Victim Advocate

Reports to: Lead Advocate

Position Overview

The responsibilities of this position are to provide direct services and advocacy to victims of violent crime with emphasis on victims who have experienced a violent crime other than domestic violence and sexual assault, such as robbery, assault, kidnapping, arson, hate crimes, hit-and-runs and homicide.

Advocacy responsibilities:

The Victim Advocate will carry a full caseload, consulting with the Lead Advocate and Executive Director on general case management. Activities include:

• Crisis Intervention: assessing the situation to be certain the client is safe, has a place to stay, and that other immediate emotional and physical needs are met;
• Personal grief recovery support, and guidance in dealing with emotional trauma;
• Assistance and direction in understanding the criminal justice system;
• Intervention with police and troopers, medical examiner, prosecutors, and court personnel;
• Accompaniment to meetings with law enforcement, legal and court personnel;
• Regular accompaniment to court hearings in-person or via phone, including trial
• Information and referral services to other community services;
• Assistance in the preparation of application for other victims’ services, including Violent Crimes Compensation and VINELink;
• Informing clients of their constitutional and statutory rights as victims;
• Educating clients about crime prevention and personal safety;
• Facilitating grief recovery workshops and/or group support;

Other responsibilities:

• Represent VFJ professionally in public and with clients;
• Maintain records and use the database to track all activities;
• Assist with reporting to grantors and the board of directors;
• Other duties as assigned;

Environmental/Working Conditions

VFJ is a highly collaborative and employee empowered environment. Each employee is expected to perform as part of the team with an ability to work independently. Work hours are generally Monday through Friday from 9am to 5 pm. After completing the 3-month probationary period, Victim Advocates have the flexibility to work remotely in a hybrid schedule; some in-office time is required and such requirements may change according to agency needs. Moderate lifting is required.

Transportation:

Must provide own transportation to attend meetings and court accompaniment.

Occasional travel to conferences and other activities may be required.

Personal vehicle, valid driver’s license, and proof of vehicle insurance required.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the dynamics of trauma and grief
• Some knowledge of the criminal justice system
• Knowledge of techniques of crisis intervention, case management
• Knowledge of ethical standards for care of victims of violence
• Ability to work under pressure, organize work assignments, set priorities, and meet deadlines
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable
• Ability to act in a tactful and diplomatic manner and work on sensitive issues with diverse groups of individuals
• Comfortable using web based databases and platforms
• Two years of experience in social service or related field
• BA or BS degree in social science or other behavioral science preferred. May substitute experience for degree.
• Background check required;

Hours: 40 per week, flexible to the needs of the agency.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Language:

• Bilingual (Preferred)

Location:

• Anchorage, AK 99503 (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Anchorage, AK 99503 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Anchorage, AK 99503: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Anchorage, AK 99503

Salary : $24 - $25