Victim Advocate

JOB SUMMARY

Effectively and efficiently provide direct advocacy, support, and information to victims of domestic violence crimes, family members, and witnesses in the justice systems.

Accompany, assist, and intervene to ensure crime victims’ rights are upheld.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The position reports to the Program Director of Victim/Witness Services, or the Deputy Director in the absence of the Director. 

There are no staff positions that report to this individual.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provide basic services to domestic violence victims, witnesses and significant others of crimes committed by adult offenders, providing information about the justice systems and the protection from abuse process, information about victims’ rights and participation in the system, orientation, and accompaniment of victims/witnesses to court, and assistance with restitution and property return.

Fulfill mandated responsibilities under the Crime Victim’s Act and advocate for victims’ rights.

Assess, initiate, and manage Victims Compensation Assistance Program claims.

Assist in witness notification, orientation, and accompaniment to court proceedings.

Provide coverage of general cases as staffing needs require.

Serve as a liaison between police, prosecutors, and victims.

Refer victims to other appropriate social service agencies and follow-up on those referrals.

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

Perform other VOCA-eligible duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in a human service or criminal justice related field, OR

Associate’s degree in a human service or criminal justice related field and a combination of work experience in a public or private agency providing direct human services to clients, OR

Any equivalent combination of education, victim services experience and training that provides the knowledge and skills to do this job.

Experience with domestic violence victims preferred.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge or and commitment to the rights of crime victims

Knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence.

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Ability to plan, document, and execute all responsibilities relating to crime victims  

Knowledge of the criminal justice system, the juvenile justice system, and the protection order process

Ability to manage conflicting priorities, multi-task and organize work

Ability to problem-solve, work independently, and follow directions.

Ability to interact with people of varying socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.

Bilingual preferred, but not required

Demonstrate excellent communication skills (written, phone and in-person) with clients and staff.

Knowledge of basic computer skills and the ability to learn various programs required for completion and documentation of work.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

Successful completion of a background investigation verified by PSP criminal record, FBI fingerprint and PA ChildLine Child Abuse History clearances.  The background investigation includes a pre-employment drug screen, questionnaire and examination of the driving record and social history.

Must complete specialized domestic violence training.

Must possess a valid driver’s license and have the use of a personal vehicle

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

Does not pose a threat to the health and safety of the department

Must have the ability to work independently.

Must have the ability to transport self to various locations for hearings, meetings, and other appointments and to access those locations with reasonable accommodations.

Work is primarily sedentary in nature.