Victim Advocate ​/ Family Court

Position: VICTIM ADVOCATE / FAMILY COURT
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JOB DESCRIPTION:

Provides information and services to victims of crimes allegedly committed by juveniles and collaborates with community resources to provide services as appropriate to victims. Advocate on behalf of victims from initial referral through court process and disposition. Works under the direction of the Supervisor - Court Services responsible for the Juvenile Office Programs and Services.

* Responds to service inquiries and requests from victims and their families on an outreach, call-in or walk-in basis as needed.

* Conducts interviews to assess victim needs and verify eligibility for program participation; sets-up client case files; prepares and processes forms, documents and other records in accordance with program.

* Enters data into automated information management system; compiles client information and related program statistics; and, prepares and generates reports.

* Provides direct client services including crisis intervention, supportive counseling and information regarding victim rights, program services, Family Court system procedures, law enforcement processes; refers client to appropriate community resources.

* Serves as an advocate for clients in obtaining program services. Acts as a liaison with other agencies; contacts police officers, Deputy Juvenile Officers, the Prosecuting Attorney's office and other criminal justice system personnel on behalf of clients.

* Assists clients in preparation for court and accompanies them during court proceedings as needed and authorized.

* Monitors court activities, takes notes and provides information and testimony as needed, including presenting/reading Victim Impact Statements in the event the victim is unable/unwilling to do so.

* Confers with attorneys on court related matters, advises clients regarding legal and procedural matters to assist clients in understanding proceedings and outcomes.

* Ensures clients receive proper representation; follows-up with appropriate court officials to address court related problems and initiates or recommends solutions.

* Follows-up on client cases and maintains case records.

* Confers with the Supervisor - Court Services responsible for Juvenile Office Programs and Services and/or Victim of Crimes Assistance Unit, Prosecuting Attorney's Office concerning unusual, sensitive or controversial cases.

* Attends community meetings regarding victim service issues such as crime prevention, domestic violence and abuse.

* Serves as a program representative, exchanges information and conducts presentations regarding program services to provide community education as requested or directed.

* Participates in conferences and seminars and reviews professional literature to stay abreast of trends and developments in the area of victim services.

* Provides orientation, general and specialized training sessions for volunteers. Coordinates volunteer services and provides supervision for volunteers providing services to victims.

* Contacts existing and potential service providers to promote and facilitate program participation and community support.

* Assists in coordinating client services among participating referral agencies to reduce duplication, consolidate service delivery, and improve program effectiveness.

* Assists in reviewing and evaluating program activities and participates in planning and developing new and expanded services.

* Maintains and updates community referral services information; reviews information and tracks casework services as needed.

* Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform

Essential Job Functions:

Education

* Bachelor's Degree in Sociology or related field such as Social Work, Psychology or Criminal Justice.

* Master's degree preferred.

Certifications

* Valid Motor Vehicle Operator License with satisfactory driving record.

Job Experience

* Minimum 3 years experience involving case management in a victim's service program or similar social service agency.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

* Requires skill in coordinating delivery of program services among various provider agencies and training and overseeing volunteers.

* Requires considerable knowledge of principles, practices and procedures involved in providing direct services for victims of crime and their families.

* Requires knowledge of social, psychological and behavioral principles and standard practices and procedures involved in providing emotional support, counseling, advocacy and referral services for crime victims and their families.

* Knowledge of processes, methods and terminology applied in the law enforcement, criminal justice and court systems relative to victim services.

* Knowledge of standard practices and procedures involved in completing forms and documents and maintaining records required for program administration, regulatory compliance and client tracking.

* Average computer skills in data entry, word processing and modification of standardized forms as Must…