Sexual Assault Supportive

Volunteer Position:  Sexual Assault Supportive

Department:  Victim Services

Program: Emergency Response Services-Sexual Assault Supportive

Director: Sherry Brockway

Supervisor: Sexual Assault Victims Advocate

Location:353 E. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Hours: On-Call

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 Mission Statement: Eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Primary Function: We are looking for a one-year commitment to provide emotional and informational support to sexual assault survivors and their family and/or friend at the exam site. Exceptions to availability must be approved by the Program Director.

Qualifications:

1. 18 years of age or older (Male and Female)
2. Ability to respond to a call within 30 minutes, and
3. Be available for calls three times a month, Monday – Friday, between 5:00 pm, 8:00am, weekends, and holidays from 8:00 am to 5:00pm
4. Excellent verbal and non-verbal Communication Skills
5. Volunteers contract to serve three (3) shifts a month or a minimum of one (1) year. Any exceptions to this must be approved by the program director

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, 8:00am, weekends, and holidays from 8:00 am to 5:00pm.
3. Respond to NE site (YWCA) or local hospital 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
8. Patient and non-judgmental in relation to survivor’s interests and attitudes
9. Ability to work under pressure

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. Volunteer and Program Orientation

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