Victim of Crime Advocate

GENERAL SUMMARY

ICW/Vulnerable Adults. This position has regular contact with or control over Indian Children and Vulnerable Adults.

In compliance with Federal Law, this position will not be filled by an applicant with any felonious offense or any of two or more misdemeanor offenses under Federal, State, or Tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact, or prostitution; crimes against persons; or offenses committed against Children.

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.

• Conduct intake 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.

• 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• Maintain professionalism and strict confidentiality with all materials and exercise discretion at all times.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• 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…