NOVA is the comprehensive victim services organization in Bucks County. With a 50+ year history, NOVA has expanded to include a continuum of prevention and direct services to prevent and address the needs of victims of sexual abuse and other serious crimes. NOVA is known for its exceptional services and professionalism across many disciplines and the community. As a mature and fiscally sound organization, establishing sustainability is key to our future success — serving all victims who need assistance, educating the community on violence prevention, and providing top-ranked professional training.

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for providing outreach and support to victims of crime, their non-offending family members, and their friends during criminal justice procedures. This position also includes outreach to law enforcement and other community professionals about the services provided at NOVA. Bilingual in Spanish/English is a must.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Initiate and maintain collaborative partnerships with district judges, police departments, and court personnel to promote victim access to NOVA services. Actively and effectively engage in appropriate outreach activities to the victims of crime, their families, and their friends. Liaise and collaborate with other organizations to serve the victims of crime to promote victim access to NOVA services. Represent NOVA in the legal community serving the victims of crime, their families, and their friends (including serving in relevant coalitions and participating in public events). Develop and present educational programs for criminal justice and court personnel. Provide or participate in educational programs, public presentations, and training activities focusing on the legal proceedings concerning the victims of crime. Advocate for victims so that they receive the resources to which they are entitled. Help prepare victims, their families, and their friends for all legal proceedings. Help victims prepare their victim impact statements. Accompany victims to all legal proceedings as needed (ex: Police interviews, district attorney's meetings, preliminary hearings, PTC/guilty pleas, trials, sentencing, parole hearings, etc.) Provide crisis counseling and emotional support for the victims, their families, and their friends during and after the legal proceedings. Assist victims with applying to the PA Victims Compensation Assistance Program Assist victims with filing for Protection of Abuse orders. Refer clients to other NOVA programs or other agencies as appropriate and serve as a liaison for the client if requested. Maintain all client records, including updates and closings. Provide on-call coverage as assigned, including hotline and emergency room accompaniment as needed. Facilitate at least 1 SAC session per year.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

Successful completion of the Sexual Assault Counselor Training (SAC), annual training requirements, and continuing education requirements as applicable. Participates in job-related professional development activities Annual attendance at NOVA's Staff Retreat (1 day) Attends and actively participates in a staff or agency committee Meets regularly with Victim Advocate Coordinator for support, direction, supervision, individual work plan, and feedback.

COMPETENCIES

Ability to engage in trauma-informed practices Ability to work in a confidential setting and adhere to NOVA's confidentiality practices Conduct all relationships with honesty and integrity Emotionally resilient with the ability to engage in self-care practices Effectively work independently and within a team Ability to adapt to changing work environments, evolving work priorities, and the needs of the organization

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

Bachelor's degree in criminology, social work, human services, or another related field Sound knowledge of the criminal justice system. Experience working in the criminal justice system is a plus Fluent in English and Spanish Proficiency with Office 365 NOVA may require employees to participate in drug testing

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS PCCD

Foundational Academy training certificate or completion within 6 months of hire. Must meet all required background checks (criminal, FBI, child abuse) at hire and every five years after that Must provide proof of a valid driver's license Must provide proof of valid car insurance with a minimum liability coverage of $100,000/$300,000 upon hire and biannually after that NOVA is an AA/EOE. The compensation package includes the following components: Competitive Annual Salary, $46,000-$48,000 commensurate with experience. Medical & Dental (1st day of the month following hire; Employee premiums paid in full by NOVA) Short-term & long-term disability (After 90 days of employment; Premiums paid in full by NOVA) Life insurance policy (After 90 days of employment; Premium paid in full by NOVA) Voluntary contribution to 401K Plan (1st quarter following one year of employment) Generous Paid-Time-Off policy (after 90 days of employment) and 12 paid holidays per year

Accommodation:

If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please notify us. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates. If you possess these qualifications, are energetic and passionate about the mission of NOVA, and enjoy a friendly, team-oriented environment, we would like to hear from you! Please submit your resume with a cover letter telling us why you are the person for this job and your salary requirements to Careers@novabucks.org (Bilingual Victim Advocate)