The primary responsibility of the advocate is to connect these individuals with the appropriate support systems and resources to enhance their overall health and well-being.
This involves close collaboration with healthcare professionals, social workers, and community organizations to identify patients in need of essential services.
These services encompass a wide range of challenges, such as housing, food insecurity, transportation, employment, education, and other social determinants of health.
Moreover, the Advocate receives specialized training to work with high-risk patients facing interpersonal violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues.
Their goal is to ensure these patients have access to necessities, safety planning, harm reduction strategies, and ongoing support to break free from harmful health patterns.
In summary, the advocate plays a vital role in assisting victims of interpersonal violence, addressing social health disparities, and helping individuals navigate substance use disorders.
They serve as a valuable support system, connecting patients with the necessary services and programs to overcome social barriers to health.
This advocate reports directly to the Service Line Manager of Community Health Advancement.
The Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate is an employee who has training in providing hospital advocacy services to survivors of sexual assault.
This individual reports via monthly on-call schedule.
This individual reports directly to the Sexual Assault Advocate Manager/Director of Community Health Advancement.
Duties/Responsibilities
Works an On-call style schedule and presents to the hospital when a survivor of Interpersonal Violence has been identified
Responsible to explain medical procedures, follow up testing, future concerns, police and legal aspects surrounding sexual assault.
Support survivors/co-survivors navigating the medical/healthcare system by ensuring that the survivor has the appropriate information and resources to make decisions about her/his healthcare needs, and to assist her/him in obtaining the desired care
Are active listeners to help the survivor process emotions and concerns while validating his/her reactions by providing confidential, nonjudgmental, victim-centered support
Provide accurate, timely information regarding specific and appropriate program services to address the survivor’s needs: i.
e.
safety planning, crisis intervention, resources linkage, referrals and follow-up care related to medical/healthcare needs as the survivor.
Provide the survivor/co-survivor with accurate information about the physical impact of sexual violence, Crime Victims’ Rights, VINE, and other crime victim services per survivors needs and/or funders
Follow up with survivors as needed and provide additional aftercare services when needed.
Complete all reports and documentation as determined by program coordinator, state standards, and/or funders
Keep survivor's supplies in exam rooms and storage stocked, cleaned, and organized.
Participate in outreach and awareness activities per program coordinators discretion.
Minimum/Required Qualifications
High School Diploma or GED
Advocacy Training within 90 days of hire.
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