Crime Victim Advocate - Queens

Essential Job Functions:

• Learn and integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, using an anti-oppressive lens, into your work with clients
• Attempt to reach by phone and mail victims who have filed reports with the precinct or PSA with a specific focus on victims of violent felony crimes and those victims who have filed reports two or more reports in the previous 12 months
• Work with victims of crime who come to the precinct or PSA seeking assistance
• Conduct home visits with officers and detectives to assist victims as needed
• Provide information, referrals, and practical assistance to victims experiencing crime
• Conduct client centered safety assessments and safety planning suited to the individual’s needs
• Provide crisis intervention and supportive listening
• Advocate with NYPD personnel that may include keeping a victim apprised of an NYPD investigation
• Provide criminal justice advocacy
• Advocate for victims for public benefits they may be entitled to
• Help with applying for compensation through the New York State Office of Victims Services (OVS)
• Coordinate community resources for crime victims
• Provide information and referral for victims for services such as shelter, mental health treatment, medical care, and other entitlements
• Provide emergency practical assistance for victims including transportation and food vouchers
• Work collaboratively with police officers to effectively aid victims
• Collect data, track the history of crimes, and prepare monthly reports
• Perform data entry into a computerized record keeping system and maintain thorough accurate, and timely case records and statistics
• Advocate with Family and Criminal Court staff for victims
• Provide coverage in vacant precincts as needed
• Conduct trainings with police personnel
• Conduct community presentations
• Attend relevant trainings, workshops and seminars
• Work with other victims of domestic violence as needed
• Perform other related tasks as assigned

Interacts with:

• All internal Safe Horizon programs and departments that can comprehensively support the client and case plan
• All external agencies and organizations that can provide appropriate services to the client, specifically the NYPD and the court systems
• The district attorney’s office in each of the boroughs, including the domestic violence bureaus
• New York City Family Justice Centers

Knowledge and Skills:

• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, be assertive and well organized
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently and within a precinct or PSA setting

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent training and experience.

Experience

• A minimum of two years’ experience in crime victim service delivery, or other relevant experience
• Basic knowledge of crime victim and domestic violence issues
• Knowledge of the police and criminal justice system helpful

Other:

• Basic understanding of computer and systems for managing case records
• Bilingual ability may be required to meet individual precinct/community linguistic needed
• Flexibility working some evening and weekend hours

Schedule:

This position is on-site.