Victim Assistance Specialist

The National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC); United States; Remote; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

The National Center for Victims of Crime is seeking a Part-time Victim Assistance Specialist to provide confidential, trauma-informed support via phone, text, and online chat within the VictimConnect Resource Center. This remote or hybrid role requires a bachelor’s degree (preferred) and English fluency; Spanish is a plus.

Training includes a two-week remote onboarding, with ongoing meetings and professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong written and spoken English communication skills.
• Spanish language ability is a plus for client support.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct victim support via phone, text, and online chat using trauma-informed, victim-centered approaches.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive information.
• Connect individuals with services, resources, and referrals based on needs.
• Update and organize resource directories and materials.
• Assist with program development, hotline protocols, and staff training.
• Support outreach activities and participate in team meetings and reporting.

Skills

English proficiency

Spanish (preferred)

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

About the Organization

The National Center for Victims of Crime is an advocacy organization working to strengthen the rights, protections, and support systems available to people affected by crime. Its work includes advocating for improved victim services, providing professional education and training, evaluating victim assistance programs, and sharing reliable information about victims' rights. Through its Center for Victim and Survivor Services, the organization operates the DC Victim Hotline and VictimConnect Resource Center. These services combine traditional telephone assistance with digital communication channels, including online chat, text messaging, and web-based information and referral services. Both programs operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Job Overview

Victim Assistance Specialist Job at National Center for Victims of Crime - Part-Time Remote Opportunity The National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) is seeking a part-time Victim Assistance Specialist to join its VictimConnect Resource Center team. This opportunity is suitable for individuals passionate about victim advocacy, crisis support, social services, and helping crime survivors access essential resources. The successful candidate will provide confidential, compassionate, and trauma-informed assistance to individuals affected by crime. Support will be delivered through telephone calls, text messages, and online chat services, helping victims and survivors understand their options and connect with appropriate support organizations. The position is part of the organization's Center for Victim and Survivor Services (CVSS), which operates around the clock to ensure people experiencing victimization can access information, referrals, and assistance whenever they need it.

• Job Title: Victim Assistance Specialist
• Organization: National Center for Victims of Crime
• Program: VictimConnect Resource Center
• Employment Type: Part-time
• Work Arrangement: Remote or hybrid, depending on assignment
• Work Schedule: Thursday, Friday and Saturday
• Working Hours: Eastern Time (ET)
• Education: Bachelor's degree preferred
• Experience: Social services or related experience preferred
• Language: English; English and Spanish preferred
• Application Method: Email application
• Salary: Not specified
• Application Deadline: Not specified

Key Responsibilities

• Providing direct victim support: Respond to incoming telephone calls, text messages, and online chats using established procedures and a trauma-informed, victim-centered approach.
• Protecting confidentiality: Handle sensitive personal information responsibly and maintain the privacy of individuals contacting the hotlines.
• Connecting individuals with services: Provide relevant information, resources, and referrals based on each person's circumstances and support needs.
• Maintaining resource information: Help update and organize service directories, including the VictimConnect Resource Map and Tribal Resource Tool.
• Supporting program development: Review and update hotline protocols and resource materials in collaboration with hotline supervisors.
• Developing educational materials: Prepare topical information and learning resources to strengthen staff knowledge and contribute to the wider victim services sector.
• Participating in team activities: Take part in staff meetings, group debriefings, planning discussions, and regular supervisory check-ins.
• Supporting outreach: Represent the National Center for Victims of Crime at community outreach activities and events when required.
• Maintaining program records: Collect, document, and enter information needed for program administration and funding requirements.
• Providing administrative assistance: Support hotline supervisors, the hotline leadership team, and other organizational staff with program-related activities.

Work Schedule and Training Requirements

• Day Working Hours - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Day Working Hours - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Day Working Hours - Saturday 8:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.m. (The Saturday shift continues into Sunday morning).
• New employees must complete a two-week remote onboarding program immediately upon hiring.
• Training requires 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Employees are also expected to participate in monthly hotline meetings, periodic staff meetings, training sessions, and other team activities.

Eligibility and Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree, although an equivalent combination of relevant professional experience may also be considered.
• Previous experience in social services or a related field is an advantage.
• Strong written and spoken English communication skills.
• Fluency in both English and Spanish is preferred, including the ability to communicate confidently in writing and verbally.
• A reliable internet connection with a minimum speed of 100 Mbps.
• Access to a quiet, private workspace suitable for confidential conversations.
• The ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with individuals from different backgrounds and experiences of victimization.
• A demonstrated interest in victim advocacy and survivor support.
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing schedules based on hotline operational requirements.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, particularly when responding to challenging situations under pressure.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Confidence working with different technologies, digital communication platforms, and databases.
• Research skills and the ability to contribute to peer learning, training, and knowledge-sharing activities.
• An understanding of personal resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of maintaining healthy self-care practices.

Work Location and Remote Arrangements

The position may be performed remotely or through a hybrid arrangement, depending on the employee's assigned hotline and work schedule. Candidates offered hybrid positions must reside in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area and be available to report to the organization's office twice each month. Remote employees must have the necessary internet access and a private working environment to protect the confidentiality of people contacting the service.

Physical Requirements

This is primarily a sedentary position involving extended periods of sitting and regular computer and telephone use. Applicants should be comfortable using communication equipment and computer systems throughout their assigned shifts.