Victim Services Advocate

Job Description

Division/Unit: Survivor Services Bureau

Civil Service Title: Community Associate


Position Title: Victim Services Advocate


Salary Range: $60,224 - $60,224

Job Description:

The New York County District Attorney's Office (DANY) has an opening for a Victim Services Advocate in its Survivor Services Bureau (SSB). The SSB provides support to crime victims, witnesses, and their families throughout the adjudication of our criminal matters to ensure that the individuals impacted by crime can access the services they need to navigate New York's complex court system and rebuild their lives. The Victim Services Advocate contributes to this work by helping victims access a full range of supportive services, including: individualized safety and needs assessment, short term crisis intervention, referrals to community-based programming, orientation to the criminal justice system, case status updates, and in-court support. Services are provided at locations in the Main Office downtown, the Harlem Office, and/or the Washington Heights Office. The position may present opportunities for special focus on particular categories of crime (ex. Elder Abuse, Human Trafficking) and within individual communities across Manhattan.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct heavy volume of follow-up calls and maintain ongoing contact to ensure the clients are receiving support and services.
• Explain criminal justice system and provide case information.
• Assist with emergency safety planning.
• Act as liaison with all victims and the assigned Assistant District Attorney throughout the Criminal Justice process.
• Ensure all victims, witnesses, and their families are connected with SSB's concrete and therapeutic services.
• Assist with orders of protection, supporting depositions, and registration for notification of inmate release.
• Provide support and accompaniment during Criminal Justice proceedings.
• Participate in community presentations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

In addition to the Minimum Qualification Requirements, all candidates must possess the following:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college required by candidate's start date.

Preferred Requirements/Skills:

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, victim advocacy, or a closely related field; supplemented by 3-5 years of experience in social work, counseling, or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job.
• Thorough knowledge of: crime victim advocacy, criminal justice system procedures and methods; post-traumatic crisis intervention; recordkeeping techniques.
• Experience in program evaluation, conducting needs assessments, developing, and enhancing community collaborations.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English.
• American Sign Language (ASL) training.
• Ability to handle and resolve emergency situations, assist victims in trauma either in person or over the phone while maintaining composure.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, problem-solving, oral, and written communications skills.
• Ability to foster good working relationships within the community and with external community-based agencies.

How to Apply:

• Apply with a Cover Letter and Resume.

Hours/Shift:

• Shifts could vary between, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, 9 am - 5 pm, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm, 10 am - 6 pm, 10:30 am-6:30 pm.
• Overtime may be required, including nights and weekends.

Additional Information:

• Current office employees: To be eligible for a transfer or promotion, staff must have already served at least one (1) year in their current unit/bureau/department and be in good standing. In addition, must meet the minimum and additional qualifications of the position.
• Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

• High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above.

Public Svc Loan Forgiveness:

• As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at

Residency Requirement:

• City Residency is not required for this position.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

About Us

The New York County District Attorney's Office serves and protects the People of New York through the fair administration of justice, without fear or favor. The Office's Professional Staff perform a variety of key functions, including supporting the Trial Division, Investigation Division, Special Victims Division, Pathways to Public Safety Division, and Appeals Division, which handles all the Office's matters in state and federal appellate courts.

Professional Staff members perform a variety of key functions for the Office, including supporting the five Divisions, as well as other prosecution support and office functions. Our Professional Staff receive a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, as well as unparalleled opportunities for professional development.

The New York County District Attorney's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and culturally responsive workforce. Given the diverse nature of our community, the ability to work with people of different backgrounds is critical. The Office seeks to have a staff that reflects the diversity of the community that we serve. To that end, all applicants will be considered without regard to actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, age, prior record of arrest; or any other basis prohibited by law. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.

About the Team

The Professional Staff Recruitment Team at DANY supports the Office's initiatives to have a staff that reflects the diversity of the community that we serve. We seek employees that are interested in a career in the public sector and will support the Office's initiative of delivering One Standard of Justice for All.

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