Senior Victim Advocate- Detective Bureau

Victim Assistance Program; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Short-Term Disability Insurance

Job summary

Victim Assistance Program in Akron, OH is seeking a Senior Victim Advocate to support crime and trauma victims with crisis intervention, advocacy, and guidance through the judicial process. The role involves on-call shifts, after-hours coverage, and collaboration with Summit County services.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree (preferred) and at least 1 year in social services, along with a valid driver’s license and ability to pass background checks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred and 1 year of social services experience required.
• Must reside within 25 miles of VAP's main office.
• Ability to pass a state and federal background check.

Responsibilities

• Provide immediate crisis intervention and advocacy to victims and families.
• Develop relationships with clients through consistent interaction based on need.
• Educate clients on rights and access to protections and services.
• Attend hearings or meetings with clients to provide advocacy and support.
• Assist with paperwork for protection orders and victim compensation.
• Train and onboard staff, volunteers, and interns as needed.
• Maintain documentation and coordinates with responders and hospital staff.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Peer support

Client advocacy

Clear communication

Education

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Job description

Job Description Title: Senior Victim Advocate- Detective Bureau

FLSA Status: Hourly / Non-Exempt

Job Type: Full Time

Compensation: $19.25 per hour

Day Schedule: Monday - Friday

Shift Schedule: 4:00pm-12:00am

On-Call Requirements: Yes

Victim Advocate Job Description

About Us:

Victim Assistance Program is one of the first victim services agencies in the United States, Victim Assistance Program (VAP) is committed to building upon the foundation established by our founder in 1972. We are continually evolving, advancing, and seeking innovative ways to assist victims of crime and trauma. If you are passionate about using your skills to help create a world where all victims are supported and healed, we invite you to consider joining our team.

Position: Senior Victim Advocate:

A Senior Victim Advocate serves as an experienced peer resource and provides trauma-informed services to victims, family members, and communities, impacted by crisis, violence, or tragedy. The Senior Victim Advocate offers immediate crisis intervention and short/long term advocacy, via phone, text, chat, or in person to address the aftermath of their victimization.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clients with support using NOVA's model of crisis intervention
• Develop a professional relationship with clients through consistent interaction based on their level of need
• Empower clients to make informed decisions by providing options to meet their individual needs
• Empower clients to create or continue self-initiated goals during the creation of a plan of action
• Provide support and education through the judicial process within the Summit County Judicial System
• Offer to attend criminal/civil hearings or meetings with clients to provide advocacy and support
• Educate clients on their rights and the application of applying or waiving their rights as a victim of crime
• Provide assistance with protection order paperwork, victim compensation paperwork, or VINE enrollment
• Provide on call hotline and on scene support to peers during designated shifts throughout the month.
• Respond within 30 minutes upon request to a scene.
• Refer clients to outside providers when needs arise
• Assist in training & onboarding staff/volunteers/interns
• Serve as a task supervisor for student interns upon request
• Serve as a knowledgeable and approachable resource for advocates by answering questions, clarifying procedures, and providing guidance on day-to-day service and operational matters.
• Assist with the fair and timely assignment or reassignment of cases based on advocate availability, workload, location needs, and client circumstances.
• Support daily scheduling needs by identifying coverage needs, scheduling conflicts, or workload concerns and communicating them promptly to assigned supervisor.
• Engage in professional development through required training
• Engage in all required staff meetings, attend required supervision meetings
• Maintain all licenses and certifications held
• Adhere to policies & procedures
• Maintain proper documentation of clients served
• Represent the mission of the agency at all times
• Liaison with first responders, emergency, or hospital personnel when warranted

Requirements

Victim Assistance Program is committed to equipping our employees with the tools for success. We ask that you bring the following qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in a related field (preferred)
• 1 year of social services experience is required
• Must reside within 25 miles of VAP's main office
• Ability to pass a state and federal background check throughout employment
• A valid driver's license, current auto insurance, and reliable transportation throughout employment
• Communicate clearly, effectively and timely
• Ability to provide effective peer support, guidance, and coaching to advocates while modeling professionalism, sound judgment, and agency best practices.
• A desire to learn, grow, and use your skills to provide exceptional services to clients
• Ability to work in harmony with co-workers

Benefits

Our facilities include an education and training space, a trauma-free room, and a fully equipped staff kitchen. We also offer a generous benefits package including:

• PTO
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 100% Employer Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Pet insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel
• Bereavement
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer-matching contributions

Things to Consider Before Applying

At Victim Assistance Program, we want prospective employees to be fully aware of this work's potential physical and psychological impacts. As a Victim Advocate, you may be exposed to distressing sights, sounds, and situations, such as crime scenes, photos of abuse, and recordings of violent incidents. Additionally, some situations may involve potential physical risks from victims or aggressors.