Victim of Crime Advocate

Provide victim/survivor assistance and services, including culturally sensitive legal advocacy, victim advocacy, medical advocacy, and general advocacy.

This position ensures the confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records and promotes positive employee, customer, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required, and outstanding customer service to fellow employees, customers, vendors, etc., is expected. Regular attendance is required, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required with project deadlines, and a neat, well-groomed professional appearance is essential at all times.

Primary responsibilities are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform. This list of responsibilities is intended to be representative of the duties performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such duties relate to the position.

• Conduct in-take interviews and counsel victims, assess needs, develop client services plan, respond to crisis situations, provide resources, and make referrals for services.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with other service programs and agencies, maintain awareness of available resources, and connect clients to services.
• Provide various legal, medical, and general advocacy tasks to assist victim/survivor.
• Assist with victim impact statements and ensure that notifications and updates are given to the victim/survivor.
• Attend court hearings relative to domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking, child abuse and neglect and assist with procuring temporary or permanent protection orders.
• Work closely with court staff, prosecutors, probation, corrections staff, and other service providers to ensure victims and their families are supported through the legal
• Facilitate community classes and family-based activities to promote traditional values for raising healthy families and breaking cycles of generational and historical trauma.
• Make presentations and provide training for how to recognize signs of and break cycles of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and related culturally appropriate services.
• Conduct surveys of client satisfaction and need assessments annually.
• Collect and record data in appropriate databases and files, generate and submit reports as needed.
• Produce and distribute outreach and educational materials.
• Attend and help coordinate events and educational activities hosted by the program and partners for clients and the community.
• Attend training workshops, lectures, seminars, conferences, and grantee events. Complete and maintain victim advocate certifications and keep up to date with annual certification requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree with major coursework in human services, social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a related field and/or at least two (2) years working in a Victims of Crime or similar program.
• Two (2) or more years of experience providing direct services in a domestic violence, human services, social services, or criminal justice program.
• Must have or complete Victim Advocacy Certification within 90 days.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
• The ability to work with vulnerable populations, including adults and children.
• Must pass a State and National (FBI) criminal history background check prior to employment.

This position does not supervise.

Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position.

Knowledge of:

· Principles and practices of victim counseling.

· Operation of the criminal justice system and its procedures, as well as the role of the victim in that system.

· All related policies, procedures, and laws applicable to crime victims.

· Tribal, local, state, federal, and private program resources and agencies.

· Basic interviewing, diagnostic, and counseling techniques.

· Methods and resources for treatment of victims of crimes.

Skill in:

· Working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other office productivity tools, with aptitude to learn new software and systems.

Ability to:

· Maintain professionalism and strict confidentiality with all materials and exercise discretion at all times.

· Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

· To establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public from all backgrounds.

· Prepare and maintain detailed records of interactions with victims, which may be the basis of testimony in trial.

· Coordinate with various departments, including but not limited to the Nisqually Victim Assistance Program, Child Protective Services, and Behavioral Health Program.

· Work in a high-stress environment with victims and family members and respond appropriately in crises.

· Make sound casework decisions in dealing with angry and grieving victims.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; and perform repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 30+ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust to focus.

• 
  
• 
  

  Background Check:
  I authorize Nisqually Indian Tribe or its designated third-party agency to conduct a background investigation, which may include verification of past employment, education, criminal history, and other relevant records.

  
  
  
• 
  

  Drug Screening:
  I understand that I will be required to undergo a drug screening test as a condition of employment (or engagement). A positive result, refusal to test, or tampering with the test may result in disqualification or termination of employment.