Victim Advocate (ADVOCATE 3)

Reporting to the Assistant Director, the Victim Advocate for CARE is an experienced professional with in-depth knowledge in the overall field of crisis counseling and advocacy for survivors of sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence, stalking, and harassment based on gender identity and sexual orientation. This position works directly with victims of violence and abuse, providing in-person and virtual confidential crisis counseling, risk assessment and safety planning, advocacy, and accompaniment. Given the nature of the work, this position requires frequent problem solving and analysis of unique and high-risk situations, strong skills to manage one's own trauma-exposure response, and excellent judgement to know when supervision and consultation is necessary.

The Victim Advocate, experienced in working with victims of violence and abuse, provides trauma-informed and comprehensive victim advocacy and support, while preserving the victim's confidentiality, in an atmosphere that may require making quick judgment calls. The Victim Advocate provides confidential crisis counseling and psychoeducational support, safety planning, assistance with obtaining protective orders, in-person accompaniment to evidentiary exams, support and case management through the criminal justice and/or Title IX reporting process, including in-person accompaniment to investigative interviews, assistance with academic, housing, and employment accommodations, and other advocacy and accompaniment services in order to support the victim. The Victim Advocate has strong knowledge of victims' rights and options as outlined in law and in policy and is proactive in maintaining their expertise though continued education and research.

The Victim Advocate assists with the development of workshops and training for first responders, service providers, and university officials, and participates in educational outreach services to diverse University populations and key stakeholders within the community. This position develops and maintains positive, productive, and effective relationships with local and community-based organizations to assist with advocacy and referral efforts.

This position provides services, including occasional services outside of business hours, to UC Davis and UC Davis Health staff, faculty, academic appointees, and students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students, as well as other individuals who experienced assault or abuse on UC Davis and UC Davis Health property. While the Victim Advocate supports both UC Davis and UC Davis Health, this position is located on the Davis campus. Occasional travel between Davis and Sacramento, as well as other potential locations, may be necessary to fulfill the mission of the program.

Please note that this role is a career appointment with 18 months of confirmed funding at this time.

Apply By Date

February 18, 2026 at 11:59pm

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Completion of training required by Evidence Codes 1035.2 and 1037.1 for certification as a Sexual Assault Counselor and Domestic Violence Counselor in the State of California. Candidates with a master's degree in counseling may be permitted to complete the required certification training within four months of hire.
• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, sociology or related field; or equivalent experience and training.
• Strong experience with computer programs used in the University setting, such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Drive, as well as case tracking systems, teleconference tools such as Zoom, and other key programs necessary to perform the requirements of the position.
• Demonstrated ability to provide confidential crisis counseling and advocacy to individuals who have experienced sexual harassment and assault, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence, and stalking, including skills to assess varying levels of emotional distress and react appropriately.
• Demonstrated ability to work with people of various ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender identities.
• Skills to communicate professionally and effectively, verbally and in writing. Interpersonal and communication skills to handle sensitive or difficult situations with compassion and discretion.
• Ability to exercise professional judgement, decision making, and problem solving.
• Organizational and planning skills to independently prioritize tasks and achieve progress on multiple simultaneous projects, to meet deadlines and to maintain a high level of productivity in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Skills to work with key partners, including community services, law enforcement and prosecutors, to maintain relationships and strengthen advocacy efforts for victims.

Preferred Qualifications

• A master's degree in counseling or a related field; or has one year of counseling experience, with at least six months in rape crisis counseling.
• A qualified psychotherapist.
• Experience in public speaking, training, and facilitating education in front of diverse audiences.
• Experience cultivating and sustaining ongoing collaborative relationships with a wide array of constituents, including University students and employees, campus and community organizations, in order to accomplish victim advocacy goals.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the personal, social, and intellectual developmental needs, problems and characteristics of university students, including graduate, undergraduate, and professional school students, staff and faculty members.
• Knowledge of California state and federal laws, and University of California policies, procedures, and resources related to sexual harassment and sexual violence, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence, and stalking.

Key Responsibilities

• 80% - Victim Advocacy
• 10% - Outreach
• 10% - Administrative Duties

Department Overview

The UC Davis Center for Advocacy, Resources & Education (CARE) provides confidential crisis counseling and advocacy for UC Davis students, staff and faculty who have experienced sexual assault, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence, stalking, sexual harassment, and harassment based on gender identity and sexual orientation. Victim services include, but are not limited to, crisis support and counseling, safety planning, assistance with accessing victim's rights and accommodations, case management, and assistance and accompaniment throughout the administrative and criminal reporting processes. Victims may access services at CARE by scheduling an appointment or by coming to the office during business hours. CARE also ensures emergency response during non-business hours. CARE is an independent office, with no reporting responsibility to Title IX or campus police.

CARE also leads campus-wide efforts to prevent all forms of sexual violence and sexual harassment. CARE designs and delivers a variety of educational programs, training for professionals, and awareness events and materials to support the mission of UC Davis. CARE staff collaborate extensively with campus and community partners to ensure comprehensive and inclusive advocacy and prevention services at UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $63,900/yr. - $112,100/yr. (Dept. budgeted range: $63,900/yr. $80,000/yr. Commensurate with experience)
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: Grade 20
• UC Job Title: ADVOCATE 3
• UC Job Code: 004020
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
• Must provide own transportation and have the ability to travel to various sites.
• Work with constant interruptions; communicate on a telephone; work with computers; work in an area with noise from various sources; work with deadline pressures and be available to respond to crisis situations outside regular business hours as needed.
• Listen, communicate, convey and exchange information for extended periods of time.
• Employee is personally responsible for following health and safety guidelines/instructions.
• Variable work schedule that may include some evenings/nights and weekends to fulfill mission of the program.
• Limited or restricted vacation during peak periods; typically, April, May, and October.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

#CA-SE