Victim Services Advocate

City of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of New York's District Attorney’s Office seeks a Victim Services Advocate for the Survivor Services Bureau in Manhattan. The role supports crime victims, witnesses and families by coordinating safety planning, connecting clients to services, and guiding them through the criminal justice process at multiple office locations including the Main Office, Harlem, and Washington Heights.

Responsibilities include heavy follow-up with clients, explaining the justice process, assisting with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required by start date.
• Experience in social work, counseling, or related field preferred.
• Ability to explain criminal justice system and provide case information.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Bilingual Spanish

ASL training

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Problem solving

Community relationships

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's or Bachelor's in social work, psychology, victim advocacy

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, and 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. COMMUNITY ASSOCIATE - 56057

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.

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.

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.