Parallel Justice Program Specialist

Victim Advocate

This position provides trauma-informed, victim-centered advocacy, case management, resource coordination, referral, and restorative justice services for individuals impacted by crime and harm throughout Chittenden County. The primary focus is supporting victims residing in, or impacted by, participating municipalities within the Parallel Justice Program, with initial services concentrated in Essex, South Burlington, and Williston and anticipated expansion to additional municipalities. The position will also work with non-criminal community referrals, in collaboration with agency staff and community partners.

Based at the Chittenden County Community Justice Center (CCCJC) South Burlington office, this position collaborates with municipalities, law enforcement, community organizations, victim service providers, and restorative justice partners to ensure victims have access to timely support, information, advocacy, and meaningful opportunities for restoration. The position also contributes to the continued development and evaluation of county-wide Parallel Justice services. This position exercises a high degree of independence, initiative, and professional judgment and will support program volunteers.

While primarily based at the South Burlington CCCJC office, the position will also spend time in the Williston office and the Essex Police Dept. office.

Direct Service / Case Coordination

• Provide comprehensive Parallel Justice and victim services utilizing trauma-informed, victim-centered, culturally responsive, and strength-based approaches.
• Work collaboratively with CCCJC staff, municipal partners, law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and victim service providers while maintaining a high degree of autonomy, responsibility, and accountability.
• Engage victims through established program processes and community partnerships, assessing needs and providing advocacy, support, referrals, and resource coordination.
• Conduct timely outreach to victims in accordance with program practices explain available services, assess immediate and long-term needs, and provide ongoing advocacy and support.
• Provide direct assistance to individuals who have experienced physical, emotional, psychological, financial, or other harms resulting from violent or non-violent crime, trauma, fraud, or related circumstances, including situations where the personal responsible has not been identified.
• Provide crisis intervention, when appropriate, including safety and care planning, emotional support, stabilization, and connection to emergency and basic needs resources.
• Assist victims in navigating the criminal legal system, including criminal and family court, restorative justice services, victim compensation, restitution, and other available resources.
• Serve as a liaison among victims, criminal justice partners, community organizations, and service providers to improve communication, coordination, and access to services.
• Collaborate with county-wide social service providers, restorative justice services, and community partners to identify creative solutions where service gaps exist.
• Support victims participating in CCCJC, Pre-Charge, Diversion and Tamarack programs, including matters involving restitution, restorative processes, and other victim-requested supports.
• Administer available victim assistance funds in accordance with established policies and make recommendations regarding exceptions when appropriate.
• Solicit, document, and analyze feedback from individuals served to support continuous quality improvement.
• Maintain accurate case documentation, statistical data, and outcome measures in accordance with grant and MOU requirements, City policies, and program standards.
• Maintain the confidentiality of victim information in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and professional standards.
• Protect confidential and sensitive information and comply with all applicable privacy and confidentiality requirements.
• Exercise sound judgment regarding the disclosure of confidential information.
• Stay current on emerging best practices in victim advocacy, restorative justice, trauma-informed care, and victim services.

Community Collaboration & Outreach

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with participating municipalities, law enforcement agencies, victim service providers, schools, healthcare providers, social service organizations, and other community stakeholders throughout Chittenden County.
• Increase community awareness of the impacts of crime, available victim services, and the goals of the Parallel Justice Program through outreach, education, and community engagement.
• Deliver presentations, trainings, and educational opportunities regarding trauma-informed victim response, restorative practices, Parallel Justice services, and available community resources.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen county-wide collaboration and improve access to victim services across participating municipalities.
• Assist in…