Job Description

JOB TITLE: Victim Service On Call Advocate

REPORTS TO: Victim Services Coordinator

COUNTIES: Calhoun, Carroll, Crawford, Monona

BENEFITS: Part time position; Non-Exempt, typically works one week per month performing on-call advocate duties

Position Summary

The On-Call Victim Advocate provides trauma-informed, survivor-centered support to individuals impacted by domestic violence, homicide, and other violent crimes. This part-time position responds to crisis situations as part of an on-call rotation, delivering mobile advocacy and emergency response services within the designated service area.

Key Responsibilities

Crisis Response and Advocacy Services

• Respond promptly and appropriately to crisis calls, including within one hour of notification.
• Maintain readiness for on-call duties (phone charged/on, fit for service, substance-free).
• Provide trauma-informed direct support through face-to-face interactions, phone calls, and mobile advocacy.
• Complete intakes, service logs, needs assessments, confidentiality agreements, and referrals accurately.
• Ensure accurate, timely data entry and record keeping.

• Establish and uphold clear professional boundaries with clients, following ethical guidelines and organizational policies. Ensure all interactions remain respectful, professional, and focused on client well-being while maintaining confidentiality and avoiding conflicts of interest.

• Offer resource navigation and referrals; maintain current knowledge of available community resources.
• Collaborate with supervisors and report client concerns as needed.
• Participate in on-call rotations, providing crisis response for seven-day periods, including holidays (if applicable). Flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Professional Conduct and Communication

• Maintain open, proactive communication with supervisor and team members.
• Recognize and build on the cultural diversity of our clients and co-workers; actively foster positive working relationships with staff; work in a caring and helpful manner with clients and staff
• Represent the organization professionally in all settings.
• Respect and protect agency resources, including time, equipment, and mileage.

Community and Interagency Collaboration

• Build and maintain strong relationships with legal, healthcare, and social service providers.
• Represent Family Crisis Centers positively within the community and with partner agencies.
• Promote awareness of FCC services throughout the service area.

• Assist marketing and development with fundraising efforts, which may include but not limited to, selling raffle tickets, attending vendor fairs, and helping at fundraising events.

Training & Professional Development

• Successfully complete mandatory 20-hour victim counselor training upon hire.
• Complete all required training certifications, including the Iowa Domestic Violence Victim Counselor Certification within one year of employment.
• Engage in ongoing training and development to stay current on best practices in victim advocacy.

Staff Wellness & Support

• Prioritize self-care and seek support when experiencing work-related crises or vicarious trauma by utilizing available mental health resources, participating in debriefings, and implementing personalized self-care strategies.
• Communicate effectively with staff and supervisors to foster a supportive work environment, ensure clarity in expectations, and promote collaboration to enhance victim services.
• Adhere to all Family Crisis Centers policies, procedures, and confidentiality.
• Adapt to evolving organizational needs by taking on additional responsibilities as necessary.
• Support agency-wide initiatives and assist with special projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Bachelors degree in a human services-related field or equivalent. Professional and personal experience may substitute for educational requirements.
  • Previous employment or volunteer work in human services, community agencies, or other related nonprofit or social change organizations a plus.

• Skills and Competencies: Strong crisis intervention skills; ability to respond effectively in emergent situations. Must be dependable, solution-oriented, and adaptable.
  • Skilled in time management, organization, and multitasking.
  • Ability to work independently while maintaining accountability.
  • Commitment to ethical practice and confidentiality

• Training & Certification: Must complete mandatory victim advocate training within 30 days of employment and fulfill on-going certification requirements.
• Travel Requirements: Willingness to travel throughout service area.
• Background Requirements: Must pass all required background checks, including/not limited to:
  • Criminal and child/dependent adult abuse background checks
  • Sex Offender Registry clearance
  • Must possess a valid drivers license and adequate motor vehicle insurance.

FCC is an equal opportunity employer. FCC is fair and impartial in all of its relations with its employees and applicants for employment and makes all employment related decisions without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic status, parental responsibility, language, national origin, age, health status (including HIV-positive), physical or mental disability, or any other categories protected by federal, state, or local law.