Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate (DAVA)

Coho Integrated Solutions is seeking a qualified Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate (DAVA) to support the Department of the Air Force Family Advocacy Program in Spangdahlem, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. The DAVA provides advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, case management, resource coordination, and support to victims of domestic abuse.

The DAVA serves as a critical resource for victims and works closely with FAP clinicians, installation leadership, law enforcement, medical providers, and community agencies while maintaining the confidentiality and self-determination of victims within applicable program requirements.

Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

• Provide 24-hour, seven-day-a-week response to victims alleging domestic abuse using the designated emergency contact process.
• Explain available advocacy services, reporting options, voluntary participation, and applicable confidentiality limitations to victims.
• Provide information regarding military and civilian resources, including protective orders, restraining orders, injunctions, legal services, medical resources, housing, childcare, and emergency shelter.
• Conduct approved risk assessments when evaluating the potential for imminent serious harm or death.
• Immediately notify appropriate FAP leadership, law enforcement, and command when imminent risk of serious harm or death is identified, in accordance with applicable procedures.
• Develop, implement, and regularly review individualized victim safety plans.
• Provide case management, follow-up, advocacy, information, referrals, and support based on victim needs and preferences.
• Empower victims in decision-making while supporting self-determination and informed choices.
• Accompany victims to medical appointments, court proceedings, and other authorized appointments when requested.
• Collaborate with FAP clinicians and mental health providers and provide relevant updates regarding victim circumstances and safety concerns.
• Support coordinated community response initiatives, system advocacy, education, and domestic abuse awareness.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with installation and local domestic abuse agencies and support resources.

Confidentiality and Professional Responsibilities:

• Maintain appropriate confidentiality and adhere to applicable victim advocacy requirements.
• Support victims without directing or making decisions on their behalf.
• Maintain communication with designated FAP and emergency contacts when providing advocacy services.
• Maintain accurate location, arrival, and departure information while providing victim advocacy services.
• Protect victim information and comply with applicable restrictions concerning Personal Health Information (PHI).

Essential Job Qualifications and Requirements:

• Clearance:
  • Must be eligible for and maintain required privileging within the Military Treatment Facility
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust determination in accordance with applicable contract and government requirements

• Education, Licensure, and Certifications:
  • Must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university
    • Degree must be in Social Work, Psychology, Marriage/Family/Child Counseling, Counseling, Behavioral Science, Criminal Justice, or a related field
  • Must possess or be able to obtain upon hire or within six months of hire the required Basic Advocate credential with the Comprehensive Intervention Specialist designation, as approved and offered through the National Advocate Credentialing Program overseen by the National Organization for Victim Assistance
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

• Required Experience:
  • Minimum of two years of experience assisting and providing advocacy services to victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault
  • Demonstrated ability to provide crisis intervention, advocacy, safety planning, case management, and resource coordination

• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to respond to victims outside normal business hours as required.
  • Ability to travel locally to medical appointments, court proceedings, and other approved locations
  • Ability to work in office, clinical, community, and potentially crisis-oriented environments

• Work Environment:
  • The DAVA works in a professional advocacy environment that may include offices, medical facilities, courts, community organizations, and other locations where victim support services are provided. The position requires flexibility and the ability to respond appropriately to sensitive and potentially urgent situations