Victim Advocate
Job Type
Full-time
Description

The YWCA Mohawk Valley is dedicated to its mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. 


Job Summary:


Provide crisis intervention and supportive counseling to victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:


  • Support victims/survivors in decision-making by providing correct information and available options regarding information and referrals; court, law enforcement, medical and social services advocacy/accompaniment.
  • Advocating that the rights of the victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence are being met.
  • Gather information and data pertaining to victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
  • Advocate/accompany victims/survivors as they navigate court, law enforcement, medical and social services systems.
  • Inform victims/survivors of all Crisis Services programming including shelter, groups, counseling and 24-hour hotline.
  • Follow up with victims/survivors through court hearings; police intervention and hospital accompaniment and status of case.
  • Assist victims/survivors file crime victims compensation application/follow up.
  • Maintain current information on laws; policy and procedures regarding domestic and sexual violence.
  • Maintain positive working relationships with community agencies, courts, law enforcement, and medical professionals. 
  • Make child abuse mandated reports to registry as appropriate.
  • All other duties as assigned.
  • Available “on call” weeknights and weekends as scheduled.


Requirements

Position Specifications:


Education:

  • Associates’ degree in human services; criminal justice; social work or related field preferred or 2 years’ experience in the field of domestic and sexual violence.  


Required, Specialized, or Technical Knowledge:

  • Acceptance and support of the YWCA Mission
  • Ability to interact with staff, residents and/or agencies while maintaining confidentiality
  • Well organized and Flexible
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently with little or no supervision
  • Ability to work with and interact with diverse populations
  • Must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel
  • Knowledge of Microsoft computer software.

Expectation for all Employees:

Supports the organizations mission, vision and values by exhibiting the following:

  • Integrity
  • Respect
  • Commitment
  • Compassion
  • Credibility
  • Expertise
  • Teamwork


Physical Requirements:


Equipment Used:

  • Computer, fax, adding machine, telephone, voice mail, copier. Must hold a valid driver’s license and insurance and be able to travel as necessary.


Physical Activities:

  • Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, walking, grasping, talking, hearing.


Physical Demands:

  • Sedentary work exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.


Visual Acuity Required:

  • Heavy acuity is required in this position.


Work Conditions:

  • There is no substantial exposure to adverse environmental conditions with the exception of weather-related travel conditions.