Victim Advocate

Victim Outreach Incorporated (VOI) is a non-profit organization that provides law enforcement-based victim assistance to citizens who have been hurt by crime or other trauma. We contract with the police departments of Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Golden, Edgewater, Lakeside, Mountain View and the Colorado School of Mines and offer services to people who report to police in these communities. Our Mission is to promote the healing of people impacted by crime and trauma with the Vision that they recover to lead healthy, productive and inspired lives.

We are seeking to fill the position of a Victim Advocate who will assist victims in their recovery from criminal acts and other traumatic experiences. Applicants with diverse perspectives and/or Spanish proficiency are encouraged to apply. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under limited supervision, a VOI Victim Advocate provides crisis intervention, emotional support, education and guidance to crime victims and witnesses from the time of crisis and throughout the criminal justice process. Work includes providing or arranging for a variety of support services to promote emotional healing and educating victims and/or witnesses regarding their rights, resources, safety, impact of trauma and the criminal justice process. Advocates are also responsible for maintaining liaison between victims and criminal justice personnel.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology or related field and a minimum of three years work-related experience with victim services, criminal justice, social work or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Ability to pass a police background investigation
• A valid driver’s license
• Have and maintain reliable transportation
• Be over the age of 21
• Be able to respond to all areas of Arvada, Edgewater, Golden and Wheat Ridge within 20 minutes. VOI cannot consider any candidates living outside this response time window.
• Be able to participate in rotating evening and weekend shifts

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Respond to calls by law enforcement to provide on-scene crisis intervention to victims and/or witnesses
• Provide victim advocacy services either through personal or telephone contact
• Provide emotional support immediately following the crime/crisis
• Inform the victim of VOI’s policy concerning limited confidentiality
• Ascertain the victim's immediate needs
• Encourage the victim to seek medical consultation/examination if needed
• Discuss an initial safety plan and, with the active participation of the victim, develop a safety plan
• Ensure victims are aware of their rights under Colorado Law and the Colorado Crime Victim Compensation Act and assist them in applying for appropriate funds
• Offer victims information regarding case status and resources
• Initiate follow-up contact with the victim as appropriate
• Support the victim in decision-making by providing information and discussing available options
• Assist the victim with prioritizing actions and establishing short and long-term goals
• Assist the victim by working with the assigned law enforcement officer
• Provide 3rd party mediation with employers, therapists or others if needed and with the permission of the victim/witness
• Assist with the return of property being held as evidence
• Provide follow-up support as needed
• Protect victim from being re-victimized during the criminal justice process
• Document contacts and collect data for tracking the case, report writing and providing feedback to police as appropriate.
• Provide after hours and weekend coverage for on-call shifts as needed
• Review police reports to identify victims who are eligible for services.
• Outreach phone calls to crime victims or others in need of services or community referrals.
• Emergency response to calls from law enforcement.
• Participate on committees to represent victim issues.
• Participate in training law enforcement, other service providers and the community about victim issues, VOI services and mission
• Other duties as designated by an Executive Director or Staff Supervisor

WE VALUE

• Advocacy - that victims be treated with fairness, respect and dignity and for their rights as afforded by the Colorado Constitution
• Healing - we believe that victim recovery is affected positively with early intervention, education and resources
• Empowerment - we know that victims who feel safe, have their basic needs met and receive compassionate support are more likely to feel empowered, have hope and a willingness to participate in the criminal justice process
• Justice - justice is best served by interagency communication and cooperation, victim participation and system improvement, and we maintain a compassionate understanding of victimization and the criminal justice system
• Ethics - honest communication, professionalism, trust and quality of service
• Communication - excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to communicate and collaborate well with others, ability to set and communicate relationship boundaries
• Tenacity - excellent problem solving abilities, resourcefulness, creativity, the ability to work independently and with limited supervision
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher

Victim Outreach Incorporated (VOI) is an equal opportunity employer. In keeping with the spirit and intent of the Civil Rights Act and with basic fairness, the agency will not discriminate because of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, military status, national origin or disability. VOI will take affirmative action with respect to hiring practices. Such affirmative action shall include active recruitment of positions advertised externally. Victim Outreach Incorporated does not tolerate discrimination or sexual harassment of any client, volunteer or staff.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $63,800.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• On call

Work Location: In person

Salary : $63,800