Victim Advocate PT

Starting Compensation:
$23.06/Hourly

Find job security and stability alongside a growing community and a team that supports you. Level up your career through a large network and specialty training.

If you're passionate about making a difference, apply today to join us in serving the community!

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

• Effectively and efficiently provide direct advocacy, support, and information to victims of domestic violence and other crime, family members, and witnesses in the justice systems with a focus on the ICC process (Indirect Criminal Contempt as a result of a violation of a Protection From Abuse order).
• Accompany, assist, and intervene to ensure crime victims' rights are upheld.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• The supervisor for this position is the program director of Victim/Witness Services.
• There are no staff positions that report to this individual.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provide basic services to victims of crime including information, support, and advocacy
• Provide services to domestic violence victims, witnesses and significant others involved in the ICC process, providing information about the justice systems and the protection from abuse process, information about victims' rights and participation in the system, and court accompaniment for ICC hearings.
• Fulfill mandated responsibilities under the Crime Victims Act and advocate for victims' rights
• Asses, initiate and manage Victims Compensation Assistance Program claims
• Assist in witness notification, orientation, and accompaniment to court proceedings.
• Serve as a liaison between police, prosecutors, and victims
• Refer victims to other appropriate social service agencies and to follow-up on those referrals

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

• Perform other VOCA-eligible duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a human service or criminal justice related field;
  OR
• Associate's degree in a human service or criminal justice related field and a combination of work experience in a public or private agency providing direct human services to clients,
  OR
• Any equivalent combination of education, experience or training that provides the knowledge, experience or skills to do this job.
• Experience and/or training in domestic violence preferred.

PREFERRED

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and commitment to the rights of crime victims
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to plan, document and execute all responsibilities relating to crime victims
• Bilingual preferred, not required
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system, the juvenile justice system and the protection from abuse process
• Ability to deal with conflicting and demanding priorities, to multi-task and to organize work
• Ability to communicate, problem-solve, work independently, and follow directions.
• Ability to interact with people of varying socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills (written, phone and in-person) with clients and staff.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills and the ability to learn various programs required for completion and documentation of work.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Successful completion of a background investigation verified by PSP criminal record, FBI fingerprint and PA Child Line Child Abuse History clearances. The background investigation includes a pre-employment drug screen, questionnaire and examination of the driving record and social history.
• Must complete specialized domestic violence training.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and have the use of a personal vehicle

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Does not pose a threat to the health and safety of the department
• Must have the ability to work independently.
• Must have the ability to transport self to various locations for hearings, meetings, and other appointments and to access those locations with reasonable accommodations.
• Work is primarily sedentary in nature.

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees. Read more about our benefits here.

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.