Crime Victim Domestic Violence Victim Advocate - Queens

Crime Victim Domestic Violence Victim Advocate - Queens

The Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) is a joint program of Safe Horizon and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) that has assigned advocates to every police precinct and Police Service Area (PSA), 86, in total, citywide. Some precincts have two advocates assigned (a crime victim advocate and a domestic violence victim advocate) except for several identified precincts with one advocate. The precincts with one advocate are assigned to work with all victims of crime, including victims of domestic violence. Advocates literally sit side by side with police officers and NYPD civilian personnel and rarely have their own office space. As such, they develop skills where they address the lack of privacy with clients, while navigating a shared space with an outside entity- the NYPD. Advocates are required to report to the precinct/PSA each day for their shift.

The Safe Horizon crime victim advocate/domestic violence advocate partners with the police personnel to provide outreach to victims who have filed police reports, or victims who walk into a precinct and seek assistance. The advocate will enter client information into the Case Management System in a timely fashion. The advocate will work with all victims of crime who need help from the NYPD with a specific focus for victims who filed a report as victims of violent felony offense as well as victims of domestic violence who have filed police reports on an as-needed basis. Given the volume in many precincts, advocates will assess high risk and focus on their on-going support for victims identified as such.

Responsibilities:

• Provide client centered, trauma-informed and culturally centered services for all victims of crime, as well as criminal justice advocacy and support in all phases of the criminal justice process.
• Act as a point of contact for hate crime cases and gun violence cases within the precinct, collaborating closely with NYPD personnel, such as the Gun Violence Strategies Partnership (GVSP) and NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force, as well as city agencies including the NYC Human Rights Commission.
• Provide client -centered, trauma-informed, culturally centered services specifically for victims of hate crimes and gun violence, as well as advocacy in the community and within various systems.
• Share their expertise in criminal and civil legal systems with neighborhood members and community-based organizations (CBOs) as well as with the police.
• Conduct roll-call trainings with the NYPD about the role of the advocate and speak at the NYPD Academy or other promotion events addressing topics, information and resources to help NYPD better serve the community.
• Collaborate closely with police officers and detectives to ensure timely, coordinated and effective support for all victims of crime; establish and maintain strong working relationships with all precinct personnel to deliver quality services to all victims of crime.
• Conduct community presentations and outreach; travel required for in-person Safe Horizon meetings and trainings as well as with community-based organizations and city agencies to develop and strengthen partnerships.
• Work with police officers and detectives to identify families that are most at risk to ensure coordination of services for individuals and families.
• Conduct visits to a victim's home wearing a bullet-proof vest, accompanied by NYPD, to assist victims as needed.
• Help clients with applying for compensation through the NYS Office of Victim Services (OVS) and provide advocacy with OVS as needed to ensure clients receive compensation in a timely manner.
• Provide housing assistance for clients in need that includes accessing the Coordinated Assessment and Placement System (CAPS) and navigating various other systems to ensure clients can find and secure safe affordable housing.
• Provide advocacy with various housing systems, including NYCHA and HPD to ensure clients can access safe, affordable housing.
• Conduct client centered safety assessments and safety planning suited to the individual's needs for safety, privacy, and sense of agency.
• Provide information and referrals for victims for services such as shelter, mental health treatment, medical care, and other entitlements, as well as practical assistance such as transportation and food vouchers.
• Connect and collaborate with all internal Safe Horizon programs and departments that can comprehensively support the client and case plan.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree required or equivalent training or experience.
• Two years' experience in crime victim service delivery, or other relevant experience.
• Knowledge of the police, criminal justice and housing system helpful.

Preferred:

• Demonstrate the ability to work independently within a precinct or PSA setting.
• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and organizational skills.
• Demonstrate eagerness to develop and maintain relationships in the criminal and civil justice systems.
• Basic understanding of computers and systems for managing case records.
• Bilingual ability may be required to meet individual precinct/community needs.
• Flexibility working occasional evenings and weekend hours.

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.