The next 40 hour Sexual Assault Counselor certification training runs from March 18 – 29, 2024, Mon – Fri, 9am – 1pm on Zoom. Join us before March 18th in order to volunteer! We don’t hold these trainings often. Coalition for Family Harmony is the only Rape Crisis Center in Ventura County. The Rape Crisis Community Advocate is a member of the Coalition’s Rape Crisis Center that provides direct client advocacy to survivors of sexual violence through our 24-hr Rape Crisis Accompaniment Calendar. On-call Advocates respond to accompaniment crisis calls to our Safe Harbors within one hour to provide support to victims of sexual violence. Advocates will work closely with SART, including forensic nurses, law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, and other community partners.
Volunteer Requirements
- Provide in-person advocacy to victims of sexual violence needing support with forensic exams, crisis counseling, interviews, filing police reports, or other types of advocacy in Ventura County. Advocate must respond to calls within ONE hour of receiving a call-out.
- Provide referrals, assessments, crisis intervention, advocacy, and follow-up services for victims of sexual violence; follow-up must happen within 72 hours.
- Strong advocacy skills that embrace understanding, compassion, and experience working with vulnerable communities.
- Pass Live Scan background, maintain clean DMV record, valid DL, auto-insurance, and reliable transportation for around Ventura County.
- One Monthly Shift: 3pm – 11pm, Saturday or Sunday. A commitment of one shift (8 hours) per month for one year is required to receive certification.
Required Training
- Must obtain Sexual Assault Counselor certification that meets the requirements under California Evidence Code 1305.2, which the Coalition provides.
- Must complete our LGBTQ 101 Training within 6 months of hire date.
Current Volunteer Rape Crisis Advocates shared their experiences in serving as volunteers:
Muriel – Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee & Rape Crisis Community Advocate
“Being a Volunteer Rape Crisis Advocate has been an incredibly enriching experience for me! Providing immediate support to survivors during one of their most vulnerable moments has deepened my understanding of the criminal justice system and enhanced my empathy beyond the exam room. This role has bridged my academic learning with real-world applications, which offers a unique perspective, and has ultimately deepened my commitment to working in the mental health field.”
Anthony – LGBTQ+ Mobile Advocate & Rape Crisis Community Advocate
“Being a Volunteer Rape Crisis Advocate has taught me the power of empathy and how listening without judgment can make all the difference in someone’s life during their most distressing moments. It has taught me that through advocacy and validation, we can empower survivors to reclaim their voices and find healing and strength.”
How to get involved:
If you’re interested in becoming a Volunteer Rape Crisis Advocate, please send an email to jobs@thecoalition.org describing your experience working with vulnerable communities, or anything else you think would help you succeed as a Sexual Assault Advocate! If you have a resume, please include that as well.
Please feel free to share this opportunity with anyone who might be interested, as your network can play a crucial role in building a stronger support system for survivors of sexual violence.
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