Lead Advocate (TUC - Strength United)

About The University Corporation: The University Corporation is a non-profit auxiliary corporation providing commercial and administrative services to California State University, Northridge. Our mission is to provide services and solutions that address the needs of California State University, Northridge; to support the academic, research, and creative endeavors of its students, faculty, and staff; and to enhance the quality of campus life.

 

Mission: Strength United is committed to transforming trauma and violence into empowerment, advancing systemic healing, and developing leaders for lasting change.

 

Overview: Reporting directly to the Clinical Program Manager, the Lead Advocate plays a pivotal role in providing comprehensive support services to clients in need. This position requires a proactive approach in client advocacy, crisis intervention, and multi-disciplinary collaboration.

 

Duties and Responsibilities (other duties as assigned):

Client Services & Hotline Support

• Maintain trauma-informed care and confidentiality
• Adhere to legal reporting requirements
• Conduct intake documentation and ensure client needs are met promptly
• Supervise and participate in hotline operations, including nights and weekends
• Provide crisis intervention and emotional support
• Provide case management and linkages to resources
• Accompany survivors to medical and court/legal proceedings
• Coordinate with onsite service providers and assist in obtaining restraining orders
• Ensure timely follow-up and expedited access to counseling services
• Maintain accurate activity tracking forms and client records
• Document all client interactions and referrals in timely manner

Multi-Disciplinary Partnerships

• Advocate for clients with onsite partners
• Act as a liaison between clients, law enforcement, medical professionals and other professionals to ensure clients’ needs are effectively addressed
• Support filing applications with the Victim Assistance Program
• Enhance the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) through assessment, implementation, and evaluation
• Engage existing MDT members and recruit new members strategically
• Coordinate client referrals across agency programs

Training and Workshops

• Provide cross-training to partner agencies and Sexual Assault Response Team members
• Participate in volunteer recruitment and training initiatives
• Supervise and support other advocates as needed
• Increase awareness of advocacy resources and materials

 

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree is a plus. Bilingual English/Spanish is required. Experience working with sexual assault survivors as a part of a Sexual Assault Response Team is strongly desired. If the selected candidate is not already certified by the state of California as a Sexual Assault Counselor advocate the candidate will have to attend the requisite training to obtain the certification. Must pass a Criminal Clearance. Must possess strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Must have excellent computer skills, including the ability to use both Mac and PC platforms and use Microsoft office and database programs.

 

Knowledge, Specialized Skills, and Abilities:

Must demonstrate the ability to use communication skills that successfully convey and obtain accurate and complete information in a respectful and caring manner.  Have a basic knowledge of body language and non-verbal communication.  Understand and demonstrate active listening skills.  Past teaching experience will be helpful in assisting clients improve and develop necessary skills to promote well-being.  Must be a critical thinker, reasoning, organizing and analyzing information so that problems are accurately understood and solutions are congruent with client’s capacities and outcome orientated.  Capacity to negotiate and collaboration to ensure the client’s successful receipt of services. Demonstrate the skill of advocating for the needs and rights of people. Must show a passion and sensitivity for trauma work. Demonstrated experience to maintain cooperative working relationships with others; be team oriented; coordinate/collaborate with professionals from multiple agencies whilst maintaining appropriate boundaries and client confidentiality.  Must demonstrate an acceptance and respect for cultural diversity in all its forms, including ethnicity, sexual orientation, abilities, and religious backgrounds and an ability to work collaboratively in an ethnically linguistically, and culturally diverse environment.