Sexual Assault Supportative

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VOLUNTEER POSITION: Sexual Assault Supportive Volunteer

DEPARTMENT: Victim Services

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

Provide emotional and information to sexual assault survivors and their family and/or friend at the exam site.

Implement the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. 18 years of age or older (Male and Female)
2. Ability to respond to the hospital within 30 minutes of a page
3. Listen with compassion to someone in crisis
4. Ability to be patient and non-judgmental in relation to survivor’s interests and attitudes
5. Ability to work under pressure
6. Volunteers contract to serve three (3) shifts a month or a minimum of one (1) year

Statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Respect the confidentiality of all client/agency information
2. Be available for calls three times a month, Monday - Friday, between 5:00 pm and 8:00 am and weekends and holidays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
3. Respond to local hospital or NE site (YWCA) when a sexual assault is reported
4. Provide support and advocacy on-site to primary and secondary victims of sexual assault
5. Complete required supportive contact forms
6. Adhere to policies and procedures of YWCA Sexual Assault Program
7. Complete 13.5-hour training/screening process

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

1. Sexual Assault Nurse Exam (SANE) and Emergency Response Team (ERT) two-day training provided by YWCA in collaboration with other agencies
2. Tour YWCA shelter
3. Volunteer Orientation, handbook, job description

Training Covers:

1. Basic empathy skills
2. Role Play
3. Sexual assault laws and information on legal processes
4. Information on evidence collection/medical concerns.
5. Rape Trauma Syndrome and common reactions to assault
6. Issues of diversity.
7. Information about date rape drugs
8. Self-care for caregivers/support providers