Hospital Violence Prevention Advocate – PRN

Primary Function/General Purpose of Position

The Victim Services Advocate (VSA) is a hospital-based professional who provides trauma informed, patient centered advocacy and support to individuals experiencing domestic or intimate partner violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, child abuse, elder abuse and workplace violence. The VSA is a core member of the Violence Response Team inclusive of Forensic Nurse Examiners, Victim Service Advocates and Community Health Workers, who work collaboratively to support patients throughout their medical care encounter and following discharge. 

Essential Job Functions

​Respond promptly to patients in the emergency department and inpatient units who disclose or are identified as experiencing violence or abuse.

• Collaborate with Forensic Nurse Examiners, other Violence Response Team members and other hospital departments to ensure coordinated, trauma -informed care during medical and forensic examinations

• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and system navigation using trauma informed and culturally responsive approach

• Conduct patient assessments to identify immediate safety concerns, service needs, and support options

• Assist patients with individualized safety planning tailored to their circumstances

• Explain patient and victim rights, options and available services without bias or coercion

• Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical advocacy standards in all patient interactions.

• Provide referrals to community resources such as shelters, counseling, legal advocacy, case management, financial assistance programs, and other social services.

• Assist patients in navigating external systems including law enforcement, child protective services, adult protective services and victim compensation programs, when requested by the patient.

• Provide post-discharge advocacy and follow up contact to support ongoing safety concerns and assess for additional service and resource needs. 

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their department, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Licensing/Certification

• N/A

Education

• Associate’s degree, pending bachelor’s degree, or equivalent relevant experience in social work, psychology, human services, public health, criminal justice, or related field (required)

• Bachelors in an above related field (preferred)

Work Experience

• Previous experience in victim services, crisis intervention, social services, advocacy, or related fields (preferred)

• Previous experience working in a healthcare, forensic, or crisis response setting (preferred)

• Experience with domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and/or human trafficking response (preferred)

Training

• Training in trauma, trauma informed care, crisis intervention, victim centered response (preferred)

Language

• Bilingual and/or multilingual (preferred)

Skills

Resource Navigation & Care Coordination

• Provide referrals to community resources such as shelters, counseling, legal advocacy, case management, financial assistance programs, and social services.

• Coordinate care with internal hospital departments and VRT members, including FNEs and CHWs, to ensure patients’ needs are fully addressed.

• Assist patients in navigating external systems including law enforcement, child protective services, adult protective services, and victim compensation programs, when requested by the patient.

• Offer post-discharge advocacy and follow-up contact to support ongoing safety and continued connection to services.

Documentation & Reporting

• Document patient encounters according to hospital policy, ensuring accuracy, objectivity, and confidentiality.

• Track referrals, services provided, and follow-up outcomes as required by program standards.

• Provide data or reports for quality improvement, grant compliance, or departmental review as needed.

Hard/Tech/Clinical Skills:

• Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care

• Record patient medical histories

• Analyzing data or information

• Scheduling

• Basic computer literacy and ability to document in electronic health record

​Soft/Interpersonal Skills:

• Attention to detail

• Acceptance of authority

• Critical thinking

• Communication with family members

• Teamwork

• Conflict resolution

• Active listening

• Relationship building

• Strong verbal and written communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills

• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality

As a Bon Secours associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

What we offer

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
• Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Bon secours – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email [email protected]. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected]