Job summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Department of Defense Sexual Assault Program Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. About the Position: Serve as a Victim Advocate (SHARP) for 56th Artillery Command, providing comprehensive assistance and liaison to victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment. Provides advocacy and educational services primarily to Army personnel, family members, DoD civilians.

Major duties

Assess the urgency of a sexual assault case to implement an appropriate response in a crisis situation. Recognize the symptoms of emotional distress to arrange for professional intervention. Provide guidance to victims of sexual assault to ensure they understand the required medical and legal procedures. Accompany victims to assist them in securing appropriate medical, legal, or personal services. Write news articles for publication on the topics of sexual harassment and sexual assault to promote public awareness.

Qualification

Open to U.S. Citizens. In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. BASIC REQUIREMENT for Victim Advocate (SHARP) (SAR WF): A. Degree: A degree in behavioral and/or social science, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. (Must Submit Transcripts). OR B. Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral and/or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. OR C. Experience: Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral and/or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes 1) Providing professional advocacy services to victims or survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment; 2) Conducting assessments with clients to evaluate needs and risks; 3) Recognizing the need for professional intervention and referring to appropriate services; 4) Maintaining partnerships in the community, and conducting training/seminars on sexual assault/sexual harassment. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07). OR Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. This education was in a behavioral and/or social science; or related discipline appropriate to the position. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages. You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas:

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Evaluations

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.