Campus Advocate

Position Summary

The Merced College Campus Advocate, contracted through Valley Crisis Center in partnership with the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP) Program, provides confidential, trauma-informed advocacy and support to survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking within the Merced College community. This 9-month 32 hour position delivers crisis intervention, case management, safety planning, and Title IX support while collaborating with campus partners to promote survivor-centered services and a safe, inclusive campus environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide confidential crisis intervention, advocacy, safety planning, case management, and ongoing support to survivors
• Assess client needs using a holistic, trauma-informed approach and develop individualized case plans and service goals that promote safety, stability, self-sufficiency, and personal goals
• Assist clients with restraining orders, Title IX processes, court accompaniment, and referrals to appropriate campus and community resources
• Coordinate services with campus departments, law enforcement, healthcare providers, counseling agencies, community partners, and other service providers.
• Develop collaborative relationships with campus departments, RSVP staff, and community partners
• Plan and deliver prevention education, outreach activities, awareness campaigns, survivor-centered programming, and presentations on domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking
• Participate in after-hours crisis response and on-call hotline rotation as assigned.
• Maintain accurate, organized, timely, and confidential client case files, documentation, data entry, grant reporting, and program records in accordance with agency, funding, legal, and confidentiality requirements
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and continuous program improvement initiatives while ensuring compliance with agency policies, grant requirements, and confidentiality standards

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college preferred
• Experience in social services, advocacy, or related field preferred
• Experience working with survivors of violence strongly preferred

Knowledge of

• Office equipment operation, including computers, telephones, fax machines, copiers, scanners, and other standard office equipment
• Trauma-informed care principles and practices
• Current social, economic, and health-related issues affecting individuals and families, as well as human behavior and social functioning

Physical & Other Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout the workday
• Ability to use a computer and standard office equipment
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds
• Ability to travel locally as needed
• Mental acuity to perform the essential functions of the position accurately, make sound judgments and decisions, and evaluate the outcomes of those decisions