Rank: Administrator IV
Search Number: S22-028
Job Posted: 7/9/2022

Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) seeks a talented professional to serve as the Coordinator of Victim Advocacy and Support Services. SCSU is a diverse and student-centered university dedicated to academic excellence, access, and service for the public good. Southern provides a supportive and welcoming environment for all members of its community through a campus-wide commitment to social justice. Founded as a teacher’s college in 1893, Southern has evolved over the past century into a comprehensive public university of more than 10,000 students, offering graduate and undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and professional disciplines. It is one of four universities in the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System. The University is located in New Haven, a city rich with arts and culture, less than 90 miles from New York City and 140 miles from Boston.

The Coordinator of Victim Advocacy and Support Services provides leadership for the development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive, empowerment-based and trauma-informed violence prevention, advocacy and support services for students who have been a victim of a crime, including gender-based violence and sexual misconduct. The Coordinator serves as the primary advocate for survivors of sexual violence including sexual harassment, stalking, intimate partner violence, sexual exploitation and sexual assault/rape; assists survivors in understanding and navigating university policies and procedures; and helps promote their academic success and personal wellness. In collaboration with other services areas within the Center for Well-being, the Coordinator will provide expertise and support in developing a holistic approach to student well-being to include providing education and training related to intimate partner violence, bystander intervention and violence prevention.

• Bachelor’s degree required in counseling, social work, women’s studies, public health, or related field.
• Minimum of four years of professional experience in program development and implementation
• Demonstrated commitment to advocacy work and sexual violence prevention.
• Keen organizational skills with an ability to manage multiple tasks
• Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing
• Demonstrated commitment to creating a just and inclusive community, intercultural competency, and enthusiasm for working in an institution committed to social justice and anti-racism
• Experience working with diverse populations and at-risk individuals
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple initiatives, programs, and responsibilities while ensuring excellence in the provision of direct services.
  

• Master’s degree and/or certification as an advocate
• Experience on a college or university campus
• Experience and training around cultural diversity
• A strong team orientation
  

Provides entry-point and follow-up services to students who are victims of crime including: short-term support, crisis intervention, advocacy, referrals, information on system-wide operations, victim outreach, on- and off-campus service coordination, problem solving, and help with decision-making.

Helps to secure and provides support for victims for university accommodations, medical treatment, safe shelter, court advocacy, protective orders, transportation, financial services, and follow-up assistance. Accompanies victims to campus or local police, student conduct hearings, Title IX hearings, court dates, etc. as appropriate. Creates and maintains ongoing relationships with local victim advocacy groups and agencies to provide advocacy, accommodations and support for victims.

Participates in case consultation with members of the Counseling Services, Health Services, Student Conduct and Civic Responsibility, Dean of Students, Title IX Coordinator, and Behavioral Intervention Team.

Ensures services, supports and resources are in compliance with state and federal laws and university regulations regarding issues of crime reporting, confidentiality, referrals, and record keeping. Adheres to the written procedures and protocol for sexual assault and gender violence response. In partnership with the Title IX Coordinator and other units within the Center for Wellbeing, assist with the implementation of federally-mandated sexual assault prevention training and education programs required for all students, faculty, and staff members.

Coordinates and participates in on-call cell phone coverage for advocacy support and emergency response during and after business hours.

Leads and trains the University’s Sexual Assault Resources Team (SART). Coordinates and oversees the SART member response protocol including crisis intervention and referral services to campus and community agencies, the development and dissemination of informational and educational materials provided to survivors and the broader university, and SART promotional and educational material.

Collaborates with other service areas within the Center of Wellbeing to provide and instruct educational opportunities focused on a holistic approach to student well-being to include providing education, training, and awareness campaigns related to emotional and behavioral health, physical health, substance abuse prevention, sexual health, intimate partner violence prevention, bystander intervention and other wellness related topics.

Recruits, selects schedules, trains, supervises and evaluates graduate interns, student employees, and/or volunteers.

Manages departmental financial resources and budget; allocates funds and monitors financial performance to ensure fiscal responsibility.

Designs and implements an assessment program to determine the effectiveness of programs, services and strategies implemented by Violence Prevention, advocacy, and support services to include the development and assessment of program goals, learning outcomes, and measurable objectives.

Identifies grant opportunities and funding sources for departmental initiatives and applies for relevant grants at the local, state, and/or national level.

Performs other duties and responsibilities related to those enumerated above which do not alter the basic level of responsibility of the position.

For full consideration, please submit a letter of application, resume, and contact information for three professional references to Maria Vasquez at vasquezm3@southernct.edu by August 2, 2022. The position will remain open until filled.