JOB TITLE: Victim Services Specialist - Shelter
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
REPORTS TO: Shelter Program Director
HOURS: Full-time benefited position at 34 hours/week. Can be supplemented with additional shelter on the floor hours to be 40 hrs/week
VICTIM SERVICES SPECIALIST GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
The position is responsible for assisting the victim and/or non-offending caregivers in accessing needed services by providing personal advocacy services, follow-up telephone contact, crisis intervention and other assistance as needed. Victim Specialist may also assist with victim intake and discharge.
VICTIM SERVICES SPECIALIST PRIMARY DUTIES:
Client Advocacy and Support
1. Demonstrate ability to deal effectively with children/youth and their families in a customer friendly manner.
2. Utilize positive youth development techniques of communication and de-escalation techniques and serve as a role model to children and co-workers.
3. Assure client has transportation and access to medical and mental health services both emergent and ongoing.
4. Notify client of any court hearings and VINE and any other notifications for victims.
5. Advocate for the client in the shelter environment and prepare client for discharge to assure proper aftercare services are set up and appropriate housing and transportation is confirmed.
6. Provide personal advocacy services by ensuring that the victim/caregiver can receive assistance with state benefits, Social Security, Medicaid, Crime Victim Compensation and other benefits, as needed.
7. Provide regular follow-up telephone contact, weekly or as needed, to offer emotional support and empathetic listening, and encourage the victim’s initial and on-going participation and engagement in counseling/therapy services.
Crisis Intervention and Shelter Services
8. Provide crisis intervention services as needed, based on the particular situation of the victim.
9. Assist victims and caregivers in accessing support services to help them process the trauma they have experienced.
10. Work closely with shelter case manager to assist with accessing needed services for clients.
Case Planning and Progress Monitoring
11. Create/update monthly case plans specific to each client and meet with the parent or legal guardian to integrate the ACE score, trauma assessment, and educational plan into these individualized plans.
12. Monitor progress of victim/caregiver and note such in client file.
13. Complete Crime Victim Reparation Commission (CVRC) Compensation Applications on behalf of all shelter and foster care clients.
Documentation and Reporting
14. Complete necessary documentation to update victim file, daily reports, incident reports, and contact logs.
15. Track clients and services provided in excel spreadsheet.
16. Assure all VOCA grant statistics are tracked and accurate for reporting requirements.
Collaboration and Compliance
17. Required to travel as needed to attend meetings, training, supervision. Attend annual required VOCA/CVRC training.
18. Works with a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) mindset, to identify any areas of the facility needing attention to assure Childhaven shelter facility is safe and running in accordance with the relevant Childhaven policies and procedures and state regulations for residential shelter care. Reports areas of improvement to supervisors or Shelter Director.
19. Follow supervisor’s directives and other duties as assigned.
VICTIM SERVICES SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience
- H.S. Diploma or GED plus 2 years related experience with human services or child development.
Skills and Competencies
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity: Skilled in working with a population diverse in ethnicity, race, religion, socioeconomic background, physical and/or mental ability, sexual preference, and gender identity/expression.
- Crisis management and de-escalation skills; Ability to use Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) techniques in a shelter setting and model the techniques to staff and clientele.
- Abide by state licensing regulations and standards, and Childhaven policies and procedures.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks at once.
- High tolerance for busy shelter environment, interruptions, and stressful situations.
- Working knowledge of the target population.
- Excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills.
- Familiarity with community services and social services delivery systems.
- Proficient in Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Certifications and Licensing
- Must pass local, state, and federal background checks (including fingerprints).
- Must have reliable transportation to and from work and ability to become a driver for Childhaven (age 25 or older with a current and valid NM Driver’s License, and a clean driving record).
- Must obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid, CPI and NHA certifications.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- In 6-8 sentences, tell us why you are interested in this position:
- What is your experience working in human services or child development?
- Do you understand this position requires you to work weekends and holidays?
Work Location: In person
