Victim Advocate

Description:

The YWCA Mohawk Valley is dedicated to its mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Job Summary:

Provide crisis intervention and supportive counseling to victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support victims/survivors in decision-making by providing correct information and available options regarding information and referrals; court, law enforcement, medical and social services advocacy/accompaniment.
• Advocating that the rights of the victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence are being met.
• Gather information and data pertaining to victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
• Advocate/accompany victims/survivors as they navigate court, law enforcement, medical and social services systems.
• Inform victims/survivors of all Crisis Services programming including shelter, groups, counseling and 24-hour hotline.
• Follow up with victims/survivors through court hearings; police intervention and hospital accompaniment and status of case.
• Assist victims/survivors file crime victims compensation application/follow up.
• Maintain current information on laws; policy and procedures regarding domestic and sexual violence.
• Maintain positive working relationships with community agencies, courts, law enforcement, and medical professionals.
• Make child abuse mandated reports to registry as appropriate.
• All other duties as assigned.
• Available “on call” weeknights and weekends as scheduled.

Requirements:

Position Specifications:

Education:

• Associates’ degree in human services; criminal justice; social work or related field preferred or 2 years’ experience in the field of domestic and sexual violence.

Required, Specialized, or Technical Knowledge:

• Acceptance and support of the YWCA Mission
• Ability to interact with staff, residents and/or agencies while maintaining confidentiality
• Well organized and Flexible
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision
• Ability to work with and interact with diverse populations
• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel
• Knowledge of Microsoft computer software.

Expectation for all Employees:

Supports the organizations mission, vision and values by exhibiting the following:

• Integrity
• Respect
• Commitment
• Compassion
• Credibility
• Expertise
• Teamwork

Physical Requirements:

Equipment Used:

• Computer, fax, adding machine, telephone, voice mail, copier. Must hold a valid driver’s license and insurance and be able to travel as necessary.

Physical Activities:

• Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, walking, grasping, talking, hearing.

Physical Demands:

• Sedentary work exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

Visual Acuity Required:

• Heavy acuity is required in this position.

Work Conditions:

• There is no substantial exposure to adverse environmental conditions with the exception of weather-related travel conditions.