Victim Support Specialist

Victim Support Specialist

The victim support specialist provides victim advocacy and case management services to all victims who utilize emergency shelter and housing services in Northeast Iowa (Region
3). They also collaborate with service providers to assure that victims receive support and safety.

Key roles and responsibilities include crisis intervention, community collaboration, data and documentation, assessment of service needs, and case management.

What you will do:

• Assist clients in unit search, identification, and housing placement.
• Provide direct case management, support in building life skills, trauma informed care and victim advocacy services to program participants in the identified service area to build self-sufficiency.
• Develop and maintain local partnerships with hotels, landlords, housing programs, and community partners to assist in obtaining safe housing solutions.
• Support the efforts of direct programming in navigating housing options and resources for those affected by homelessness.
• Comply with data tracking and documentation requirements.
• Represent FOF at community and program development meetings as assigned.
• Travel throughout the FOF service area to provide in-person advocacy services and to other locations within the state as necessary for training purposes.

How you will succeed:

• People first- when you exhibit people first, you show genuine care/concern for the well-being and success of others and act accordingly to support/uplift them.
• Discover & do- when you exhibit discover and do, you take action to solve problems, improve functionality and make things happen.
• Equity and inclusion- when you exhibit equity and inclusion you foster an environment where all people feel welcome, valued and that they can contribute their unique talents and experiences.
• Grit - when you exhibit grit you work to achieve excellence and continuously improve, even in the face of challenges and adversity.

Employee job description victim support specialist understand, align with and practice under the following philosophies/models:
Housing First Model, Trauma-informed Care, Client-Centered Approach, Harm Reduction, and Low-Barrier Shelter. Believe in our 10-year vision:
Everyone has a home. Believe in our mission:
We are ending homelessness by leading with the Housing First approach, driving systemic change through strong community partnerships and providing individualized support that prioritizes client choice. Understand the 6 components of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).

Job qualification and competencies:
Must demonstrate ability to organize, prioritize and plan work to meet deadlines. Ensure confidentiality is in place for all people FOF serves. Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, related field OR combination of equivalent education and experience. Previous experience in the following preferred: victim services, crisis intervention, housing programming, and/or case management. Ability to pass state, federal, and child abuse background checks.