Sex Assault Navigator

The Sexual Assault Response Program is an initiative in Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows that provides free coordinated services for survivors of sexual assault who are 13 years and older, inclusive of all genders and available to all residents of Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows. The Sexual Assault Navigator will be accountable for community education and information dissemination about the Sexual Assault Response Program. This position requires flexibility in scheduling and the ability to work evenings and weekends.

**ACCOUNTABILITIES**

**Crisis Response**

Providing crisis response to clients within 72 hours of a sexual assault. This response may include, as appropriate:

- responding to hospital call-outs;
- providing emotional support;
- identifying and addressing the immediate emotional, safety, and logístical needs of the client;
- acting as a connector between the client, emergency personnel, hospital personnel, and other victim support programs.

**Information and Support**
- By using a trauma-informed, client centered and as needed, culturally appropriate approach, supporting the emotional and practical needs of clients, and as appropriate, members of their family or support network, to assist clients in addressing the impacts of sexual assault and trauma
- Supporting clients, as needed, in accessing other resources and assistance in the community to address the immediate and post-incident impacts of sexual assault and trauma, including by:

- providing information and assistance in navigating health and justice sector services (including hospital accompaniment and transportation, as needed);
- providing information regarding next steps or actions to be undertaken by the police if the incident was reported;
- providing information about how to obtain independent legal advice/ information to support a client in determining the client’s options;
- providing or assisting with accessing transportation services including, but not limited to hospital, court, police, transition house, and/or shelters;
- providing or facilitating other types of practical support and assistance as appropriate;
- providing support for and information about the criminal court process;
- providing other justice system information and support, including going to court with the client.

**Safety Planning**

The Sexual Assault Navigator will, as needed, develop a written Safety Plan or checklist with the client to manage safety and reduce the risk of further victimization. This work with the client may include:

- Assessing, identifying, and addressing the client’s immediate and emergency physical and emotional safety needs;
- Developing and updating safety plans with clients and coordinating with the community and with criminal justice system partners;
- Providing to client’s general safety, wellness planning and crime prevention information and referrals to community resources.

**QUALIFICATIONS**

**Education, Training and Experience**
- Minimum of a two-year diploma or equivalent education in the human services field, along with a minimum of one year of related experience working with, and presenting to, victim populations such as youth/children’s services.

***Knowledge, Skills and Abilities**

Familiarity with the communities of Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Katzie First Nations, Kwantlen First Nations, along with local community resources;
- Knowledge of the criminal justice system, child welfare matters and victim services support issues;
- Strong community development perspective;
- Strong research skills accompanied by the ability to interpret data;
- Excellent facilitation skills and the ability/desire to engage others in dialogue;
- Experience working with committees;
- Excellent communication skills, including writing skills and the ability to easily begin conversations;
- Ability to work independently;
- Excellent computer and technical skills;
- Ability to be flexible in terms of schedule, including evenings and weekends.

Starting hourly rate: $28.32 per hour

Regular part-time - 21 hours per week