Victim Advocate

Job purpose

1. Support community and all efforts to coordinate and enhance community and criminal justice system response to victims of both sexual and domestic violence in the City of Winchester as well as Clarke, Frederick and Warren Counties.

2. Oversee an early intervention response to victims of sexual and domestic violence.

3. Coordinate and provide intervention, information and referral, advocacy, and support services to victims of sexual and domestic violence involved in the criminal justice system.

Duties and responsibilities

Client Services:

1. Provide short term educational based counseling, crisis intervention and support to victims of sexual and domestic violence.

2. Brief victims about legal remedies available to them and the services available through The Laurel Center, including

a. Working with the Victim/Witness to prepare the victim to be a more effective witness during court proceedings.

b. Acting as a liaison between the courts and the victim

c. Providing the victim with continued emotional support throughout the court proceedings and hearings.

3. Act as an information and referral source for victims to steer them towards community services, including TLC services, which would be helpful to them.

4. Introduce victims to the concept of developing a Safe Plan

5. Participate in the review and evaluation of all clients with the Program Coordinator and/or other staff.

6. Provide information and education on legal issues regarding sexual and domestic violence to shelter residents upon request.

7. Work closely with other agencies to maintain a flow of communication and client services.

8. Provide information about the Virginia Victim Fund.

9. Provide crisis intervention and/or technical assistance to telephone callers on the hotline, as well as those who walk in.

10. Provide Crisis Intervention Companion accompaniment services to victims as needed.

11. Provide Family Advocacy services to non-offending caregivers of child sexual assault.

12. Serve as a community contact for client services for victims of sexual and domestic violence to generate allied professional support for referrals.

Community Coordination & Education:

1. Develop activities targeted to allied professionals that increase referrals of clients who have experienced sexual and domestic violence.

2. Speak before groups to promote program services and outreach to victims who have not yet disclosed their abuse.

3. Foster community relations and promote the visibility of the needs of sexual and domestic violence victims through participation with other community-based service organizations, coordinating councils and/or projects as requested.

4. Provide education to criminal justice agencies on the issues of sexual and domestic violence.

Other Duties:

1. Maintain accurate and complete records and statistics on all clients and services provided and enter into the VADATA program promptly.

2. Provide “on call” services as needed by The Laurel Center to maintain the 24-hour hotline.

3. Compile monthly, quarterly, and semiannual reports as assigned.

4. Maintain an accurate record of all activities and enters statistical records into VADATA promptly.

5. Maintain confidentiality of all information pertaining to The Laurel Center clients and their children.

6. Attend staff meetings and consultation meetings.

7. Check voice mail regularly as well as the Family Violence hotline for messages and returns all calls.

8. Other duties as assigned by the SV Program Coordinator or Executive Director

Qualifications:

Completion of a bachelor’s degree in social services and four years’ experience or an acceptable combination of experience and education. Good communication skills. Knowledge of sexual and domestic violence and how it relates to victims. Knowledge of community services agencies and willingness to become part of services planning and delivery. Knowledge of the criminal justice system and how it impacts victims of sexual and domestic violence.

Expectations:

• Appropriate notice and use of personal leave
• Demonstrates punctuality.
• Ability to coordinate client services.
• Effective use of the Internet and Microsoft Office software
• Demonstrates regular attendance.
• Attention to Detail
• Demonstrates initiative.
• Reacts calmly in a crisis.
• Willingness to act as part of a team and treat co-workers with respect.
• Ability to work autonomously.
• Ability to provide leadership to allied professionals.
• Ability to communicate with clients, colleagues, and allied professionals without conflict.
• Must be able to confidently interact with all levels within and outside of the organization.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends as needed.
• Supports Fund Raising Events
• Must exhibit exceptional communication skills and telephone etiquette.
• Must be articulate and organized.

Physical requirements

• Ability to climb steps and lift 25lbs.

Direct reports

• No one

The Laurel Center does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission or participation in its programs, services, and activities, or in employment, or on the basis of sex in its programs and activities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $46,000.00 - $49,300.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $46,000 - $49,300