Bilingual Traveling Victim Service Officer About HICA The Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama (HICA) is a community development and advocacy organization that champions economic equality, civic engagement, and social justice for Latino and immigrant families in Alabama. Headquartered in Birmingham, HICA provides direct services, advocacy, education, workforce readiness, and economic development support to more than 4,000 residents annually. Job Summary The Victim Service Officer (VSO) provides trauma-informed, culturally responsive services to individuals impacted by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking across HICA's service area. The VSO supports victims through crisis intervention, advocacy, court accompaniment, safety planning, referrals, outreach, and coordination with community and criminal justice partners.

Reports to:

Strong Families Program Manager Status:

Salary-Exempt Primary Service Areas:

Jefferson, Shelby, Walker, Tuscaloosa, St. Clair, Blount Counties Key Responsibilities Direct Victim Services

• Provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, rights and services information, and case-related guidance.
• Advocate for and accompany victims through court and legal processes, including Protection from Abuse Orders, restitution, property return, and victims compensation applications.
• Coordinate victim-centered communication with attorneys, law enforcement, service providers, and allied professionals while maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards. Resource and Referral Services
• Maintain working knowledge of local, regional, and statewide victim service resources and connect victims to appropriate legal, shelter, counseling, healthcare, financial, and other supportive services. Program Support and Compliance
• Document all services provided, maintaining accurate and secure records in accordance with OVW grant guidelines and HICA's policy.
• Assist in preparing statistical and narrative reports for grant monitoring and program evaluation.
• Support the implementation of the project's goals and objectives as outlined in the OVW grant application and approved work plan. Systems Coordination and Improvement
• Strengthen partnerships with victim service providers, criminal justice professionals, and coordinated community response efforts.
• Identify service gaps and recommend practical improvements for victims and underserved communities. Outreach and Education
• Conduct culturally responsive outreach to increase awareness of victim services, rights, and resources among immigrant, rural, youth, LGBTQ+, and other underserved communities.
• Represent HICA at community events, coalition meetings, and public forums related to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
• Build relationships with community organizations, faith groups, schools, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to promote access to services. Additional Duties
• Stay informed about relevant best practices, legal developments, and community trends.
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and continuing education activities.
• Travel locally and out of town for conferences trainings, meetings, and organizational events as assigned.
• Attend, support, and participate in organizational fundraising and special events as required.
• Assist in occasional front desk coverage, including greeting visitors and answering calls. Qualifications
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English required; strong written and oral communication skills required.
• Bachelor's degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology, or related field preferred; equivalent education and experience considered.
• Experience with underserved communities and/or individuals impacted by violence, abuse, stalking, or trauma preferred.
• Commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, victim-centered service and social justice advocacy.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, record-keeping, customer service, and Microsoft Office skills.
• Ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines, work independently, travel, and work evenings or weekends as needed.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license and travel within assigned service areas as required; mileage reimbursement provided in accordance with organizational policy.

Compensation Competitive annual salary of $46k to $47k plus excellent benefits package that includes Blue Cross Blue Shield Health and Dental (Vision optional) paid at 100% for employee with coverage starting on 1st day of employment, 3 weeks' PTO, plus 11 paid holidays, 1 wk. mid-year & 2 wks. closure at end of year, & Simple IRA Plan with 3% HICA match after 1 year of service. How to

Apply:

Please send a cover letter and resume to April Alvarez, Strong Families Interim Program Manager, at careers@hicaalabama.org. HICA is an Equal Opportunity Employer HICA hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, age, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, parental status, marital status, military discharge status, or source of income.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$46,000.00 - $47,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person