VICTIM ADVOCATE

JOB DESCRIPTION

VICTIM

ADVOCATE

Violent Crimes and Homicide Advocate General Responsibilities Under the supervision and direction of the Director of Advocacy Services, the Victim Advocate is responsible for providing case management services to enable victims and secondary victims of violence to overcome the negative and dehumanizing impact of crime on their lives, specifically victims who might otherwise not be able to receive CVC services through traditional means. The main focus areas of this position are determining eligibility and completing the application process for MO Crime Victims' Compensation with victims and secondary victims in the St. Louis Region, as well as providing services and assistance to victims and the families of homicide victims referred by the St. Louis County Police Department. Specific Tasks Victim Services Conduct outreach to victims and secondary victims of homicide referred by the St. Louis County Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division, specifically the Homicide, Assaults, and Robbery units. Provide case management and victim services to victims and families of homicide victims throughout the state of Missouri. Case Management services include assisting in filing victim compensation claims, hotline counseling, supportive listening and validation, advocacy (with landlords, creditors, employers, medical staff, etc.), information and referral services, follow-up, and crisis intervention. Conduct outreach to secondary victims of homicide referred by the Homicide Ministry Community Alliance. Provide outreach to victims of all crime types. Provide advocacy services to CVC Helpline callers needing assistance with MO Crime Victims' Compensation. Take lead in CVC partnership with the Gun Violence Response Network and the Violence Prevention Commission. Maintain working knowledge of available community resources. Connect victims to the most appropriate social service agencies and resources based on the details of their case and needs via phone, in person or email. Maintain computerized records according to agency policy and procedure. Provide aggregate data on number of clients referred, number of clients contacted and not contacted, and referrals made. Interagency Networking Establish, develop, and maintain effective working relationships with other victim service agencies, allied professionals, and relevant social service agencies that may be more accessible to victims with special needs or circumstances who cannot access services at CVC offices in order to ensure seamless delivery of services. Identify, with the help of victims and other social service agencies, the origin of the barriers to accessing services at CVC and, when able, provide solutions to these barriers. Professional Development Attend seminars, workshops and training sessions to keep abreast of developments in the field of victim services and developments in social services as they pertain to client accessibility. Read articles, reports and books relevant to victim services and related research and/or legislation. Employment Standards Bachelor's degree in psychology, criminal justice, social work or equivalent experience. General knowledge of human behavior, cultural diversity, and social systems with ability to establish and maintain helping relationships. Ability to respond effectively to people in crisis situations and to people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds with dignity and respect. Ability to function effectively and efficiently in a high-crime area, while interfacing with other agencies and organizations. Excellent verbal and written skills, plus planning and organizational skills required. Must have own transportation, be willing to work some evening and weekend hours. Position requires a person who possesses a high degree of self-initiative, requiring low level of direct supervision. Fringe Benefits Annual leave, parental leave, unemployment and worker's compensation insurance; health insurance. This position will not exceed 40 hours per week. The Crime Victim Center is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay:

From $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

403(b) Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person