Health Promotion Specialist - Advocate

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm

We are unable to offer a work visa sponsorship for this position. You must be authorized to work in the U.S. to apply.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

UHC Minimum:
* Master's degree in Counseling or Social Work, Public Health or related degree.
* 3-5 years experience working with sexual assault victims.
* 3-5 years experience in conducting training for small and large groups; public speaking, presentation, and facilitation skills.

UHC Preferred:
* Certified 40-hour Sexual Assault Advocacy Training in accordance with MN stat. 595.02 (subdivision 1 (k)) and OJP guidelines. Must complete the 40-hour Rape Advocate Training provided by UCASA within one month of hire if not certified.
* Three years experience in direct social service with knowledge in sexual violence, domestic violence, women's issues, human and child development, and working with families in crisis.
* Group facilitation skills are essential; ability to communicate effectively, provide conflict resolution, problem solve, and crisis management.
* Excellent ability to assess and intervene with appropriate and effective intervention.
* Understand the importance of Safe Harbor
* Background working with domestic violence or sexual assault victim advocacy services, preferably in a higher education setting.
* Skilled in case management and confidential victim advocacy.
* Knowledge in developing, implementing, and evaluating education and outreach initiatives in a higher education setting.
* Training in trauma-informed presenting and service provision.

This position is responsible for providing trauma informed support, advocacy and resources to survivors who have been impacted by sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating or domestic violence and stalking. The RSVP Advocate will assist survivors in scheduling forensic exams, law enforcement/title IX interviews, hearings, with academic and/or housing accommodations and connect the student to campus and community resources. This position will also serve as a member of the on-call advocate crisis response team for the UGA campus. The person in this position will also facilitate prevention programs directed at reducing interpersonal violence on campus.

Advocacy & Student Support
* Demonstrated skills in implementing group and population-specific interventions.
* Experience with trauma-informed approaches to advocacy services, including addressing issues of sexual assault, partner abuse, and stalking.
* Demonstrated knowledge of interpersonal violence and victim advocacy, with a clear commitment to student well-being.
* Demonstrated knowledge of issues impacting resiliency, persistence, and the overall well-being of college students.
Compliance & Professionalism
* Familiarity with regulatory compliance related to confidentiality (e.g., HIPAA, FERPA, state, federal, and university/system-wide guidelines).
* Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and professionalism.
* Ability to remain composed and effective in responding to human suffering, emergencies, and high-stress situations.
* Ability to make independent judgments, solve problems, exercise discretion, and consult appropriately.
Interpersonal & Communication
* Excellent interpersonal, listening, and written/oral communication skills.
* Ability to establish rapport with individuals in difficult situations.
* Strong service orientation with a focus on student support.
Technical Skills
* Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
* Familiarity with web-based data entry and ability to learn new technologies.
* Knowledge of and experience with social media platforms for outreach and communication.

Ability to transport light weight equipment (computer and advocacy materials) across campus and to offsite locations. Able to sit for extended periods of time.

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Advocacy and Prevention:
* Maintains up-to-date knowledge of current literature and best practices regarding sexual assault and interpersonal violence, including federal regulations (Title IX, Clery Act, and Campus Security Act).
* Provides advocacy-based support to students affected by interpersonal violence, including secondary trauma.
* Serves students of various identities through developmentally appropriate approaches. Collaborates with HP team members to implement and analyze population and community needs assessments and evaluation surveys to inform response services.
* Participates in on-call advocacy rotation as needed during standard work hours with the potential of after-hour advocacy work as needed
* Serves as point of contact for campus resources and referral for students, faculty and staff.
* Provides case management and advocacy for students through judicial conduct process at UGA.
* Trains faculty, staff and students in responding to students who report incidents of sexual assault or gender-based violence.
* Serves as a navigator for the systems of the University (ex: registrar, financial aid, academic affairs) providing support with petition processes as required.
* Consults on the development of current campus policies and procedures on sexual violence in accordance campus and federal and state guidelines.
* Provides referrals to appropriate campus entities such as counseling and health services
* Collaborates with campus and community organizations to meet survivors' needs.
* Performs other tasks as assigned.

Outreach and Collaboration:
* Develops and maintains strong working relationships with campus and community partners including EOO, Student Conduct, UGA PD, The Cottage and Project SAFE.
* Effectively delivers high-quality education by effectively communicating with clarity and empathy to the student population.
* Co-facilitates UMatter upstander intervention training program with HP team members. Facilitates programs such as book club and groups.
* Maintains effective communication with supervisors, colleagues, campus partners, and students to ensure successful completion of job responsibilities.
* Serves on relevant committees, task forces, and development groups on campus and in the community.
* Performs other tasks as assigned.