Victim Services Advocate

DISTRICT ATTORNEY-MANHATTAN; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The New York County District Attorney's Office (DANY) is seeking a Victim Services Advocate for the Survivor Services Bureau to help crime victims, witnesses, and families navigate New York’s courts and access needed services.

You will conduct follow-up contact, explain the justice process, assist with safety planning, provide in-court support, and connect clients with services across downtown, Harlem, or Washington Heights offices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college required by start date.
• Master’s or Bachelor’s in social work or related field; 3–5 years in social work or counseling.
• Thorough knowledge of crime victim advocacy and criminal justice procedures.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English; ASL training.
• Ability to handle emergencies and support trauma-affected clients.
• Strong analytical and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to foster strong community relationships.

Responsibilities

• Conduct heavy follow-up calls and maintain ongoing contact to ensure clients receive support.
• Explain the criminal justice system and provide case information.
• Assist with emergency safety planning.
• Act as liaison with the assigned Assistant District Attorney throughout the process.
• Ensure victims, witnesses and families connect with SSB services.
• Assist with orders of protection and registration for notification of inmate release.
• Provide support during Criminal Justice proceedings.
• Participate in community presentations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Bilingual Spanish/English

Strong communication

Crisis handling

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's or Bachelor's in social work/related field

Job description

The New York County District Attorney's Office (DANY) has an opening for a Victim Services Advocate in its Survivor Services Bureau (SSB). The SSB provides support to crime victims, witnesses, and their families throughout the adjudication of our criminal matters to ensure that the individuals impacted by crime can access the services they need to navigate New York’s complex court system and rebuild their lives. The Victim Services Advocate contributes to this work by helping victims access a full range of supportive services, including:

• individualized safety and needs assessment
• short term crisis intervention
• referrals to community-based programming
• orientation to the criminal justice system
• case status updates
• in-court support

Services are provided at locations in the Main Office downtown, the Harlem Office, and/or the Washington Heights Office. The position may present opportunities for special focus on particular categories of crime (ex. Elder Abuse, Human Trafficking) and within individual communities across Manhattan.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct heavy volume of follow-up calls and maintain ongoing contact to ensure the clients are receiving support and services.
• Explain criminal justice system and provide case information.
• Assist with emergency safety planning.
• Act as liaison with all victims and the assigned Assistant District Attorney throughout the Criminal Justice process.
• Ensure all victims, witnesses, and their families are connected with SSB’s concrete and therapeutic services.
• Assist with orders of protection, supporting depositions, and registration for notification of inmate release.
• Provide support and accompaniment during Criminal Justice proceedings.
• Participate in community presentations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

In addition to the Minimum Qualification Requirements, all candidates must possess the following:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college required by candidate’s start date.

Preferred Requirements/Skills:

• Master's or Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, victim advocacy, or a closely related field; supplemented by 3-5 years of experience in social work, counseling, or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job.
• Thorough knowledge of: crime victim advocacy, criminal justice system procedures and methods; post-traumatic crisis intervention; recordkeeping techniques.
• Experience in program evaluation, conducting needs assessments, developing, and enhancing community collaborations.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English.
• American Sign Language (ASL) training.
• Ability to handle and resolve emergency situations, assist victims in trauma either in person or over the phone while maintaining composure.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, problem-solving, oral, and written communications skills.
• Ability to foster good working relationships within the community and with external community-based agencies.

Hours/Shift:

• Shifts could vary between, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, 9 am - 5 pm, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm, 10 am - 6 pm, 10:30 am-6:30 pm.
• Overtime may be required, including nights and weekends.

Additional Information:

• Current office employees: To be eligible for a transfer or promotion, staff must have already served at least one (1) year in their current unit/bureau/department and be in good standing. In addition, must meet the minimum and additional qualifications of the position.
• Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position.

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATE - 56057

Minimum Qualifications

Qualification Requirements 1. High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above; or 2. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

City Residency is not required for this position.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.