Position Summary:
The New York County District Attorney's Office has an immediate opening in the Victim Assistance Center for a Victim Services Advocate - Level 2 in its Witness Aid Services Unit (WASU). In this position the Victim Services Advocate - Level 2 is responsible for providing a variety of court-related services, crisis counseling services, and concrete social services designed to meet the needs of crime victims, witnesses, and their families.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct safety and needs assessments, and create an appropriate plan.
• Provide a benefits screening to each client and identify eligibility for benefits.
• Provide comprehensive advocacy and referrals to outside agencies on behalf of clients.
• Provide concrete services designed to aid victims in overcoming the trauma caused by victimization.
• Conduct crisis interviews with victims, witnesses, and their families.
• Conduct follow up to ensure the client is in receipt of benefits and other services.
• Handle heavy volume of crisis and information calls.
• Orient clients to the prosecutorial process and provide case status information.
• Ensure that clients are knowledgeable about their rights.
• Liaise with victims and the assigned Assistant District Attorney with updates on the needs of the client and the services provided through WASU.
• Carry a caseload.
• Provide support and accompaniment during grand jury, trial and sentencing proceedings.
• Responsible for performing all closing duties in the Victim Assistance Center daily, and report said duties to Supervisors.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Ability to demonstrate a high level of confidentiality and sensitivity to victim issues a must.
• Ability to handle high caseload and set priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Access.
• Strong attention to detail and high concern for data accuracy.
• Dependable team player who works collaboratively and cooperatively with staff in a team-oriented environment.
• Must be able to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment; detail oriented and self-motivated and able to multi-task.
• Ability to interact effectively with all victims, witnesses, families, law enforcement officers and criminal justice personnel.
• 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 required.
• Master’s Degree a plus.

Preferred Requirements:

• Training in direct services and/or social work preferred.
• Experience working with crime victims a plus.
• Spanish bilingual skills a plus.
• American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency a plus.

Commitment:

• One (1) year commitment to the hiring bureau