JOB TITLE: VICTIM ADVOCATE

SUPERVISOR: DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY

The Victim Advocate provides assistance, support, and information to victims of sexual abuse and assault and their support systems as they navigate the legal system. Other responsibilities include the coordination of services including interagency and outside referrals for new clients, and developing and maintaining community partner relationships within systems survivors are likely to encounter. These systems include criminal justice, medical, mental health, Department of Community Based Services, and other social service agencies. This position is trained on criminal justice proceedings and processes by the Lead Victim Advocate to assist in service provisions. The Director of Advocacy will provide direct supervision and oversight of daily activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provision of Direct Service

Legal Advocacy/Crisis Intervention (50% of Position)

• Provide legal advocacy to survivors and/or support systems by accompanying to court or meetings with law enforcement, attorneys, or other criminal justice professionals.
• Educate survivors and/or support systems about the criminal justice system (i.e., investigative process, grand jury process, court process) including through in-person tours and visits.
• Assist survivor and/or survivor’s therapist with writing victim impact statements.
• Assist survivors in the process of filing for interpersonal and/or emergency protective orders.
• Facilitate communication between/among agencies involved with survivors and/or support systems.
• Attend and contribute to local Child Abuse Multi-Disciplinary Team Meetings, in conjunction with the Barren River Child Advocacy Center/Commonwealth Attorney, in the absence of the Lead Victim Advocate.
• Provide regular updates to the Lead Victim Advocate on progress when working with children and families who might appear on the Multi-Disciplinary Team meeting agenda.
• Attend Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs Advocacy Networking meetings for updates and training.
• Attend Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs Sexual Assault Response Team in the absence of the Director of Advocacy.
• Assist the Director of Advocacy in the coordination and implementation of the Regional Sexual Assault Interagency Council and the Sexual Assault Response Teams(s).
• Attend and actively participate in Advocacy Department meetings.
• Respond to hotline calls during office hours and/or medical advocacy requests when available.
• Participate in the on-call back-up rotation for the crisis intervention program including 24/7 hotline and medical advocacy services.
• Provide crisis intervention services for survivors at detention centers as requested.

Community Engagement (30% of position)

• Build relationships with community partners in the Eastern County service area to increase referrals for services. Actions includes emails, phone calls, meetings, providing Hope Harbor information, pamphlets, and/or referral forms, and attendance at partner sponsored community events.
• Establish regular contact with city, county, and state law enforcement agencies and criminal justice systems in the Eastern Counties (Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, and Monroe).
• Enhance community engagement through education and training for service providers and community partners in conjunction with the Director of Advocacy
• Provide support for groups and presentations for justice involved and recovery populations as requested by the Director of Advocacy.

Case Management (10% of Position)

• Conduct initial intake of clients transitioning to the Clinical Department and complete appropriate paperwork and permissions to treat.
• Actively participate in Clinical Team Meetings for client assignments, consultation, discussion, and program development and improvements.
• Provide crisis intervention, referrals, and information on the telephone and in-person.
• Develop and provide clients with a plan to assist in dealing with the immediate problems which arise as a result of victimization.
• Provide regular updates to the Service Coordinator on progress when providing case management services to Hope Harbor clients.
• Gather personal information relative to perspective clients for follow up.
• Enhance the referral guide to include additional information about financial, medical, mental health, social services, and other resources for the referral of survivors in collaboration with the Services Coordinator.

2. Administrative Responsibilities (5% of Position)

• Maintain appropriate statistical/service information daily in the shared excel form to be reviewed by the Administrative Program Assistant.
• Attend monthly staff meeting.
• Maintain appropriate records of community meetings and engagement programs scheduled and presented, and the demographical information for each program presented.

3. Other Duties (5% of Position)

• Travel to satellite offices, schools, or other community partner locations to provide crisis intervention, legal advocacy, and/or community engagement activities.
• Assist with crisis intervention training for volunteers and new staff.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Advocacy and/or Executive Director.

PRIOR QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in the preferred areas of Criminal Justice or Human Services.
• Commitment to work against discrimination of any protected status including, but not limited to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, disability, national origin, or citizenship.
• No prior history of criminal behavior.

POSITION TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• Complete (8) hours of related training prior to any direct (client) services.
• Complete the required (40) hour Crisis Intervention Training within three months of hire.
• Participate in training regarding HIPAA related policies and procedures within 6 months of hire.
• Participate in at least eight (8) hours of continuing education annually relating to the field of sexual trauma but could require up to twelve (12) hours per funding requirements. The yearly continued education must include a minimum of (3) hours of anti-oppression related topics.
• Complete approximately (2) hours of Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice and Department of Corrections volunteer training to be compliant with Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS & SPECIAL SKILLS

• Ease in adaptation to new technology and proficiency in Microsoft Office, Zoom, Stratus Video Equipment and Pacific Languages Interpreter Line.
• Proficiency in crisis intervention/trauma impacts and trauma reduction techniques
• Ability to interface and engage with diverse populations
• Ability to operate independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal and oral skills
• Works well in a team environment
• Ability to foster relationships to ensure supportive/collaborative environment with community partners
• Experience developing resources and maintaining community service referral networks
• Ability to work at a brisk pace
• Ability to work with people in crisis situations
• Ability to work effectively under stress
• Commitment to developing self and others

Hope Harbor is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The agency services are provided either in part or completely through State and Federal funds. Hope Harbor's benefits include Kentucky State Retirement and Health Insurance.

For full consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume by May 28th, 2024.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.78 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (Required)

Work Location: In person