VOCA Community Safety Coor

Purpose: To provide high-touch direct services to victims of crime to public housing residents through the coordination of comprehensive programs and supportive services.  

Essential Tasks of the Position:

• Contacts victims of violent crimes; provides information regarding legal process, resources (i.e. shelter care, housing clinics, treatment and education programs, legal assistance, financial aid), and investigation process 
• Keeps statistical records of victims and case management notes and activity in TAAG database; maintain data confidentiality 
• In collaboration with public housing staff safely relocate victims of crime  
• Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with in-state and out-of-state landlords, and community groups  
• Provide triage and crisis intervention services including the development of safety plans, crisis counseling, scene response, and completion of protection order paperwork 
• Arrange accommodations (i.e. for shelter and safety or for criminal justice proceedings) 
• Work closely with Housing Police Unit to track crime trends in housing development by reviewing and assessing violent crime reports as reported to the police and/or property management  
• Facilitate and or coordinate trainings, workshops, and/or educational programs on issues such as domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault and other assaults and crimes 
• Assist victims of crime in completing an application for the Victims of Crime Compensation Program; ensure that victims claims are being processed in a timely manner  
• Serve as liaison between victims and criminal justice representatives; may also include language interpretation, coordination of handicap accessibility, assistance for low literacy etc. 
• Serve as a liaison and coordinator between the Providence Police Department and prosecuting agencies such as the General Attorney’s office; the Providence  County District Attorney's office, the Rhode Island Attorney General's office for victim services, mental health professions, rape crisis centers and case follow-up 
• Notifying victims of inmates' release or escape 
• Conduct follow up sessions with victims and connecting them to support groups, counseling, and or transitional services with aims of moving past victimization and moving towards healing 

Secondary Tasks of the Position: 

• Service coordination with mental health, DCYF, and other service professionals to develop and implement assistance plans 
• Connect victims with supplemental programs to attain educational, financial, and career advancement and/or stabilization 
• Develop and maintain partnerships with CBOs; work with Directorship to establish formal service agreements with CBOs for programs provided on site 
• Works on special projects as assigned. 
• Performs other duties as assigned by Department Director. 

Position Requirements and Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Criminal Justice and;
• Minimum two (2) year experience working with crime victims, OR any equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Bi-lingual skills (Spanish), required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Licenses and Certifications

• Knowledge of out-of-state victim relocation resources  
• Knowledge of appropriate state and local laws relating to domestic violence and crime victims; legal terminology, court practices and procedures 
• Ability to interview victims and obtain relevant information; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; follow written and verbal instructions; prioritize tasks; track and monitor funds; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public 
• Knowledge of modern office procedures to include personal computers. 
• Valid Rhode Island Driver’s License