Position Summary:

The New York County District Attorney's Office has an immediate opening in its newly created Washington Heights Office for a Bi-lingual (Spanish speaking) Victim Services Counselor in the Witness Aid Services Unit (WASU). In this position the Victim Services Counselor is responsible for providing counseling and social services to assist crime victims, witnesses, and their families.
 
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Mental health evaluation and concrete needs assessment
• Conduct safety and needs assessments, and create an appropriate plan
• Crisis intervention with victims, witnesses, and their families
• Provide  benefits screening to each client and identify eligibility for benefits
• Provide comprehensive advocacy and referrals to outside agencies on behalf of clients
• Orient clients to the prosecutorial process and provide case status information
• Ensure that clients are knowledgeable about their rights
• Support and court accompaniment throughout the criminal justice process
• Maintain accurate up to date case files
• Follow up contact with victims to monitor their connection to services
• Participate in multidisciplinary team
• Liaise with victims, families and Assistant District Attorneys

Qualifications:

• Experience working with domestic violence required
• Training in direct services and/or social work preferred
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of confidentiality and sensitivity to victim issues a must
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Access
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills required
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment
• Ability to manage, organize and maintain a large caseload in a fast-paced environment
• Familiarity with the criminal justice system preferred
• Possess strong organizational skills and be detail oriented

Educational Requirements:

• Masters Social Worker
• LCSW or LMSW

Additional Requirements:

• One (1) year commitment to the hiring bureau
• Ability to work overtime and flexible hours including holidays, evenings and weekends
• Oral Spanish bilingual required