Job Description

Victim Services Advocate

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. 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.
• 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.

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