General Crime Victim Advocate
About the position This position provides advocacy services to victims of general crime, in a trauma informed, survivor-centered, culturally responsive, and knowledgeable manner. General Crime Victim (GCV) advocacy includes providing participants with information on victim rights and available resources, including restitution, reparations, and emergency funds. This position advocates and supports the victim within the civil/criminal justice process inclusive of law enforcement, victim witness coordinators/advocates, prosecutors and other professionals/providers and other systems based on their self-defined needs. This position assists with distributing emergency victim assistance funds.
Responsibilities
- Provides professional and confidential survivor-centered support, advocacy, information, and safety planning for victims/survivors through phone, email and in-person.
- Explains the civil/criminal justice process and statutory rights afforded to crime victims.
- Provides information to victims on the availability of financial assistance through restitution, crime victim reparations and emergency funds, and provides appropriate referrals.
- Provides resources and information specific to participants’ needs including but not limited to: legal resources, civil protective orders, U-visa applications, housing, safety, and security issues; creditors; property repair; and in obtaining assistance from other non-traditional resources/services.
- Processes Emergency Victim Assistance requests per program policies and eligibility
- Assists in filing of Harassment Restraining Orders, reparations claim forms, and elderly vulnerable adult reports.
- Collaborates with other Cornerstone programs to meet victim needs.
- Assures data entry is completed accurately in Apricot database and other tracking methods.
- Properly documents all critical incidents: child protection reports, emergency response calls, and participant injury/cons. Completes other documentation as assigned by supervisor.
- Maintains strict confidentiality according to applicable to the law and Cornerstone’s policies.
- Maintains partnerships with local county and state law enforcement and civil/criminal justice offices.
- Conducts outreach and training efforts on crime victimization issues and services available to victims to community service groups, civic organizations, law enforcement, special populations, professional organizations, schools, etc.
- Any other duties as assigned by supervisor that support overall program services and services to survivors/victims.
Requirements
- Advocate II: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or human service-related field or equivalent experience in a social services field. Three or more years of experience providing direct crisis response services to victims.
- Advocate I: Associates degree in psychology, social work, or human service-related field or equivalent experience in a social services field. Two or more years of experience providing direct crisis response services direct crisis response services to victims.
- Understanding of trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive care practices comprehensive with a focus on how persons are impacted by the effects of personal crimes.
- General understanding of crime victim’s rights, civil remedies, and the criminal justice systems with the understanding additional training will be provided.
- Experience working in the human services field and working with diverse, marginalized and/or underrepresented populations.
- Communicating in a calm, trauma-informed way with participants in crisis.
- Good written and interpersonal skills with the ability to work with v/s, concerned persons, and community partners in a friendly, cooperative, and professional manner.
- Mandatory 40-hour sexual assault certification or the ability to complete training within 6 months of hire.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office and other related forms of technology.
- Valid driver’s license, automobile insurance and reliable vehicle (Valid Driver’s License and auto insurance must be on file with HR.
Benefits
- Free virtual mental health counseling (for all employees + their families)
- Free telemedicine (for employees + enrolled family members)
- 401(k) after 90 days + up to 4% employer match after 1 year
- Paid parental leave after 1 year of service
- Medical, dental & vision (eligible first month after 30 days)
- HSA & FSA options
- Free basic life & AD&D insurance
- Free long-term disability
- Voluntary short-term disability
- Generous PTO: 168 hours to start (increases after 24 months)
- 11 paid holidays + 2 floating holidays
- Paid birthday off