Victim Advocate

Position Title: Victim Advocate

Salary Range: 37k-45k

Reports to: Executive Director

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Victim Advocate (VA) acts as a support to the victim and non-offending family and will have the following duties and responsibilities:

· Responsible for supporting children and parents/caregivers in cases where a child has been traumatized by drug exposure, sexual or physical abuse, has witnessed or experienced a violent crime or other trauma.

· The VA will work in close conjunction with the Forensic Interviewer and directly support the families and victims when they come for Forensic Interviews.

· Meet with parents/caregivers during interview, explaining intake and process to the family.

· Establish a trusting relationship with the families by initiating regular client contact, provide emotional support and assist the family with coping with the realities and complexities of recovering from trauma

· May have to observe forensic interview (per supervisor)

· Attend community-based meetings to identify and partner with other organizations to benefit victims and their families

· Connect child and family with appropriate resources within the community and act as a liaison for child and family providing education, financial needs, identifying housing, mental health referrals, education, crisis support, victim compensation, victim advocacy and court assistance/preparation.

· Keep log of referrals and client services

· Enter Victim Advocacy data about cases into NCAtrak.

· Follow-up phone calls (maintain log)

· Making sure surveys are completed and entered into the appropriate system.

· Gather and tabulate statistics on all victims of crime referred to the CAC for reports to funding sources including federal, state, and community grants as well as to use in securing new grants and other funding

· Communicate with other professionals involved with the client/case as necessary

· Screen referrals to ensure they are in accordance with the mission of the center

· Attend scheduled meetings, including all Child Protective Investigative Team (CPIT) meetings

· Responsible for learning NCAtrak and data entry

· Email the appropriate source for information needed

· Maintain current list of direct services throughout the 32nd Judicial District and other surrounding counties, and update regularly

· Treat clients effectively without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, social class, environment or religion

· Other Responsibilities:

o Complete Victim Advocacy Training as soon as possible (provided by the 32nd CAC)

o Needs Assessment/surveys during intake

o Mental Health Referrals/Case Management

o Identifying/help with assistance for clothing, emergency food assistance and other support for families.

o Providing Information on medical assistance

o Victim Advocacy Court Assistance

o Victims Compensation Education

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Family Advocate will have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, child development or other related field. The preferred candidate will also have training and experience in working with multidisciplinary teams, the court system, and performing tasks during forensic interviews.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

Possess a working knowledge of community resources including child protective services, the criminal justice system, a knowledge of child abuse and child development and the ability to work with a multi-disciplinary team.

PERSONAL QUALITIES:

Ability to work as a team, relate to children of all ages in a positive manner and be able to relate appropriately to families and children who are experiencing emotionally challenging situations. Advocates exhibit commitment, cooperation, inclusiveness, compassion, integrity, and respect.

COMPENSATION:

Victim Advocate will be paid an annual salary that will commensurate skills, experience, quality of work, and community standards. The Victim Advocate will work at least 36 hours per week; however, there will be times where the Victim Advocate works more than 36 hours depending on case load. Benefits will be offered as described in the Employee Policies and Procedures Manual.

REQUIREMENTS: A valid driver’s license, background check, letter of good health, and a tuberculosis (TB) assessment is a requisite of employment with the 32nd CAC.

DUTY LOCATION: This position will support clients throughout the 32nd Judicial District and includes regular travel within Hickman, Perry and Lewis Counties.

SCHEDULE: 8am-4m Monday-Thursday; 8am-12pm Friday; hybrid (in person and remote), hours may vary.

Pay: $37,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $37,000 - $45,000