
Job Title: Outreach Victim Advocate Community Justice Center
Rape Crisis Center –
Full-Time | New Hanover County, NC
Coastal Horizons Center, Inc. is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Community Justice Center/Outreach Victim Advocate to join our Rape Crisis Center team. This position provides crisis intervention, advocacy, supportive counseling, referrals, court accompaniment, and community outreach to individuals impacted by sexual assault and abuse.
The Advocate will provide services throughout New Hanover County, with a primary presence at the New Hanover County Community Justice Center at least three days per week. This position also plays an important role in educating the community, supporting outreach events, and connecting survivors with resources and services.
What You'll Do
- Provide crisis intervention and supportive services to victims of sexual assault/abuse and their family members.
- Provide hospital response, follow-up support, individual and group supportive counseling, and appropriate referrals.
- Represent the Rape Crisis Center at the Community Justice Center, providing advocacy and support to clients.
- Provide court advocacy and accompaniment and assist victims in navigating the criminal justice system.
- Coordinate services with hospitals, law enforcement, the District Attorney's Office, and other community agencies.
- Participate in a 24-hour/on-call crisis intervention rotation with RCC staff and volunteers.
- Develop and deliver victim-focused educational and outreach programs in the community and schools.
- Work closely with the Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator to schedule, attend, table, and present at community events.
- Develop and maintain relationships with community agencies, law enforcement, judicial personnel, schools, and other partners.
- Assist with volunteer training, coordination, and staffing.
- Maintain resource materials and ensure clients and community members have access to appropriate information and referrals.
- Accurately document client contacts, services provided, and required statistical information.
- Represent the Rape Crisis Center on community boards, committees, and organizations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule & On-Call Responsibilities
This is a 40-hour-per-week, full-time position with benefits. The position requires flexibility to participate in after-hours/on-call crisis intervention services, including evenings, weekends, and other times as needed to respond to sexual assault victims.
The Advocate will work from the New Hanover County Community Justice Center at least three days per week and will participate in community outreach activities throughout New Hanover County.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in human services or a related field.
- Preferably, two (2) years of experience in counseling, victim advocacy, crisis intervention, or working with victims.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
- Ability to establish rapport and build trusting relationships with victims, families, community partners, law enforcement, and judicial professionals.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism when working with sensitive and confidential information.
- Ability and willingness to work flexible hours and participate in an on-call rotation.
Preferred Knowledge & Skills
The ideal candidate will have:
- Knowledge of crisis intervention and supportive counseling techniques, particularly as they relate to sexual assault and trauma.
- Knowledge of laws and legal processes related to sexual assault and victim rights.
- Knowledge of community resources and referral services.
- Understanding of trauma-informed approaches, group dynamics, and crisis intervention.
- Ability to advocate effectively for victims within medical, law enforcement, and judicial systems.
- Strong public speaking and community education skills.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to maintain accurate and timely case documentation.
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, community agencies, and the public.
Physical Requirements
The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, including walking, standing, stooping, reaching, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. The position requires the ability to perform light work, including occasionally exerting up to 20 pounds of force and frequently exerting up to 10 pounds of force.
The employee must possess sufficient visual acuity to prepare and analyze records, observe client behaviors, perform extensive reading, and accurately document services provided.
Compensation & Benefits
Coastal Horizons Center, Inc. offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k)/retirement savings plan
- Paid time off
- 14 paid holidays
- PTO rollover
- Educational loan repayment programs
- Employee engagement and resource groups
- Opportunities for professional development and community involvement
Why Join Coastal Horizons?
At Coastal Horizons Center, we believe in providing services that promote healthier lives, stronger families, and safer communities. As a member of our Rape Crisis Center team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference by supporting survivors, strengthening community partnerships, and increasing awareness of sexual assault and available resources.
If you are compassionate, trauma-informed, community-minded, and passionate about advocating for survivors, we encourage you to apply.