist in maintaining liaison relationships with the Anchorage support community.
• Attend agency meetings and consultations as scheduled and required
• Maintain accurate records and submit reports in a timely manner.
• Represent STAR in a professional and courteous manner.
• Stay current on issues relating to sexual assault and issues affecting sexual assault victims.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Hours:    40 hours a week.  Flexible to meet the needs of the agency, remote work and in office work.