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Inside Higher Ed

Rape Crisis Specialist

Inside Higher Ed, Amherst, Massachusetts, us, 01002

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Job Details Job no: 528894 Work type: Staff Full Time Location: UMass Amherst Department: Center for Women and Community Union: PSU Categories: Student Affairs & Services, Counseling/Health/Wellness

Job Summary Under the general supervision of Associate Director for Counseling and Rape Crisis Services, the Rape Crisis Specialist assists with the administration and provision of services for the daily operations of 24 hour comprehensive services for victims/survivors and the family and friends of victims/survivors of sexual and relationship violence. The incumbent will participate in violence prevention efforts and education to meet grant, program, and departmental goals. This is a grant‑funded position, with reappointment dependent on grant renewal and funding availability.

Essential Functions

Provide short‑term peer counseling; crisis intervention; medical, legal and academic advocacy; safety planning; case management; and facilitate related support groups throughout Hampshire County.

Meet and communicate with other service providers about clients.

Comply with all relevant regulations, policies, standards, and protocols including those regarding privileged communication between rape crisis counselors and victims and mandated reporting of abuse.

Assist in administering and participating in the daily operations of 24‑hour rape crisis services, including ensuring scheduling and staffing of the hotline, providing and/or scheduling back‑up to ensure coverage, participating in training and selection, and providing supervision and support to program staff.

Consult and participate in the implementation of violence‑prevention outreach, education, and training for diverse populations.

Maintain and complete timely reports to document accurate service data and other related administrative needs such as travel, procard, etc.; generate relevant reports; participate in organizational and committee meetings; maintain positive working relationships with partners and stakeholders and provide consultation as assigned.

Lead and participate in program and organizational projects and initiatives, as assigned, to meet current program goals and priorities.

Other Functions

Perform related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, Executive Area/Division, and University goals and objectives.

Understand responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery, and other compliance requirements.

Demonstrate capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.

Work collaboratively with other campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of Student Affairs and Campus Life.

Understand responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behave in ways consistent with law and University policy.

Contribute toward creating a positive and respectful workplace defined by personal and professional competence, integrity, and collaboration.

Understand and contribute to the implementation of departmental and institutional goals for achieving non‑discrimination and creating a respectful, inclusive environment that is supportive of diversity.

Use access to sensitive and/or not yet public university‑related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of the position and exercise care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and 1 year related experience, including counseling.

Experience working with survivors of sexual and relationship violence and/or trauma.

Experience providing culturally responsive services for diverse communities.

Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, meet time‑sensitive deadlines, and prioritize workload with minimal supervision.

A collaborative team approach to work, meet individual goals, and constructively provide, seek, and implement feedback.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to utilize programs such as Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Office, Box, and/or Google Docs.

Driver's license and access to a car required.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in counseling, social work, or related field; strong administrative skills.

Experience working in the field of sexual and relationship violence.

Experience in one or more of the following areas: conducting training, developing curriculum, supervising staff and/or volunteers, recruitment and retention of staff, leading support groups, and/or working with teens.

Completion of Rape Crisis Counselor or Domestic Violence Counselor training through a recognized sexual assault or domestic violence agency.

Experience developing and implementing training/education programs.

Contemporary knowledge of current events, social movements, climate, and political trends broadly and those related to campus life, especially. Experience working in a university setting and college communities.

Bilingual.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

Ability to travel to other work related sites.

Work Schedule

37.5 hours per week.

Position requires regular evening and some weekend hours.

Salary Information Level 26

Special Instructions to Applicants Upload your resume, along with your completed application. Our team will check references at the final stage of the interview process. Please be prepared to provide contact information for at least three (3) professional references. This position will remain open until filled or the advertised closing date, whichever occurs first. Early submissions are recommended.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti‑discrimination laws.

Advertised: Nov 4 2025 Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: Feb 8 2026 Eastern Standard Time

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