The New York County District Attorney's Office (DANY) has an opening in its Survivor Services Bureau (SSB) for a Victim Services Advocate. In this position, the Victim Services Advocate will provide a full range of services to victims of crime who are men of color as well as all crime victims, witnesses, and their families. These services may include short term crisis intervention, community referrals, orientation to the criminal justice system, case status updates, best practice development and case support. Services will be provided in different office locations, such as the Main Office downtown, the Harlem Office, and/or the Washington Heights office.
There may be opportunity to be selected to focus in the areas of; Men of Color, Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI), Elder abuse, Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Direct engagement with men of color victims, witnesses, and their families including explaining the criminal justice system, connecting them with services, conducting outreach and follow up calls; maintaining on-going contact to ensure they are receiving support and services.
- Conduct heavy volume of follow up calls and maintain on-going contact to ensure survivors, witnesses and families of all crimes are receiving support and services.
- Additionally, the advocate will provide support services to all crime victims, witnesses and families impacted by crime prosecuted by the New York County District Attorney’s Office.
- Explain criminal justice system and provide case information.
- Assist with emergency safety planning.
- Act as liaison with all victims and the assigned Assistant District Attorney throughout the Criminal Justice process.
- Ensure all victims, witnesses, and their families are connected with SSB concrete and therapeutic services.
- Assist with orders of protection, supporting depositions, and registration for notification of inmate release.
- Provide support and accompaniment during Criminal Justice proceedings.
- Develop best practices and guidance materials for DANY on engaging men of color.
- Participate in community presentations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
In addition to the Minimum Qualification Requirements, all candidates must possess the following:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college required by candidate’s start date.
Preferred Requirements/Skills:
- Demonstrated experience supporting and working with men of color required.
- Experience working with the criminal justice system preferred.
- Proficiency developing and presenting on best practices in the social services sector preferred.
- Experience working with justice-involved individuals a plus.
- Master's or Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, victim advocacy, or a closely related field; supplemented by 3-5 years of experience in social work, counseling, or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job.
- Thorough knowledge of: Crime victim advocacy, criminal justice system procedures and methods; post-traumatic crisis intervention; recordkeeping techniques.
- Experience in program evaluation, conducting needs assessments, developing, and enhancing community collaborations.
- Bilingual Spanish.
- American Sign Language (ASL).
- Ability to handle and resolve emergency situations, assist victims in trauma either in person or over the phone while maintaining composure.
- Strong analytical, interpersonal, problem-solving, oral, and written communications skills.
- Ability to foster good working relationship within the community and with external community-based agencies.
How to Apply:
- Apply with a Cover Letter and Resume.
Hours/Shift:
- Shifts could vary between, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, 9 am - 5 pm, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm, 10 am - 6 pm, 10:30 am-6:30 pm.
- Overtime may be required, including nights and weekends.
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATE - 56057
Qualification Requirements
1. High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above; or
2. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above.
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