Crime Victim/ Domestic Violence Advocate - Staten Island

Summary

The Crime Victim Advocate Program (CVAP) is a joint program of Safe Horizon and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) that will assign advocates to every police precinct and Police Service Area (PSA) citywide.  Each precinct will have two advocates assigned (a crime victim advocate and a domestic violence victim advocate), except a few identified precincts will have only one advocate.  The precincts with one advocate assigned will work with all victims of crime, including victims of domestic violence.

The Safe Horizon crime victim advocate/domestic violence advocate will partner with police personnel to provide outreach to victims who have filed reports to the precinct or PSA.  The advocate will work with all victims of crime who seek assistance from the NYPD with a specific focus for victims who have filed a report as a victim of a violent felony offense  as well as victims of domestic violence who have filed reports to the precinct on an as needed basis. 

Essential Job Functions:

•  Learn and integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, using an anti-oppressive lens, into your work with clients;
• Attempt to reach by phone and mail victims who have filed reports with the precinct or PSA with a specific focus on victims of violent felony crimes and those victims who have filed reports two or more reports in the previous 12 months;
• Work with victims of crime who come to the precinct or PSA seeking assistance;
• Conduct home visits with officers and detectives to assist victims as needed;
• Provide information, referrals, and practical assistance to victims experiencing crime;
• Conduct client centered safety assessments and safety planning suited to the individual’s needs;
• Provide crisis intervention and supportive listening;
• Advocate with NYPD personnel that may include keeping a victim apprised of an NYPD investigation;
• Provide criminal justice advocacy that may include court accompaniment;
• Advocate for victims for public benefits they may be entitled to;
• Help with applying for compensation through the New York State Office of Victims Services (OVS);
•  Coordinate community resources for crime victims;
• Provide information and referral for victims for services such as shelter, mental health treatment, medical care, and other entitlements;
• Provide emergency practical assistance for victims including transportation and food vouchers;
• Work collaboratively with police officers in order to effectively provide assistance to victims;
• Collect data, track the history of crimes, and prepare monthly reports;
• Perform data entry into a computerized record keeping system and maintain thorough, accurate, and timely case records and statistics;
• Advocate with Family and Criminal Court staff for victims;
• Conduct trainings with police personnel;
• Conduct community presentations;
• Attend relevant trainings, workshops and seminars;
• Work with other victims of domestic violence as needed; and
• Perform other related tasks as assigned.

Interacts with:

• All internal Safe Horizon programs and departments that can comprehensively support the client and case plan
•  All external agencies and organizations that can provide appropriate services to the client, specifically the NYPD and the court systems
• The district attorney’s office in each of the boroughs, including the domestic violence bureaus
• New York City Family Justice Centers

Knowledge and Skills:

• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, be assertive and well organized
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently and within a precinct or PSA setting

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent training and experience.

Experience

• A minimum of two years’ experience in crime victim service delivery, or other relevant experience
• Basic knowledge of crime victim and domestic violence issues
• Knowledge of the police and criminal justice system helpful

Other:

•  Basic understanding of computer and systems for managing case records
•  Bilingual ability may be required to meet individual precinct/community linguistic needs
• Flexibility working some evening and weekend hours

Schedule:

While this position is currently a combination of remote and in-person work, this hybrid work model is subject to modification based on program need.

If hired, I agree to abide by all of Safe Horizon’s rules and regulations, and understand that, if employed, my employment may be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at the option of either the company or me. I further understand that no representation, whether oral or written by any representative or agent of the organization, at any time, constitutes a contract of employment. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

New Requirement:

Effective October 29, 2021, as a private contractor of The City of New York all Safe Horizon employees, interns and volunteers must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination unless they have been granted a reasonable accommodation for religious or medical reasons.

Technology Statement:

Applicants may be responsible for providing the equipment and tools they need to work remotely as required, such as access to a computer, internet service, and phone service. Safe Horizon will discuss potential solutions with candidates and may assist where needed and agreed to in advance.

Please follow this link to view complete EEO Law and complaint filing information: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf

Safe Horizon is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and compliance with all Federal, State, and Local laws concerning employment discrimination, harassment and retaliation including the Americans with Disabilities Act. Safe Horizon ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful immigrant status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status or liability for service in the United States Armed Forces. We are dedicated to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff and clients.