This position plays a critical role in addressing trauma by emphasizing both upstream efforts and downstream support. This position collaborates with campus and community resources to support students affected by trauma, focusing on prevention as well as response strategies. This role provides hands-on training and technical guidance to faculty, staff, and leadership on trauma-informed practices. As part of a dedicated team, this position provides trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and empathetic services to students, faculty, and staff impacted by intimate partner violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and abuse. This position not only responds to immediate needs, but also continuously seeks opportunities for organizational enhancement, ensuring a holistic approach to trauma that benefits the entire campus community.

Salary & Benefits:

$48,000-$52,000, commensurate with experience

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

Primary Duties:

1.    Provides leadership for the development and promotion of trauma-aware and strength-based approaches on behalf of the Division of Student Affairs.
2.    Offers trauma-informed, confidential support, including emotional and safety planning, and advocacy with law enforcement, courts, and institutions. Helps victims/survivors navigate challenges like basic needs and academic support, with empathy and empowerment.
3.    Builds and maintains strong professional relationships with key campus and community partners (e.g., the Care Team, University Counseling Center, and law enforcement) to implement a trauma-informed approach for both prevention and response for students.
4.    Works with university leaders to ensure that policies and procedures reflect an understanding of the role of trauma in student behaviors.
5.    Assesses staff training needs and provides training on trauma-awareness and evidence-based approaches.
6.    Assists leadership in developing and providing training to the Volunteer Victim & Survivor Advocate program.
7.    Supports other staff and programs and assists with special events (e.g., Volunteer Victim & Survivor Advocate shifts; Assist with conducting equity-informed assessments and evaluations, including analyzing data and developing reports.
8.    Utilizes data and systems thinking to inform policy, environment, and systems-level change. 
9.    Represent University Health and Wellbeing on committees, workgroups, etc. that would benefit from this role’s expertise, including the Care Team.  
10.    Oversees budget of annual programs and other areas of oversight.
11.    Completes grant documentation as needed.
12.    Performs other duties as required/assigned by leadership.
 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, public/community health, health education, or related discipline - OR - 5+ years full time relevant work experience.

• 1+ years full time/post-graduate advocacy/crisis management experience.

• Valid Driver’s License.

• Knowledge of Title IX, the Violence Against Women Act, and the Clery Act.

• Knowledge of trauma-informed theories, principles, and practices.

• Knowledge of educational equity in the context of higher education.

• Experience working with social services, and/or community outreach/prevention programs.

• Available to work evenings and weekends as necessary to meet the needs of students.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Master’s degree in counseling/social work/psychology, education, public health, or related discipline.

• 3+ years full time/post-graduate advocacy/crisis management experience.

• Experience in working for and with college aged students.

• Experience working within a higher education setting.

• Budget, grant writing implementation, and assessment experience. 

• Experience in providing victim advocacy to victims/survivors of interpersonal violence through an intersectional, trauma-informed framework including effective outreach to diverse populations.

• Demonstrated experience in managing and supervising staff.

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment. On call rotation responsibilities. Some travel may be required.

How to Apply:

Attach your cover letter and resume. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact [email protected].  If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 616-331-221.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Application Deadline:

Application review begins December 16. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.