Victims Advocate

Position Summary

The Victims Advocate provides trauma-informed and culturally responsive services to individuals who have experienced crime, in compliance with VOCA, VAWA, and Catawba Nation Tribal Victim Services requirements.

This role conducts client intakes and assessments, maintains confidential case records, and develops individualized service plans to promote safety, stabilization, and healing.

The Victims Advocate serves as primary contact for victims and witnesses, providing advocacy, referrals, accompaniment, and system navigation throughout the criminal justice process.

The role also coordinates intervention, prevention, and recovery services, including behavioral health referrals and culturally grounded healing practices.

This position establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with ALL internal Catawba Nation Tribal Division/Department as well as external partners to include law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, service providers, and community organizations, and conducts outreach to increase awareness of available victim services.

The Victims Advocate must uphold strict confidentiality, work ethically and compassionately with individuals experiencing trauma, and comply with all federal, state, tribal, and programmatic reporting requirements.

This position reports to the Victims Services Manager and supports the Catawba Indian Nation (CIN) Mission by serving as a leader within the Division of Public Safety who seeks to:

1. Promote collective and individual self-sufficiency of the Catawba people;
2. Enhance the safety and well-being of the tribal community; and
3. Provide tribal justice services in a culturally relevant and holistic manner.

Essential Functions

An individual in this role must be able to perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Screen clients for eligibility for tribal services and conduct client intakes and assessments.
• Provide information, advocacy, guidance, and support to victims of crime.
• Help victims and witnesses navigate the legal system, complete Victim Affidavits and Victim Compensation forms, and understand rights as a victim.
• Provide referrals to community partner programs, crisis response, mental health services, and cultural healing programs.
• Establishing, updating, and maintaining detailed case notes and records with up-to-date information and documentation for client case files, property, budget, and other administrative branch files.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with other agencies and organizations to assist in meeting the needs of tribal citizens.
• Attend and participate in all scheduled or non-scheduled staff meetings and any training necessary at the current work location or other specified locations.
• Conduct outreach to tribal and non-tribal organizations to increase visibility of programs and services.
• Gather information, assessments, provide counseling services with the client and the family, identify and recommend services and programs, and coordinate with other agencies or departments.
• Assist in management of grants and other funding resources received from local, state and federal entities.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records in compliance with VOCA, VAWA, and tribal program requirements.
• Complete all required federal, state, tribal, and programmatic reporting accurately and on time.

This position description is not an exhaustive listing of the expectations associated with the role and additional tasks may be assigned as needed by management. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources team. Catawba Indian Nation reserves the right to amend this job description.

Catawba Indian Nation exercises INDIAN PREFERENCE:

Tribal Government Positions

Native American (Indian) preference applies to this position pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, 25 U.S.C. § 5301 et seq.; the Indian Reorganization Act, 25 U.S.C. § 5116; and other applicable federal and tribal laws, consistent with the sovereign authority of the Catawba Indian Nation.

Gaming Commission Positions

Native American (Indian) preference applies to this position pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C. § 2701 et seq.; applicable regulations of the National Indian Gaming Commission at 25 CFR Chapter III; the Indian Reorganization Act, 25 U.S.C. § 5116; and other applicable federal and tribal laws, consistent with the sovereign authority of the Catawba Indian Nation.

Background checks and drug screening are requirements for employment. 

Qualifications  

Experience:

• Two (2) years of experience working with victims of crime, domestic violence, sexual assault, or other trauma-affected populations.
• (Experience should include crisis intervention, advocacy, case management, or support navigating the criminal justice system.)

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.

Licenses & Certifications:

• Possess a clean, valid state Driver’s License and be insurable under the Tribe’s insurance policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability and willingness to respond to victim needs during non-traditional work hours, including evenings and weekends as required to meet program, and client needs to include being part of an on-call rotation.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and tribal court systems, procedures, laws, and policies.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including children, youth, elders, and tribal communities.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality of all client information and records.
• Demonstrated ability to ethically handle of information at all times.
• Strong case management skills, including managing multiple cases, accurate documentation, and compliance with reporting requirements.
• Excellent writing, organizational, and recordkeeping skills.
• Effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with clients, colleagues, law enforcement, courts, and community partners.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently, and collaborate in a team environment.
• Familiarity with DOJ/OVC/OVW grant requirements, tribal reporting protocols, and compliance standards.
• Knowledge of culturally grounded healing practices and holistic approaches to victim support.
• Ability and willingness to attend required training and professional development which may include out-of-state training.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience working with children, youth, elders, and diverse populations is preferred.
• Experience with culturally specific programs is preferred.
• Experience in social services, victim advocacy, or court-based settings is preferred.
• Experience with grant management and/or grant writing is preferred.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• The work environment is primarily an office and community-based setting with regular interaction with the public, law enforcement, courts, and service providers.
• The position may require travel within and outside the tribal service area.
• Physical demands may include prolonged sitting, standing, walking, lifting up to 10 pounds, and the ability to respond to crisis situations.

Salary : $25 - $27