Victim Advocate

Position Summary 

The Victim Advocate position is full-time, 40 hours per week (non-exempt, benefits available) and will primarily take place at our Little Village location. The Victim Advocate is part on a Resiliency team of Victim Advocates and Case-Managers who have a portfolio of participants who have been directly or secondarily affected by street violence to provide case-management, crisis-intervention, support and advocacy. The Victim Advocate will work with individuals, families, and friends of victims in coordination with our Street Outreach and Case-Managers. May require some local travel (reimbursable). Pay commensurate with experience. This position is in-person. 

Job Responsibilities 

• Oversees a team that provides direct case-management and emergency support services to victims of violence and their families. 
• Provides support and advocacy to the victims of violence and their families through home visits, phone calls, criminal justice advocacy, and referrals to other support organizations. 
• Assures coordination and facilitation of educational forums, family and group support sessions, trainings and other gatherings by Victim Advocates. 
• Assists and supervises Case-Managers to meet their caseload goals and objectives including linkages to resources. 
• Develops relationships with partner organizations and builds “warm referral” network for linkage. 
• Assists data team with data collection and required reporting. 
• Assists Victim Advocates in accessing resources such as Victim’s Compensation, Short Term Disability, affordable healthcare, and mental health services. 
• Works with Victim Advocates to identify and address safety concerns and create a plan for long term safety and well-being. 
• Maintains a caseload of 10-15 participants. 
• Documents detailed client case-notes and other items as assigned. 
• Maintains accuracy of budget and spending plan. 
• Participates in all required evaluations and audits. 
• Demonstrates New Life Centers’ values. 
• Attends required meetings and trainings. 
• Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor. 

Skills & Qualifications 

• Must become a Certified Mandated Reporter. Training provided. 
• Must pass a background check, must not have any pending cases. 
• Must pass a Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System background check. 
• Must pass a National Sex Offender Registry background check. 
• Must have a working phone and phone number. 
• One year experience working in the human services field in a capacity that involves direct services to at-risk youth. 
• Cross-cultural competency. 
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and verbally. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. 
• Must be willing to be trained, and proficiently utilize database(s) and information tracking systems relevant to duties. 
• Must keep confidentiality of participant information. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. 
• Valid Illinois driver’s license, insurance, good driving record, access to a vehicle. Subject to driving background check. 
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred but not required. 

How to Apply 

• Please submit the following materials 
• Cover letter indicating your experience and interest in the position 
• Resume 
• List of three references with contact information (minimum 2 professional references, email and phone number included) 
• Please mention the name of any New Life Centers staff who referred the position to you in your email if applicable. 

New Life Centers provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. New Life Centers complies with applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.