Position Summary:
The New York County District Attorney's Office has an opening for a Bilingual Spanish Victim Services Advocate - Level 1, in its Witness Aid Services Unit (WASU) Victim Assistance Center. In this position the Victim Services Advocate - Level 1 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.
• Conduct initial safety planning and needs assessment, screen for intensive services.
• Explain criminal justice system and provide case information.
• Provide crisis intervention and support.
• Handle heavy volume of crisis and information calls.
• Liaise with victims and the assigned Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) with updates on the needs of the client and the services provided through WASU.
• Assist with orders of protection, supporting depositions, and registration for notification of inmate release.
• Provide essential information to ADAs.
• 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Spanish bilingual skills required.
• 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, organizational, and communication skills required.
• Strong organizational and computer skills.
• Ability to handle high caseload, and set priorities.

Educational Requirements:

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

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience working with crime victims a plus.
• American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency a plus.
• Ability to work overtime and flexible hours including holidays, evenings, and weekends.

Commitment:

• One (1) year commitment to the hiring bureau.