Victim Advocate

Overview

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions as an employer, including Forbes’ 2023 designation as one of America’s Best Large Employers.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus with access to educational, cultural, and recreational activities. Philadelphia offers historical significance, landmarks, and a lively cultural scene that supports work and personal life.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, health and wellness programs, and more.

Victim Advocate

Victim Advocate

This position reports to the Director of Special Services and provides advocacy and outreach to victims/survivors of crime, with a focus on sensitive crime cases such as sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, stalking and harassment. It also assists victims/survivors in navigating the criminal justice system by providing information and transportation to proceedings and/or obtaining protective orders or private criminal complaints; collaborates with Penn’s resource centers and City agencies on behalf of the victim/survivor;

provides options counseling and support in decision-making; offers transportation for medical treatment due to crime, accident, or natural disaster; and delivers safety presentations to the Penn community.

Critical to the role and public outreach is coordinating the Leading with Empowerment, Assertiveness, and Defense (LEAD) program. This position will schedule and coordinate LEAD courses in partnership with other certified instructors.

This position is categorized as essential personnel and serves on-call (24 hours/7 days) and may require some nights and weekends.

• Provides options and expert-level advocacy to victims/survivors of all crimes, including transportation to private criminal complaints, court appearances, and medical support; assists detectives with case management and coordinates with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office.
• Assesses immediate needs and provides advocacy services to victims/survivors of domestic/dating violence and stalking/harassment, including options counseling, transportation to obtain protective orders, and safety planning.
• Develops, coordinates, and expands the LEAD (self-defense and empowerment) program for Penn affiliates.
• Collaborates with the University’s resource centers, academic schools and centers, Human Resources, and the Employee Assistance Program.
• Provides safety education to the Penn Community through presentations, events, and consultations.
• Transports victims of rape and sexual assault to PSARC and other relevant units; assists in safety planning and coordinates with campus resources and community services for academic and emotional recovery; maintains confidentiality whenever possible.
• Serves as an active member of Penn’s Critical Incident Stress Management Team and participates in related committees as assigned.
• Responds to the campus in the evenings and on weekends for major incidents; ensures proper notifications to University officials; maintains confidentiality whenever possible.
• Pursues credentialing as a Certified Trauma Services Provider.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 to 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system (e.g., Philadelphia Courts).
• Must…