What are the responsibilities and job description for the Violence Response Advocate (Spanish) position at NYC Department of Social Services?
The Office of the District Attorney, Bronx County (“BXDA”) is charged with the twin goals of ensuring public safety and striving for equal justice for the over 1.4 million members of the Bronx County community. By “Pursuing Justice with Integrity,” the BXDA places a focus on assistance for crime victims while simultaneously ensuring fairness to defendants. Moreover, the BXDA aims to balance the need to seek appropriate punishment for certain crimes while recognizing when punitive measures do not adequately advance justice. By recognizing these significant distinctions and acting accordingly, BXDA has established a standard of excellence in the representation of the Bronx community at large, which continues to grow stronger every day.
In furtherance of this mission, the BXDA seeks experienced and enthusiastic Violence Response Advocate (Spanish).
The Crime Victims Assistance Unit (CVAU) seeks a Violence Response Advocate (Spanish) to address the unique challenges serving victims of violence in Bronx County and the unfortunate ever-increasing numbers of these victims and family members. The CVAU’s violence response advocate’s unique job will be to connect with victims and families at the earliest practical moment after an incident occurs to provide almost immediate emotional and concrete services using a victim-centered trauma-informed approach. Advocates will meet victims at hospitals, precincts, homes, and in-office to achieve this.
Job Responsibilities:
Minimum Qualifications
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.
Residency Requirement
New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.
Additional Information
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
In furtherance of this mission, the BXDA seeks experienced and enthusiastic Violence Response Advocate (Spanish).
The Crime Victims Assistance Unit (CVAU) seeks a Violence Response Advocate (Spanish) to address the unique challenges serving victims of violence in Bronx County and the unfortunate ever-increasing numbers of these victims and family members. The CVAU’s violence response advocate’s unique job will be to connect with victims and families at the earliest practical moment after an incident occurs to provide almost immediate emotional and concrete services using a victim-centered trauma-informed approach. Advocates will meet victims at hospitals, precincts, homes, and in-office to achieve this.
Job Responsibilities:
- Engaging with victims/families/witnesses of homicides, non-fatal shootings, and other violent crimes as first responders at the earliest practical stage after the incident occurs, when supportive needs are most significant.
- Provide immediate emotional support and concrete services and referrals, such as psychological first aid in the field, safety planning, and crisis resolution.
- Meeting with victims / families / witnesses at hospitals / precincts / homes / in-office.
- Coordinating with NYPD and On Call Felony Assistant District Attorneys to connect with victims / families / witnesses.
- Regular follow-up and check-ins with these clients, with continual assessment of their needs.
- Attending meetings, training, and organizing educational presentations to staff and community on topics related to understanding the needs of the Bronx community who are victims of violent crimes and providing information and resources.
- Attending precinct roll call meetings to offer sensitivity training and act as a bridge between the community and law enforcement.
- Partnering and collaborating with other programs that address gun violence and violent crimes.
- Developing a plan to offer sustainable remedies to enable clients to resume normalcy in their lives to promote a healthier and safer lifestyle.
- Providing information about the criminal justice system and court accompaniment.
- Assessing safety needs and working collaboratively with the BXDA Detective Investigators Witness Security Program to provide short-term safer housing options.
- Working with the CVAU Housing Advocate to develop long-term, safer, affordable housing options.
- Intaking victims / families / witnesses of all crime types to determine safety and resource needs.
- Explaining the Criminal Justice process.
- Assisting clients with completing and filing victim compensation claims with the NYS Office of Victim Services.
- Preparing letters and forms to assist with other entitlements to crime victims.
- Referring to city partners, including public and private agencies, to provide supportive and concrete services.
- Connect clients to onsite therapy through CVAU when needed.
- Conferring and collaborating with the assigned ADAs on cases.
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Bronx Resident preferred.
- Bilingual Required.
Minimum Qualifications
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
- High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
- Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.
- Knowledge of Bronx neighborhoods preferred - Excellent verbal and written communication skills - Experience working with victims/survivors - Ability to use and navigate public transportation - Excellent interpersonal skills - Able to multi-task
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.
Residency Requirement
New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.
Additional Information
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
