Next Step Ministries Victim Advocate
Reports to: Community Victim Services Director
Department: Program
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Status: Full Time
Job Summary:
The Victim Advocate reports directly to the Community Victim Services Director and is responsible for delivering comprehensive support services to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Key responsibilities include providing crisis intervention, community resource referrals, facilitating support groups, and offering court and hospital advocacy and accompaniment. In addition, the Victim Advocate actively participates in community outreach efforts, including education and awareness initiatives related to victim services. This position requires completion of initial training, as well as ongoing professional development, with a focus on trauma-informed care specific to sexual assault and domestic violence.
Responsibilities
· Collaborate with the Kernersville Police Department to provide victim services for domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking cases. Provide on-site advocacy services as needed.
· Utilize trauma informed, crisis intervention and client centered approach when assisting clients.
· Provide hospital and law enforcement accompaniment when requested and needed.
· Provide safety planning and Victim's Compensation information to all clients. Assist with Address Confidentiality Program as needed.
· Develop and maintain working relationships with law enforcement, judicial staff, and hospital personnel.
· Make referrals for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault to appropriate agency and community resources.
· Educate clients about the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault.
· Facilitate a psychoeducational workshop for survivors of sexual assault.
· Other duties as assigned, and as may be necessary, for the effective and efficient operations of the agency.
Court Services
· Assist clients with understanding the judicial process and preparing for civil and criminal court cases. Provide accompaniment and advocacy as requested.
· Provide education on judicial options for clients pertaining to 50B/50C protective orders and the criminal justice system.
· Attend court in Forsyth County as needed where sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking cases are noted on the docket.
· Accompany clients to 50B/50C filings and court related proceedings, as requested
· Collect and/or copy court files, including police report, case action summary, complaint, arrest report, incident report and other pertinent information, per individual court procedure, while in court.
Case Management
· Maintain proper client records including intake paperwork, resource referrals, and police reports, if applicable.
· Gather court dockets and victim information prior to court date.
· Record client demographics into secure database
· Maintain record of daily activities related to state and federal reporting requirements
· Work with other professionals to provide clients with relevant resource referrals, such as counseling and medical services. Create a warm hand-off with partnering agencies to ensure seamless transition for clients
· Develop relationships and secure new sources for resources from community programs.
· Provide outreach services and mobile advocacy to underserved populations in Forsyth County and surrounding areas. This includes providing outreach bags, educational presentations, workshops, etc.
· Meet with victims at public libraries, police departments, parks, etc. to provide advocacy services as necessary.
Professional Development
· Attend staff development training as requested by Supervisor
· Attend weekly case staffing meetings
· Participate in online domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking webinars
· Complete 20 hours of continued education each year.
Knowledge, Skill, Abilities and Other Attributes Required
· Previous employment or volunteer work in human services preferred
· Knowledge of domestic violence and sexual assault
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Typing and data entry skills
· Ability to work as team member and independently
· Ability to adapt easily to changes
· Ability to build and maintain professional relationships
· Willingness to operate on-call cell phone for sexual assault hospital accompaniments.
· Willingness to work some evenings and weekends for agency events.
· Willingness to travel throughout service area
· Bilingual Spanish/English is preferred
· Must pass criminal background check and drug screening
Minimum Qualifications
· Bachelor's degree in social work, human services or related field
· Vehicle, reliable transportation, insurance and valid driver's license
· Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows 10 and above with accuracy
· Hours will vary during the week
· On-call rotation for sexual assault hospital accompaniments
· Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation
NSM is an equal opportunity employer. NSM does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, disabilities, or sexual orientation.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
