Victim Care Advocate

Description

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is the Catholic Church in Northeast Kansas: Growing as Disciples of Jesus; Making Disciples for Jesus. The Victim Care Advocate works in collaboration with the Archdiocesan Report Investigator and the Office for Protection and Care to accompany victim/survivors. The incumbent is responsible for providing support to and identifying resources for victims and their families including managing treatment services and other care and resources for immediate and long term needs. This is a safety-sensitive position, exercising a high degree of discretion, trust and confidence. This position is full-time, will average 40 hours per week, with the opportunity for a flexible work schedule. This position is hybrid with work completed in the Chancery office and remotely.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate outreach services for healing and restorative relationships by providing immediate initial outreach and ongoing accompaniment to victims.
• Prioritize to be available to provide support as needed by the survivor.
• Facilitate referrals for counseling services.
• Work with the Archdiocesan Report Investigator to keep victims informed of the status of their case and their rights through the phases of investigation.
• Develop and maintain a positive and productive working relationship with other members of the Archdiocesan staff in the pursuit of providing the highest quality care and support to abuse victims. 
• Reviews and updates victim services handouts, resource materials, updates archdiocesan website with online resources to help keep site current.
• Updates and maintains the filing/tracking system for all contacts and activities with victims and family members, and other support providers such as mental health professionals and spiritual guides; keeps leadership apprised as requested.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Use strong verbal and/or written communication skills to exchange information clearly and concisely and deliver concepts, opinions and ideas in a professional manner.
• Exhibit poise and presence; demonstrate patience and composure; adapt quickly and resourcefully to all situations; demonstrate self-assurance and maintain credibility at all levels.
• Earn others’ trust and respect through consistent honesty and professionalism in all interactions. 
• Take personal responsibility and act with urgency to meet individual and organizational commitments, including going beyond what the job typically requires.
• Promote a sense of collaboration and teamwork; share information and learning; keep others informed to help promote Diocesan strategy and goals.
• Build constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation and mutual respect.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree or work in fields such as client advocacy, social services, communications, non-profit sector or other related field is preferred. 
• Two or more years’ relevant work experience dealing with victims of abuse; and/or any combination of education and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to work effectively in supporting victims of abuse as a representative of the institution who is alleged to have inflicted the harm.
• Basic skills in MS: Office and Google Drive is required; Working knowledge of Restorative Justice Principles or corresponding certifications is a plus.
• Spanish-speaking/bilingual is considered a plus.
• Practicing Catholic in good standing is required. 

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas offers a comprehensive health and welfare benefits plan including medical, dental and vision, a 401k plan that includes matching contributions, as well as generous paid time off policies such as vacation, sick leave and paid holidays.

Note: All employees are required to consent to a background check, commit to our Statement of Foundational Principles as they Relate to Employment, Code of Conduct policy and complete Safe Environment training before hiring.