IDHS Violence Prevention Victim Specialist - VPI

IDHS Violence Prevention Victim Specialist Job Description - VPI

Role at The Puerto Rican Cultural Center

Program/Department:
Violence Prevention and Intervention - VPI

Classification:
Exempt

Revision Date:
October 3, 2025

Under supervision, assists crime victims by offering a broad range of services, including help with compensation claims, crisis intervention, court support, case status updates, community referrals, and community awareness programs. Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of:

• Victim advocacy
• The criminal justice system and the roles of the participants
• Victim rights under Illinois law
• The effect of trauma and appropriate response techniques
• Dynamics of domestic and/or sexual violence
• Criminal justice record systems
• Appropriate community resources available for crime victims

• A strong commitment and drive to see this through from beginning to end
• A valid driver’s license and a car
• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field

• Initiate contact with victims of violent crimes; advise crime victims of their rights and assist them in navigating through the criminal justice system
• Review police department crime reports; contact victims of crime in which a person has been arrested to ascertain what assistance may be provided by the Police Department; provide crisis intervention and emergency assistance; conduct immediate needs assessment and provide information and referrals to other agencies and community services
• Assist victims in applying for benefits, including reimbursement for lost wages and medical expenses; assist victims with completing and processing forms, including the state Victim Assistance Compensation Fund; determine victim eligibility for benefits
• Provide ongoing emotional support, encouragement, and information to victims as the case moves through the criminal justice system; provide support during court proceedings, as needed; update victims regarding the ongoing status of criminal proceedings
• Confer with law enforcement officials on the status of cases; coordinate interviews between investigating officers and victims; provide support to victims and their families during interviews with law enforcement, attorneys, and other court personnel
• Initiate and maintain case logs, document case activities, and maintain files
• Perform routine administrative duties, including preparing mailings and correspondence; file all appropriate forms and reports
• Weekend hours as needed

OSHA Category 3 – Involves no regular exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues, and tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues are not a condition of employment.

Job Type: Full Time

Benefits:
Health, Vision, Dental, PTO

The Puerto Rican Cultural Center (PRCC) is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a welcoming workplace that celebrates inclusion and diversity. PRCC provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants and does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring, or promotion based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other basis protected by law. PRCC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.