Position summary:
The New York County District Attorney's Office has an opening for a Victim Advocate in its Witness Aid Services Unit (WASU) Victim Assistance Center.  In this position the Victim Advocate will provide a full range of services to victims of crime.  These services may include short term crisis intervention, community referrals, orientation to the criminal justice system, case status updates and court support.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct initial screening interviews with victims, witnesses, and their families as they enter the Victim Assistance Center.
• Explain criminal justice system and provide case information.
• Establish rapport, provide crisis intervention and support.
• Conduct initial safety planning and needs assessment, screen for intensive services.
• Handle heavy volume of crisis and information calls.
• Liaise with victims and assigned Assistant District Attorneys.
• Assist with orders of protection, supporting depositions, registration for notification of inmate release.
• Provide essential information to Assistant District Attorneys.
• Provide direct services:  crime victim compensation applications, emergency shelter placements, lock change arrangements, emergency cell phones, police escorts, and high volume of car service arrangements.
• Coordinate activity in Victim Assistance Center, prioritize emergency walk-in cases, delegate responsibilities to co-workers, and work closely with supervisors.
• Ensure that clients are knowledgeable about their rights.
• Provide support and accompaniment during grand jury, trial and sentencing proceedings.
• Provide advocacy to police precincts, schools and employers.
• Conduct on-going follow up contact to ensure the clients are receiving support and services.
• Complete all necessary documentation accurately and in a time manner.
• Maintain accurate records regarding delivery of services, crisis, safety planning, etc.
• Perform other duties as assigned.  

Qualifications:

• Experience working with crime victims preferred.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of sensitivity to victim issues.
• Must be able to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment, detail oriented and self-motivated and able to multi-task.
• Dependable team player who works collaboratively and cooperatively with staff in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to follow directions and apply proper policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and computer skills.
• Ability to handle high caseload, and set priorities.
• Ability to work overtime and flexible hours including holidays, evenings and weekends.

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or other social service field.

Additional Requirements:

• American Sign Language (ASL) a plus.
• One (1) year commitment to the hiring bureau.