Lead Advocate

Are you looking for a career that is rewarding by helping those in need?

Would you like to make an impact in people’s lives?

If so, you are a great fit for our team.

Victims Assistance Center is a supportive place to work and a rewarding place to be. Our agency helps all victims of crime. No matter what position you have, you are an integral part of our team. From the first client interaction you become a lifeline for those in need.

We offer generous: Vacation time, PTO time, sick time, 401K, HRA (fully agency sponsored), and sixteen (16) holidays per year

The Victims Assistance Center is dedicated to supporting all members of our community impacted by violence and crime. Through compassion and unwavering emotional support, we provide a safe haven where people can rebuild their lives. We envision a community free of violence and crime while promoting safe spaces for healing and hope.

Reporting to the CAC Program Director, the Lead Advocate is responsible for providing direct services to child victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and/or neglect and their non-offending family members that use the services of the CAC. The Lead Advocate is responsible for hiring, training, and supervising on-staff CAC advocates and case managers as well as coordinating with advocates from partner agencies to ensure a good working relationship. The goal is to ensure the CAC program is successful and to provide the highest level of services to our clients.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Complete client intakes, administer screening tools, and set up provisional treatment for the child and non-offending family members.

Prepare timely, accurate, and professional reports as requested.

Facilitate multidisciplinary pre/post interview case staffing.

Assist in identifying client needs and provide recommendations to investigators, child protective services, prosecutors, and medical personnel.

Participate in and/or facilitate the multidisciplinary team case review meetings and provide case information.

Participate in supervision, professional development and on-going training activities.

Maintain an awareness of current trends, research and developments in the field of child welfare.

Ensure that data from services provided is entered into the program database.

Provide public awareness and education presentations to inform crime victims of their rights, help identify crime victims and increase access to services.

Track and report on advocacy statistics and trainings completed by self and other trained advocates to include both on-staff and MDT members.

Mentor other advocates both on-staff and MDT members. This includes but is not limited to monthly meetings to discuss services, current research, upcoming trainings, etc.

Conduct one-on-one observation/review with all CAC advocates/case managers and provide feedback at least twice per year per staff member.

Conduct monthly individual meetings with each on-staff advocate and case manager in person or via phone contact to discuss successes, challenges, standards, and current practice.

Oversee the agency's human trafficking services and outreach initiatives to include providing prevention services to youth identified as high risk.

Keep CAC Program Director apprised of program and staff progress.

Ensure the program meets or exceeds NCA and OCFS standards for victim advocacy.

Job Requirements:

Must be able to work well and communicate with individuals of diverse ages, races, and backgrounds.

Must be able to work in stressful situations and utilize self-care methods.

Must be able to handle a variety of emotions under stressful situations and be able to work with people who may be very upset.

Must be able to meet on-call requirements.

Must be able to work with a variety of people, including clients, families and professionals.

Must possess strong organizational and communication skills.

Must have the ability to work well with co-workers and multidisciplinary team members.

Must be able to adapt well to the structure and environment of the CAC and satellite offices.

Must be willing to travel throughout the tri-county region (Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence) for meetings, trainings, and to provide services.

Minimum Job Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree with emphasis on human services, social work, criminal justice or related field, required.

Professional experience in working within the criminal justice and child welfare systems, preferred.

Two years of professional experience working with children and families where abuse and violence are identified issues, preferred.

Two years of supervisory experience in a professional setting, preferred.

Must be able to travel out-of-town for training or other work-related purposes on occasion.

Must have a reliable vehicle that can be utilized for work.

Must maintain personal automobile insurance with a liability coverage limit of $100,000/$300,000.

Must have a valid driver’s license.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $48,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• On call

Work Location: In person

Salary : $48,000 - $52,000