Crime Victim Advocate

POSITION TITLE: Crime Victim Advocate

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Director of Crime Victim Advocacy

LOCATION: Someplace Safe service area (serving Big Stone, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, Wadena and Wilkin Counties) Home Office - Morris, MN

STATUS: Hourly, Full-time 40 hours per week, generally Monday –Friday 8:00-4:00, with occasional weekends, and on-call shifts 6 weeks per year.

WAGE: $18.00-$26.00 hourly rate. Wage based on experience. Full- time 40 hours per week.

BENEFITS INCLUDED: Employer-paid health insurance, life insurance, paid time off (PTO), Employee Assistance Program and 16 Paid Holidays, holiday differential, long-term disability. Optional employee purchased benefits include dental insurance, Colonial Life supplemental insurance, and retirement plan.

Staff friendly workplace, including some flexible scheduling, occasional remote work options, strengths-based focus.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF POSITION:

Provide advocacy, support, resources, options and referral services to victims and survivors of crime, including 24-hour crisis response.

Maintain collaborative relationships with community partners to encourage victim centered service delivery.

Facilitate meetings, provide trainings and education, and assist with coordination of fundraising and awareness events within local communities

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Advocates supervise temporary workers, interns, or volunteers as directed or assigned.

JOB SUMMARY:

Provides advocacy services in-person and on crisis line for survivors of crime from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.

Provides information on rights, resources, and services available.

Assists with obtaining civil protective orders.

Explains the criminal justice process and prosecution procedures.

Assists survivors of crime in finding resources.

Accompanies survivors of crime to appointments, court hearings, hospital exams or law enforcement interviews.

Facilitates empowerment groups.

Records all services provided to survivors of crime. Maintains records of work performed; submits reports as required.

Is on-call for mandatory crisis line up to 6 weeks per year after regular business hours.

Serves as a liaison between survivors of crime and professional systems.

Facilitates coordinated community response multidisciplinary team meetings in assigned service area.

Educates and informs the community through media, social media, presentations, and professional trainings.

Attends interagency meetings, trainings, committees, boards, and workshops pertinent to advocacy services.

Hosts local fundraising and educational events with assistance from other team members.

Participates in agency fundraising events as directed.

Maintains a clean and client-friendly office.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

A minimum of 12 Hours of continuing education will be provided/offered annually.

Performs other duties and assumes additional responsibilities as directed by direct supervisor/leadership team.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Individuals with diverse backgrounds, varied life experiences, who are bilingual, and/or survivors of crime are encouraged to apply.

Education and Experience

High School diploma or equivalent, (G.E.D.)

Background in trauma related work, advocacy, or related work experience preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license and insured reliable vehicle.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Requires use of agency provided personal computer (MS Office Suite) and cell phone, and other office and communication equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMAND AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear; use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Employee is required to walk, climb stairs and lift at least 25 pounds and be able to move about freely. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the environment is usually quiet.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

It is the policy of this agency to provide equality of opportunity in employment to all persons, to prohibit discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, place of residence, political affiliation, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, gender, sexual orientation, or age in all aspects of its personnel policies, programs, practices, or operations.