Victim Advocate

Lao Family Community Development, Inc. (LFCD) is a community development non-profit agency established in the City of Richmond in Contra Costa County in 1980. Today Lao Family has expanded its operations and service footprint to two additional counties including Alameda and Sacramento. LFCD’s headquarters office is in Oakland, CA. It delivers programs and services from 7 locations in 35 languages. The agency provides both community development real estate facilities and a diverse array of workforce, education, and human services that directly support predominantly low-income US-born high-barrier families and individuals, refugees, immigrants, transitional age youth, seniors, and other special populations such as individuals with disabilities.

Job Summary: Under the direction of the Site Supervisor, the Victim Advocate will assist victims of crime by providing a full range of services, including assistance with compensation claims, crisis intervention, court support, case status updates, community referrals, and community awareness; and perform related duties as required.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Serve as an advocate and case manager for victims to ensure their needs are addressed within the community and criminal justice system. Advise victims of case progress and upcoming court procedures.
• Carefully prepare documented correspondence, assessment reports, case records, program information, and related documents to ensure program activities comply with program requirements.
• Develop a strong liaison with law enforcement and human service agencies to provide effective service to victims. Confer with law enforcement officials and prosecutors on the status of the cases and serve as a liaison between victims and witnesses and Deputy District Attorneys or law enforcement officers including coordinating the time and place of interviews.
• Answer questions from the public regarding information about the program, reporting, investigative process, and Marsy's Law.
• Provide crisis intervention and emergency assistance in person and/or over the phone through the LFCD crisis hotline; during and after business hours; to victims of domestic violence requiring emergency shelter and housing.
• Assist victims in completing a variety of claims documents including reimbursement of medical expenses, lost income or wages, funeral costs, and job rehabilitation.
• Provide emotional support and encouragement to victims and witnesses as the case moves through the criminal justice system, including providing support during court proceedings, if requested.
• Assist with the preparation of restraining orders and other processes designed to protect the rights of victims.
• Conduct on-site visitations with victims to assess the physical needs of the victim.
• Participate in the development of outreach programs and materials for the public and service providers to educate attendees and help them identify the physical and physiological signs of abuse.
• Participate in an ad hoc committee to help the organization accomplish and maintain short-term and long-term goals from the organization’s strategic plan.
• Assist in weekly food distribution for underserved community members, including tasks such as picking up food, setting up and cleaning up after distribution events, and reporting distribution numbers.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a related field AND 1 year of experience preferred OR at least 2 years of experience in a related field providing case management to sensitive populations (e.g. Domestic violence survivors). Bilingual in Spanish is highly preferred.
• Ability to work and/or take phone calls after business hours including late nights and weekends.
• Self-starter, ability to work with minimal supervision; excellent communication, community relations, networking, and public speaking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with families, women, and children without discrimination towards people of diverse cultures, races/ethnicities, socioeconomic positions, ages, religions, genders, physical/mental challenges/disabilities, and sexual orientations.
• Understand, explain, and apply complex local, state, and federal regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Able to travel to meet with service providers and participants; ability to work independently as well as part of a team; must have a flexible schedule on some evenings and weekends.
• Proficient computer skills in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, database management, and Internet Explorer.
• Must have a valid California Driver's License, clean DMV record, and proof of current auto insurance and registration; must pass a drug test and background check. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and work on the computer; use hands to handle or feel and talk or hear; moving objects up to 25 pounds.

Compensation: Hourly, along with a comprehensive benefits package including health plan, vision, dental, paid vacations, holidays, sick leave, and employer-contributed pension and group life insurance.

To Apply: Please submit your cover letter and resume. This position is open until filled and may be closed at any time.

Lao Family Community Development Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (over 40), disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. LFCD is compliant with the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).