Victim Advocate

Victim Advocate

Richmond County District Attorney's office works in partnership with Law Enforcement and the people of Staten Island to pursue justice for victims of crime, to prevent crime in all its forms, and to promote the safety and well-being of all citizens of our Borough. Victim Services Unit is made up of a team of Victim Advocate who work alongside ADA's supporting victims of crime and helping them navigate the Criminal Justice System.

For those who have been victimized by crime, the criminal justice system can at times feel harsh and unwelcoming. Our Victim Services Unit helps victims through their case by connecting them to resources, providing a safe space and being there when they need it most.

The Role Under the direction of the Victim Advocate Supervisor, the Victim Advocate will be responsible for but not limited to the following duties:

• Provide information to victims regarding the criminal justice process.
• Manage a personal caseload of crime victims needing assistance.
• Provide victim services and advocacy that includes but is not limited to: establishing and maintaining contact with crime victims; providing appropriate referrals for counseling, mental health, alcohol/substance abuse treatment, shelter, education, and civil legal assistance.
• Assist victims in submitting Office of Victim Services (OVS) applications for crime victim assistance.
• Attend hearings and other court proceedings with victims.
• Assist victims in writing Victim Impact Statements for presentation in court at sentencing.
• Serve as a liaison between the NYPD and the RCDA.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Preferred Skills

• Master's or bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, victim advocacy, or a closely related field; supplemented by 3-5 years of experience in social work, counseling, or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job.
• Thorough knowledge of:
  Crime victim advocacy, criminal justice system procedures and methods; post-traumatic crisis intervention; recordkeeping techniques.
• Experience in program evaluation, conducting needs assessments, developing, and enhancing community collaborations.
• Ability to handle and resolve emergency situations, assist victims in trauma either in person or over the phone while maintaining composure.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, problem-solving, oral, and written communications skills.
• Ability to foster good working relationships within the community and with external community-based agencies.
• Bilingual Spanish preferred.

Civil Service

Title:

Community Associate Salary Range: $60,000 – $65,000, Commensurate with experience; full NYC benefits package