The Confidential Advocacy, Resources and Education – Support Center (CARE-SC) Advocate, Senior will provide comprehensive advocacy, support, and consultation services to USC students impacted by sexual violence. The Advocate serves as a confidential resource, offering case management, safety planning, resource coordination, and guidance to USC students navigating the medical, institutional, and community systems. The Advocate will accompany sexual assault survivors to SART centers for rape exams, arrange transportation, and provide linkage to aftercare services on campus, including but not limited to student health care services, counseling, advocacy, Title IX, and academic accommodations. In addition, the Advocate collaborates with campus and community partners to support coordinated service delivery and participates in outreach, education, and training efforts to promote awareness and strengthen campus response and prevention initiatives. This role will continue to contribute to the program development, activities, and maintain familiarity with relevant policies, regulations, and best practices. They will be available 24/7 to respond to requests from DPS, USC After-Hours Call Center (Protocol) or students who request services due to a sexual assault either on or off-campus. Advocate will be required to complete a TB test, and fingerprinting. The position is housed in the Confidential Advocacy, Resources and Education – Support Center (CARE-SC) in USC Student Health. The position reports to the Advocate Supervisor and Director of CARE-SC.

Departmental Specific Summary

Essential Duties

• Provide trauma-informed advocacy, crisis intervention, emotional support, and case management services to students impacted by sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, harassment, and interpersonal violence.
• Respond to victims/survivors and provide support and advocacy services throughout medical treatment, law enforcement interactions, forensic interviews, Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), institutional, or criminal proceedings.
• Lead ongoing efforts to assess and strengthen victim advocacy and support programs by identifying service needs, driving program improvements, and utilizing best practices in survivor care.
• Provide professional knowledge and expertise regarding practices, victim advocacy standards, laws and regulations, and Title IX requirements.
• Assists USC students in navigating Title IX processes, institutional complaint procedures, victim rights information, victim assistance programs, and available campus and community resources.
• Develop rapport and maintain ongoing contact with USC students to assess needs, provide safety planning, identify reporting options, and coordinate individualized support services and referrals.
• Lead collaboration with USC students, campus departments, community organizations, and external agencies to coordinate support services, enhance access to resources, and advance consistent trauma-informed practices across the institution.
• Provide guidance and consultation regarding survivor support resources, reporting options, and trauma-informed response practices.
• Maintain confidential records, case documentation, program data, and other required information in accordance with legal, ethical and institutional standards.
• Collaborate with campus and community partners to strengthen resources and improve access to services for survivors.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable laws, professional standards, best practices, and emerging trends through continuing education and professional development activities.
• Design and facilitate educational programs, trainings, presentations, workshops, outreach activities, and consultation services for students, faculty, and campus partners.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and other materials to support program operations, activities, and departmental initiatives.
• Demonstrate leadership in advancing trauma-informed practices and strengthening campus partnerships.
• Participates and attends required meetings, conferences and trainings locally and at remote locations which are appropriately related to the program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Req Bachelor’s Degree Degree in human services or related field.
• Req 3-5 years Experience as an advocate with interpersonal violence, sexual or domestic violence agency.
• Req 3-5 years Working in human services or social services.
• Req Knowledge of counseling or case management skills.
• Req Ability to establish and maintain effective and supportive relationships with victims of violence.
• Req Crisis intervention skills.
• Req Knowledge of resources for survivors of violence.
• Req Knowledge and practice of trauma-informed care approaches.
• Req Must have the ability to manage time effectively and complete multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
• Req Maintain personnel and client confidentiality.
• Req Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
• Req Ability to work effectively across different groups with cultural sensitivity
• Req Strong collaboration and relationship management skills
• Req Strong project and time management skills
• Req Knowledge of crisis counseling and case management skills
• Req Knowledge of resources for survivors of power and gender-based harm
• Req Excellent listening skills
• Req Knowledge and practice of trauma-informed care approaches
• Req Ability to establish and maintain effective and supportive relationships

Required Licenses/Certifications: ​

• Req Certified Sexual Assault Advocate/Counselor
• Req Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider from American Heart Association
• Req Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only)