SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION RESPONSE VICTIM ADVOCATE (SAPR VA)
About This Position
THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE NON-BARGAINING UNIT POSITION.
This position is for a SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION RESPONSE VICTIM ADVOCATE (SAPR VA), Position Description Number T5922000, and is part of the Montana Army National Guard. (A copy of the Position Description can be obtained from HRO upon request.) Selecting Official: Anita Emerson
Qualifications
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Must have one of the following: A) Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position that included at least 24 semester hours of course work in the behavioral or social sciences.
OR
B) Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field that included at least 24 semester hours of course work in the behavioral or social sciences.
OR
C) Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. (To receive credit for education, you must provide copies of all relevant transcripts with resume. Official copies may be required at a later date.) SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Must have 1 year specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Experience, education or training analyzing problems, identifying significant factors, gathering pertinent data and recognizing solutions; preparing reports, plans, policies and various correspondence; evaluating objectives and develop plans to facilitate the availability and effective utilization of various social science resources.
Must have knowledge of the organization and its mission and utilized the organizational staff procedures. Experience applying analytical and evaluative techniques to issues or studies concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of social science program operations carried out by administrative or professional personnel, or substantive administrative support functions. (MUST address these specialized experiences in detail on resume to be considered for this position) PLACEMENT STATUS/TENURE OF SELECTEE FOR A NON PERMANENT T5 POSITION: TEMPORARY PROMOTION/REASSIGNMENT/CHANGE TO LOWER GRADE - For Title 5 permanent current employee as selectees only: This is an obligated position. If a permanent employee in the Title 5 MT NG Excepted civil service employee accepts this position, he/she will retain their permanent status AND have rights to return to their previous Title 5 position.
TEMPORARY PROMOTION/REASSIGNMENT/CHANGE TO LOWER GRADE - For Title 5 Term current employee as selectees only: This is an obligated position. If a Term employee in the Title 5 MT NG Excepted civil service employee accepts this position, he/she will retain their Term status AND may have rights to return to their previous Title 5 position (if still available). INDEFINITE APPOINTMENT - For Current Title 32 selectees (any Status) or Title 5 NTE/VRA employees: This is an obligated position.
If an on-board employee in the Title 32 or NTE T5 excepted civil service accepts this position, he/she will convert to a T5 Term appointment (tenure 3) with possible permanent status OR without possible permanent status. This employee will have NO reemployment rights to their previous T32 position; but may be reinstated to Title 5 NTE/VRA position if still available. INDEFINITE APPOINTMENT - State National Guard Members not currently a MT NG federal employee: This is an obligated position.
Selectee will be appointed as a TERM T5 Term employment with possible permanent status OR without possible permanent status (tenure 3).
Major Duties
Perform essential victim service, advocacy, and support duties; provide a non-clinical response that is trauma-informed, gender-responsive, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented, and without prejudice to adult victims of sexual assault. Demonstrate understanding of trauma related to sexual violence and related complexities. This work involves Privacy Act and Controlled Unclassified Information and is therefore highly sensitive in nature.
Apply basic strategies for skilled communication, including developing rapport and actively listening, to provide initial victim advocacy services and crisis intervention support for adult victims of sexual assault and comply with mandated timeframes for responding to requests and completing required documents within those timeframes. Conduct mandated initial risk screening; non-clinical safety assessment and planning; and coordinate medical, legal, and civilian and military law enforcement resources to address immediate risk, safety, and supportive service needs in accordance with applicable policy, prioritizing confidentiality and informed consent. Coordinate which cases can be managed independently with the SARC, employing judgement and problem-solving skills to identify a victim's specific needs and service delivery.
Accept official reports of sexual assault by assisting the victim in completing the Defense Department (DD) Form 2910 and other official Department of Defense (DoD) forms as applicable, taking sensitive care of handling personally identifiable information when it is disclosed, as well as covered communications. Ensure to communicate with the victim an understanding of the SAPR VA role in the reporting process, subsequent processes associated with their election to file a report in accordance with DoD and Service level policies and regulations and provide tailored referrals and resources as applicable. Assist the victim in prioritizing actions and identifying short and long-term options to support needs and recovery.
Demonstrate expertise in offering comprehensive guidance to victims on reporting options (Restricted and Unrestricted), to include options for those not ready to report, explaining exceptions and limitations for each, and ensuring understanding of the eligibility criteria for Special Victims' Counsel (SVC). Uphold the rights and confidentiality preferences of victims consistently throughout the reporting process. Support victims when contacting appropriate offices and facilitate warm hand-offs as requested.
Ensure victims of sexual assault receive information and support during administrative, medical, investigative, and legal procedures to support victim self-determination and informed decision making. Perform a series of complex assessments using trauma-informed approaches for all reports of adult sexual assault. Apply research informed practices associated with victim advocacy, social service principles, and behavioral theories to include mandatory administration of standardized risk screenings and non-clinical safety assessment(s), thoroughly addressing all presenting safety concerns through use of risk mitigation strategies and techniques, developing an individualized safety plan with each victim, and conducting ongoing needs assessments and planning to address victim safety and support needs.
Value and prioritize confidentiality and informed consent standards when advising the victim on the purpose of any information shared during each interaction, ensuring to advise the victim on the protections and exceptions to confidentiality for all covered communications, to include Restricted and Unrestricted Reporting, per Military Rules of Evidence 514 "Victim Advocate - Victim Privilege" and DoD Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program (D-SAACP) Professional Code of Ethics, and applicable guidance. Independently prepare and submit to the SARC the "Victim Advocate Recommendations to the Commander" package within 24 hours of all Unrestricted Reports being filed, which contains recommendations to the victim's Commander on immediate and ongoing care, to include any known risk and safety concerns, information about retaliation, and requirements to maintain the victim's rights, privacy/confidentiality, and safety. Collaborate and consult with other SAPR personnel in the state to ensure efficient service delivery, manage caseloads, and meet reporting requirements.
Demonstrate proactive awareness of vicarious trauma and support efforts to address and build individual and organizational resilience. Facilitate the planning, scheduling, and delivery of SAPR training for diverse stakeholders and local populations, covering SAPR policies, procedures, reporting options, and other pertinent topics delegated by the Supervisory Principal SARC in compliance with DoD and Service policy. Others not listed. (A copy of the Position Description can be obtained from HRO upon request.)
How You Will Be Evaluated
Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position.
If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.
Additional Information
If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)).
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12907539 A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application.
You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package.
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After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
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Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes: 1.
Your resume showing: Contact Information-your name and the best way to contact you. Relevant work experience-include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (month/year - month/year), the number of hours worked per week and describe how you meet the required qualifications of the job. Federal jobs should include series and grade. Transcripts if required for education, certifications or licensures.
- Other required or supporting documents: CAT 5 Applicants - Must provide membership proof, i.e., copy of NGB 22/22a or other membership proof/honorable service. CAT 6 Applicants - Copy of most recent SF-50. (Copy of most recent SF-50 is recommended for this agency's Federal employees.)