Sexual Assault Advocate at Suncoast Center – Clearwater, Florida

Suncoast Center, a leader in quality behavioral health services, is seeking a Sexual Assault Advocate II to join our team. This role is essential in being an advocate to victims/survivors of sexual violence crimes through crisis intervention, support at forensic exams and legal advocacy.

Suncoast Center has devoted over 75 years to ensuring the community has access to mental health services and support to individuals in need.

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm with 60 minute unpaid lunch

On-Call requirement: To serve as back up on call one time every 4 weeks for 7 days to field any questions and/or schedule an examination within a 24 hour period. This rotation would be shared with Advocate II, Lead Examiner, Program Supervisor, and program Director.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree required in social services related field and 2 years of full-time direct client work experience focused on gender-based violence population and 1 year of employment experience in a lead role.

Licensure: N/A

Clear Criminal Background Check: Level ll Screening

Job Duties:

To ensure organizational excellence, the incumbent advocates on behalf of victims/survivors of sexual violence crimes through crisis intervention, support at forensic exams, and legal advocacy. Provides in-person crisis counseling, 24-hour crisis hotline advocacy, information and follow-up services to promote recovery and healing to victims of sexual violence.

• Provide crisis intervention, individual crisis counseling, advocacy, accompaniment to SAVE and AFTERcare exams, support, information and referrals to primary and secondary survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment;
• Participate in 7 day, back up on call rotation to answer and questions, support a client, or schedule an examine within a 24 hour period.
• Provide advocacy in court on behalf of victims;
• Organize, maintain and facilitate support groups for primary and secondary survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment;
• Complete assigned reporting, which may include billing forms with the Office of the Attorney General for examinations;
• Train and assist in administering Advocacy Core Training to eligible personnel, which may include coordinating training, conducting role-plays and/or certifying completion;
• Train new Sexual Assault Services and SAVE staff, ensure onboarding process is completed with all new staff, as needed;
• Provide assistance with Crime Victim Compensation claims, accompaniment to meetings, court, or medical appointments, hotline crisis counseling, telephone and follow-up contact and assistance may be offered;
• Coordinate with other crime victim programs (as needed);
• Assist in ensuring program has effective community engagement and systems coordination, as needed;
• Coordinate services with other providers as appropriate;
• Responsible for tracking and reporting funder required data for themselves and assisting program manager with funder tracking and reporting for program, as needed during manager absence/vacation/paid time off
• Ensure contract compliance and quality of program outcomes, including accurate and timely completion of data entry, records and reports;
• Maintain client files and generates required reports in accordance with agency standards and policies;
• Coordinate and attend outreach events for the Sexual Assault Services program, as needed;

• Participate in Sexual Assault Awareness Month events and other events as needed;
• Provide information and referral and advocates in the community;
• Participate on community committees and task forces to promote awareness and services related to the Sexual Assault Services program;
• Attend and actively participate in all staff development and quality assurance meetings to obtain up to date information on status of program and protocols, as well as obtaining training information relevant to position. Participate in training, orientation, and assessment of new staff as requested;
• Participate in the agency and program's visionary goals by communicating with Sexual Assault Services Manager regarding vision of what the program can become. Provide written and oral communication to the Sexual Assault Services Manager regarding current program vision, and status of the program, through open communication;
• Maintain good working relationships with professionals in the community by maintaining professionalism at all times. Establish and maintain professional and good working relationships with Suncoast, Inc. employees to further an atmosphere based in teamwork;
• Maintain excellent professional conduct including but not limited to personal responsibility, ethical behavior, and treating individuals with dignity and respect. Adhere to all Suncoast Centers, Inc. policies including: Ethics, Supervision, Confidentiality, Safety, and Information and Security
  policies;
• Attend annual HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) training, will read and follow the Suncoast Center, Inc. Program Procedures Manual regarding protected health information, and will adhere to all HIPAA requirements;
• Complete ACT Trained Advocate training (30 hour Florida Council Against Sexual Violence Advocacy Core Training);
• Complete annual ACT recertification training (8 hours);
• Other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• The ability to function and operate as a team player, showing dignity and respect for all.
• The ability to comply with all equal employment opportunity and ethical standards and regulations.
• The ability to take direction in a respectful and productive manner from supervisors and managers.
• The ability to work, as scheduled, in a timely fashion, and with an attitude oriented to service.
• The ability to have cordial and professional relationships both within the organization and with vendors, clients and third parties.
• If appropriate, the ability to produce all appropriate paperwork and reports consistent with contractual, state or federal standard, and to prepare and submit such paperwork on a timely basis.
• The ability to understand and comply with Suncoast Center, Inc. policies and procedures.
• The ability to render compassionate care and equal commitment to serve clients in need of healthcare assistance.

Experience/Skills:

• 2 years of experience related to the dynamics of trauma and impact of violence, especially domestic and sexual violence
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative community relationships
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Computer and technical skills sufficient to perform responsibilities and train others
• Demonstrates an appreciation of and ability to connect with diverse populations
• Demonstrates emotional maturity and ability to be an effective team member for multiple organizations
• On call experience required
• 1 year of Proven leadership experience required
• Commitment to ethical standards and excellence

Working Conditions: Onsite and/or in the community. Must have valid Florida driver's license, proof of personal automobile insurance and a driving record that is acceptable to Suncoast Center. This is not a remote position.

Suncoast Center, Inc. is a drug-free workplace and follows federal guidelines/regulations related to marijuana use

EOE/ADA/VETERANS/DFWP

All positions require a screening through the Clearinghouse. This site was implemented under the directive of House Bill 531 (2025). https://info.flclearinghouse.com/