R.A.P.E. Center seeks volunteer advocate applicants

R.A.P.E. Center seeks volunteer advocate applicantsJanuary 16, 2009SU News ServicesSUnews@syr.edu

The Syracuse University R.A.P.E. Center is seeking applications and nominations for volunteer advocates to attend training in January-February 2009.

The R.A.P.E. Center provides 24-hour, year-round support and assistance to SU and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry students who have been sexually assaulted. The R.A.P.E. Center works in collaboration with Vera House Inc. to provide services to SU and ESF students. Volunteer advocates provide crisis response services evenings, nights and weekends, and are critical to the center’s ability to provide these services after hours.

The center is seeking SU and ESF staff and faculty to join the volunteer advocate program. Applicants will be contacted immediately upon receipt of applications to schedule an interview. Volunteer advocates must complete the initial training, conducted in partnership with Vera House Inc., during two weekends in late January-early February 2009. Volunteer advocates are expected to participate on the Vera House on-call schedule in order to complete their training.

Applicants should be responsible, sensitive to the needs of others and nonjudgmental. Advocates are expected to listen actively to those in crisis to understand how to best be of assistance and to present all options without attempting to influence decisions. Advocates must uphold the confidentiality and respect the dignity of clients at all times.

To apply or nominate a potential applicant, or to request a position description and application, contact Janet Epstein, associate director, R.A.P.E. Center, at 443-7098 or epsteinj@syr.edu.