Emergency Room Advocate

Overview

Position:
Emergency Room Advocate (Part-time Position)

Reports to:

Advocacy Manager

Position

Description:

The Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA) is seeking compassionate, empathetic people to work as Emergency Room Advocates for survivors of sexual violence. ERAs provide support and crisis intervention to survivors at the hospital emergency room or police department after office hours and on weekends. Emergency room calls may range from 2-6 hours.

• Provide 24-hour support to survivors of sexual violence as well as nonoffending family and friends. This includes survivors of all ages and genders.
• Stay with the survivor throughout the forensic/medical exam if the survivor wishes.
• Offer active listening, support, referrals, and information to the survivor and any friends or family that accompany the victim to the hospital.
• Ensure the client has a safe place to go after leaving the hospital and a safe mode of transportation to get there.
• Maintain strong professional boundaries and an understanding of the limits of one’s competence and role; this is not a counseling or therapeutic position.

• Spring 2026:
  Hiring priority for individuals with weeknight and weekend availability.
• Weekday
  
  Shifts:
  
  8 hours
  • Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Weeknight
  
  Shifts:
  
  16 hours
  • Monday - Thursday 5:00 pm to 9:00 am the following day
  • Friday 5:00 pm to Monday 9:00 am

• Able to commit to at least 1 year of part-time employment with the agency
• Available to be on-call for:
  • Four weekdays (overnight) each month
  • Federal Holidays observed by SARA; 1 each year required, availability for multiple is appreciated
• Keep a cell phone on their person while on-call, must be alert and able to respond, and must remain within a reasonable distance to respond if called to do so. Sleeping during overnight shifts is acceptable as long as the advocate is able to respond to incoming calls.
• Able to arrive at the University of Virginia Hospital Emergency Department within 45 minutes from the time the call is received.
• Complete 40 hours of Crisis Services Training and 12 hours of Emergency Room Advocate Training.
• Following each accompaniment, complete data entry and follow-up procedures.
• Promptly respond to emails regarding scheduling and updates on policies and procedures as well as attend meetings as scheduled.
• Advocates must pass a criminal background check.

• Must be comfortable working in a hospital environment, including but not limited to seeing the drawing of blood and visible injuries.
• Able to follow procedures and standards set by the agency and community partners.
• Be creative in problem solving and resourceful.
• Able to work with a variety of professionals, such as law enforcement and hospital personnel.
• Able to remain nonjudgmental and maintain confidentiality in accordance with SARA policies.
• Have reliable transportation throughout each shift.

• Training:
  Upon completion of the training and after passing a background check, trainees will complete the required paperwork for part-time employment e hired, Advocates will earn a $400 training stipend in addition to their on-call wages.
• On-call: $3/hour for passive on-call hours
• Weeknights: 16-hour shifts at $3/hour = $48
• Weekends: 64-hour shifts at $3/hour = $192
• Weekdays: 8-hour shifts at $3/hour = $24
• Active Pay: $20/hour for active hours during accompaniment

Please send a resume and cover letter to jacqueline.

We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, and communities to apply. All applicants must be dedicated to an environment that enables staff and clients to feel empowered, valued, respected, and safe. In reviewing applications, we look for evidence that candidates have experience and/or thoughtfulness in working with traditionally marginalized populations.