Victim Advocate

Job description

Victim Assistance Program, the leading expert in crisis intervention for victims of crime and trauma in Northeast Ohio, is seeking a full-time, nonexempt, hourly, Victim Advocate to work Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. 4p.m, in our satellite office located within the Summit County Domestic Relations Court, in addition to having on-call responsibilities. This advocate will provide essential support to victims seeking civil protection orders by providing crisis intervention services, developing personalized safety plans, assisting with protection order paperwork, and providing accompaniment throughout the court process.

Committed to diversity and to equal employment, Victim Assistance Program does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, veteran status, military obligations, HIV status, marital/familial status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Victim Assistance Program will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities.

The preferred candidate for this integral role will have a passion for helping those in need, thrive in a collaborative environment, a heart who can bear to witness and listen to unthinkable events, and a calming voice to ease peoples pain.

As one of the first victim services agencies established in the United States, we are driven to expand the blueprint our founder established in 1972. We are always advancing, always changing, and always thinking of new ways to help victims of crime and trauma.

If you are passionate about using your expertise to help create a world where all victims are healed, please read on

Benefits for you

• Our office in downtown Akron is within walking distance to the courts, police station, restaurants, shops, and the towpath trails.
• Our main office includes an education training facility, trauma-free room, and a staff kitchen. A generous benefit package is also provided to full-time employees. This includes:
• 160 hours of annual Paid Time Off (PTO) for on-call staff OR 120 hours for those not required to be on call.
• Birthday PTO day
• 2 PTO volunteer days
• 13 paid holidays
• Medical, dental & vision coverage
• Pet insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Significant bereavement leave
• 401k retirement plan with a matching contribution.

Requirements

• Victim Assistance Program strives to provide all our employees with the right tools for success, we just need you to come with a few things in your toolbox.
• A bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to our mission and services is preferred.
• Must reside within 25 miles of VAPs main office.
• Pass and clear a state and federal background check.
• Possess a valid drivers license, current auto insurance, and a reliable vehicle.

Check out the specifics to see if this is the right fit for you.

The Victim Advocate provides trauma-informed services to victims, family members, and communities impacted by crisis, violence, or tragedy. The Advocate offers immediate crisis intervention and advocacy via phone or in-person to address the aftermath of the clients victimization.

Crisis Intervention

• The Victim Advocate will play a crucial role in providing immediate and compassionate support to those experiencing crisis, empowering victims to navigate the aftermath of crisis, violence, or tragedy with empathy and professionalism.
• Respond on-scene within 30 minutes to provide crisis intervention in the immediate aftermath of a crisis.
• Assess and assist clients with their immediate needs.
• Engage clients in the NOVA (National Organization for Victim Assistance) model of crisis intervention.
• Determine when crisis intervention services have been exhausted to provide information and referrals.
• Maintain open communication with the on-call supervisor to debrief after difficult cases.
• Provide follow-up support via phone or in the office as needed.
• Participate as a member of the Summit County Crisis Response Team when responding on scene.

Advocacy

• The Victim Advocate will be responsible for empowering clients to navigate the complexities of the justice system and providing essential resources and referrals to meet individualized client needs.
• Conduct an intake assessment, collecting information to allow us to better assist each individual client.
• Maintain a knowledge of resources and refer clients to outside entities so they may accomplish self-identified goals/tasks.
• Educate clients on their rights and the application of applying or waiving their rights as a victim of crime.
• Coordination of services with local law enforcement and court personnel.
• Provide assistance with protection order paperwork, victim compensation paperwork, or VINE enrollment
• Provide criminal justice education and public record case information to victims when able
• Attend criminal and civil hearings or meetings with clients to provide advocacy and support
• Empower clients to create and continue self-initiated goals.

Administrative

• The Victim Advocate will be responsible for maintaining thorough documentation and fostering ongoing relationships with collaborative partners to enhance the overall experience for clients.
• Navigate through victim, offender, and case files through various online court systems.
• Foster a professional rapport with all Summit County Law Enforcement agencies and detectives.
• Foster a professional rapport with medical staff working in the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Emergency rooms and other local hospitals.
• Foster a professional rapport with court staff within the Summit County Domestic Relations Court and Clerk of Courts.
• Create and update clients electronic case files according to policy and procedure.
• Disseminate paper and electronic Client Rights and victim outcome surveys to measure our programs success.

Things to think about before applying

All employees of Victim Assistance Program must appreciate the potential physical and psychological impact VAP employment may have on their personal lives.

Employees may witness, observe, smell, and hear disturbing sights and sounds, including but not limited to crime scenes, pictures of abuse, and recordings of violent incidents. Secondly, employees may be exposed to situations which could potentially result in physical harm from victims and/or aggressors. Both are concerns primarily of direct service victim advocates, but any employee can be exposed to these situations from time to time. In addition, all employees of Victim Assistance Program are required to respond 24/7/365 to the needs of victims of extreme and catastrophic incidents impacting Summit County.

Taking care of our own

We aspire to ensure the needs of our employees are always identified. We provide employees with a supportive and accessible supervisor, a beautiful trauma informed office setting, new furniture, up to date technology, security, expansive training programs and an employee assistance program including 6 free confidential counseling sessions.

We believe that if employees are taken care of, and employees have the resources to take care of themselves, then victims will receive superior services and that is our goal.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.83 - $19.23 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week