Description

Purpose of the Position
The Victim Advocate is responsible for supporting all Tribal Members in maintaining and sustaining healthy lifestyles. Under the Health and Human Services Administrator's direction, the Victim Services Advocate identifies and coordinates the delivery of support programs and solutions for families in crisis to meet their financial, educational, social, and emotional needs. Interviews families to assess needs and their eligibility for assistance programs and services. Helps to navigate the application process and outlines the requirements and benefits of programs or services. Advises about types of counseling services available and makes referrals to service providers. This is achieved by assisting victims of crime by providing a full range of services, including assistance with compensation claims, crisis intervention, court support, case status updates, community referrals, and community awareness, and performs related duties as required. Duties include providing intensive case management and crisis intervention services, facilitating support groups, providing health education verbally or via written material, assisting members involved in legal proceedings or administrative reviews, transporting members to medical and related appointments, and assisting with planning and conducting gatherings. The Victim Services Advocate must be prepared to work occasional flexible hours in support of members and programmatic goals.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities

• Support the development of an integrated data management system to support the collection, input, use, and reporting of data, including, but not limited to, participant demographics and service utilization data, program service delivery data, performance measurement data, and implementation data to support the resources and information needed to develop a successful program.
• Initiate contact with victims of violent crimes; advise crime victims of their rights and assist them in navigating through the criminal justice system.
• Review police department crime reports: contact victims of crime in which a person has been arrested to ascertain what assistance may be provided by the Police Department; provide crisis intervention and emergency assistance; conduct immediate needs assessment and provide information and referrals to other agencies and community services.
• Assist victims in applying for benefits including reimbursement for lost wages and medical expenses; assist victims with completing and processing forms, including the state Victim Assistance Compensation Fund; determine victim eligibility for benefits.
• Provide ongoing emotional support, encouragement, and information to victims as the case moves through the criminal justice system; provide support during court proceedings, as needed; update victims regarding the ongoing status of criminal proceedings.
• Confer with law enforcement officials on the status of cases; coordinate interviews between investigating officers and victims; provide support to victims and their families during interviews with law enforcement, attorneys, and other court personnel.
• Coordinate with the Victims Witness Office to transfer responsibilities from Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Victims’ Advocates processing during the preliminary investigative stage to County processing during the post-investigative stage.
• Outreach and collaborate with community organizations.
• Continuous collaboration with cases, events, and crisis.
• Organizing and scheduling appointments/meetings.
• Assisting in organizing office activities and events and facilitating groups.
• Assisting all Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Tribal Members with needs.
• Provide community resources to Tribal Members.
• Case Management.
• Photocopying, scanning, faxing, and sending emails.
• Word processing documents and correspondence.
• Maintaining a high degree of confidentiality.
• Other developmental duties as assigned.
• In-person attendance and travel as requested.

Skills and Abilities

• Experience working with domestic violence survivors and families in a professional setting preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work respectfully, non-judgmentally, and professionally with diverse populations in a culturally competent manner, including with employees, volunteers, agency partners, and the community at large.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, and effective listening skills.
• Ability to maintain a professional and calm demeanor during stressful situations and determine appropriate solutions consistent with established policies and procedures.
• An understanding of historical trauma as it relates to Native Americans' knowledge of:
  • Criminal and juvenile justice systems.
  • Victims’ rights within the criminal justice system.
  • Needs and challenges experienced by people from diverse socio-economic, and cultural backgrounds, community resources, and community organizations.
  • Crisis intervention methods and techniques.
  • Safety planning for victims of crime.
  • Principles and procedures of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Basic knowledge of Social Work Theory.
• General computer skills such as the Internet and popular software programs, including, but not limited to, Email, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Must be able to familiarize yourself quickly and accurately with new and existing computer software and office procedures and operate a variety of office equipment.
• Modern office practices and techniques.
• Internet programs used by the Executive Council and Health and Human Services department (Zoom, Teams, etc.).
• Clear and concise verbal and written skills.
• Utilizes computer software to access and prepare specific reports, resolutions, and necessary documents.
• Excellent communication skills, demonstrated as being able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with professionalism, excellent grammar, respect, and courteousness.
• Skilled in the operations of various office equipment, etc.
• Ability to manage multiple projects/tasks and work independently.
• Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Highly organized and the ability to organize others.
• Complete tasks efficiently to accomplish goals/objectives.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Intercultural sensitivity.
• Time management skills and the ability to prioritize work.
• Communication skills - verbal and written.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• An understanding of professionalism in the workplace.
• Hours worked may vary depending on special projects or as needed by the Department, including some evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays.

Education and ExperienceRequired:

• Associate of Science/Arts Degree from an accredited university with a major in either a Human Services field, criminal justice, behavioral science, social science, or a related field; and one year of experience providing supportive counseling to victims and witnesses of crime.
• Completion of the 40-hour Domestic Violence training as approved by the State of California, or ability to successfully complete certification within six months of hire.
• All offers are contingent upon signing a confidentiality agreement and satisfactory completion of drug screening and background checks, including a LiveScan Fingerprints check.Employer observes federal standards for controlled substances.
• Required to possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a driving record that is satisfactory to the Tribe’s insurance carrier.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands and fingers to handle or feel work-related items.
• Prolonged periods in a stationary seated position, such as working on a computer.
• The employee is regularly required to stand and walk.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently move, transport, and manipulate computer equipment up to 15 pounds.

Indian Preference
Native American Indian preference shall apply to the position in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e-2(i)), regulations of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (41 C.F.R. 60-1.5(a)(7)), and/or other relevant laws. Applicants claiming Indian preference must submit verification of Indian eligibility with their application.

Qualifications