Victim Advocate

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Announcement #

2024-150

Issue Date:

05-13-24

Closing Date:

05-24-24

Victim Advocate (Human Trafficking) (2) Two Positions

Áwtni Shixwitpamá(Behavioral Health)

Department of Tribal Health

Hourly Wage: $19.14/Regular/Full-Time

Victim advocates are professionals trained to support survivors of crime. Advocates provide system and community-based referrals, emotional support, assistance in accessing resources, and information to individuals who have been impacted by Human Trafficking. In some cases, advocates accompany survivors to court proceedings. They also collaborate with organizations, including those within the criminal justice and social service sectors, to obtain additional support and information for survivors. Some advocates staff crisis hotlines, run support groups, or provide in-person counseling. Victim advocates may also be known as victim service providers, victim/witness coordinators, or victim/witness specialists.

Examples of Work Performed:

Provide training, education, and awareness to local schools, agencies, and business on victimization, crime prevention, victim's legal rights & protection, criminal justice process and other subjects on Human Trafficking.

Provide advocacy services and support to survivors of Human Trafficking and their children and connecting them to needed services.

Provide crisis line, office, and house coverage during the shift. Assess immediate crisis needs of clients and address appropriately. Manage incoming calls and walk-ins and complete necessary documentation. Support the daily operations of Yakama Nation Áwtni Shixwit Iníit Program.

Complete and maintain client records that document services provided.

Educate clients about dynamics of Human Trafficking and options/resources available.

Provided person-centered, trauma-informed, wraparound services, case management for victim's/survivors of Human Trafficking.

Refer clients to other agencies and resources and advocate directly with other agencies as needed to help client access necessary services. Maintain service partnerships with referral agencies.

Assist with Victims/Survivors with intake(s), create individualized safety planning, goal setting, and maintain progress notes for each victim/survivor.

Participate in staff meetings, case staffings and other meetings as needed.

Facilitate support groups, assist with trainings, and provide culturally informed awareness/educational presentations to individuals, families, public awareness, Tribal organizations, and community partners.

Maintains monthly statistics of patient involvement, trainings provided to patients, families and/or community, and collaboration between all collateral contacts.

Attend applicable trainings (local, travel, and online).

Provide community base referrals.

Other duties as assigned by Program Director.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge and understanding that each individual's experience, perspective and response is unique.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability of documenting case files and following HIPAA laws.

Knowledge of historical trauma and intergenerational trauma, and knowledgeable on complex trauma and the impact of complex trauma on the brain.

Knowledge of advocacy and wraparound services on Human Trafficking.

Knowledge of basic case management principles and how to apply them in case files and goal settings with victim/survivors of Human Trafficking.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities of community organization, community outreach and community development.

Skills and ability to work well with people of varied sexual preference, racial, ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic backgrounds, and with individuals who are differently abled.

Knowledge and awareness of Human Trafficking preferred.

Knowledge of counseling and advocacy techniques for people who have been victims of Human Trafficking,

including crisis intervention and case management skills is beneficial.

Skills and ability of good oral and written communication and computer skills are required.

Ability to work in a stressful environment.

Ability to organize, discern, and problem-solve creatively and under pressure.

Minimum Requirements:

Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Two years of experience working with victims/survivors of Human Trafficking.

Capacity to work non-customary hours. Will work outside of the regular Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00pm hours to meet the program and community needs.

Successful completion and certification of Human trafficking Trainings.

Must maintain strict confidentiality.

Successful completion and certification of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Trainings.

Capacity to work non-customary work hours.

Must not have any criminal record against women, children, youth, or vulnerable populations.

Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit, and proof of insurance.

Must pass a pre-employment background check.

Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.

Preferred Requirements:

Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.