The New York County District Attorney's Office is currently recruiting for a Victim Advocate position in its Witness Aid Services Unit (WASU).

Duties will include:

• 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.

 
Qualifications & Skills Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience working with crime victims preferred; ability to demonstrate a high level of sensitivity to victim issues.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; must be detail-oriented and self motivated.
• Strong organizational and computer skills; ability to handle high caseload, set priorities and contribute positively in a team setting.
• Ability to work overtime and flexible hours including holidays, evenings and weekends.
• Oral and written Spanish Bilingual skills a plus.