Victim Advocate

Victim Advocate Job DescriptionGENERAL SUMMARY: Maintains supportive contact with families from point of case initiation;includes but not limited to providing information, tracking, and advocacy support. PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Initiate contact with victims and families during the investigative process.
2. Provide crisis intervention and ongoing support to victims and families.
3. Accompany the victim and family through legal and medical systems.
4. Make appropriate referrals for needed services.
5. Identify community resources.
6. Answer questions about issues related to child sexual and severe physical abuse.
7. Follow up with clients to determine satisfaction with referral sources
8. Participate in all Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings
9. Enter statistical information into center’s database.
10. Provide presentations to schools, community agencies and law enforcement organizations about child victimization and available services.
11. All other duties as assigned.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS:

1. Maintains a professional appearance and behavior.
2. Ensures confidentiality and privacy at all times.
3. Treat others with courtesy and respect in all interactions
4. Is open to new ideas and changes; encourages others to do the same.
5. Willingly flexes to meet changing workload demands and priorities.
6. Works cooperatively with other employees to complete the work.
7. Displays punctuality in all activities such as work attendance, project deadlines and reports.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Human Services field required; masters preferred with commensurate experience with child sexual abuse cases or in case management.
2. Sensitivity to child victimization and family systems
3. Strong communication skills
4. Knowledge of community resources.
5. Able to work well with a variety of disciplines
6. Aggressive outreach skills

WORKING CONDITIONS WHILE PERFORMING ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: General office environment REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to: Executive Director.Works as part of a multidisciplinary team along with criminal investigators, child protection workers, prosecutors, medical professionals, treatment specialists and others who may be involved in the case.This statement describes the general content of, and requirements for, the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, as the needs of the organization may change from time to time.