Working/Functional Title
Advocate
Position Summary
The Center for Survivors is a Confidential Program at Michigan State University. The Michigan State University Center for Survivors Advocate will provide timely, non-judgmental, compassionate care to interpersonal violence survivors. The Advocate provides short-term crisis intervention and advocacy services to survivors of interpersonal violence; serves as a consultant to campus partners and community members working with interpersonal violence victims; provides direct service to clients by providing in-person and virtual crisis intervention, safety planning, referrals, advocacy services and follow-up contact. Provides Back up Coverage to the Survivor Advocacy Crisis Intervention (SACI) volunteers. The Advocate has ethical, professional, and legal responsibilities to maintain records regarding work with clients and to protect client confidentiality in accordance with guidelines set by VOCA/VAWA, MSU, the State of Michigan, and other professional associations.
Job Responsibilities
- Provides court advocacy, law enforcement advocacy, institutional advocacy in compliance with Title IX, personal advocacy, and academic advocacy to survivors of interpersonal violence using empathy and empowerment.
- Provides support to volunteers signed up for Crisis Chat, Hotline shifts and medical advocacy.
- Assists in facilitating training for new Survivor Advocacy Crisis Intervention (SACI) volunteers and Volunteer Medical Advocates once per semester.
- Assists survivors with completing Michigan Crime Victims Compensation applications.
- Coordinates referrals to services in the community when necessary.
- Participates in a shared case management system that supports collaboration and consultation.
- Provides crisis intervention, resources, and referrals to walk-in clients during regular office hours.
- Completes other miscellaneous VOCA Grant, University, and program documentation as needed.
- Maintains collaborative relationships with campus and community partners.
- Completes other duties as specified and assigned.
- Follows up and tracks referrals to ensure quality of care according to the individual client’s needs.
- Maintains client confidentiality.
- Maintains a database of referral resources and community services in surrounding communities.
Please note this is a hybrid position with expectation of two remote days per week and three in-person days in East Lansing.
Minimum Requirements
A Bachelor's degree in social work or related field and one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience providing advocacy and crisis intervention to survivors of interpersonal violence; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
- Master's degree in Social Work preferred.
- Demonstrated competency and expertise in providing services and building relationships with diverse populations of clients.
- More than two years of experience providing crisis intervention, advocacy and/or counseling to survivors of interpersonal violence.
- Experience providing victim advocacy services in a campus setting.
- Experience with data collection and reporting.
- Understanding of interpersonal violence and natural responses to trauma.
- Experience with crisis intervention.
- Awareness and experience using an intersectional lens with a focus on multiculturalism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Demonstrated empathy and supportive communication skills.
- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
- Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work responsibilities.
- Ability to be honest and maintain professional boundaries.
- Ability to work collaboratively with other clinicians and victim services responders.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Resume
Cover Letter
Special Instructions
Criminal Justice Advocacy requires some off-site duties at local courts and law enforcement offices. This position requires access to a reliable form of transportation and possession of a valid vehicle operator's license.
Work Hours
Work hours are variable and require some nights and weekends.
Description of End Date
This position is off-dated 1 year from date of hire with possible extension pending funding renewal.
Website
https://centerforsurvivors.msu.edu/
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
The Bidding Eligibility ends on 07/07/2026 at 11:55 PM
