Victim Advocate

Position Summary:

The incumbent serves victims of domestic violence from the community in a community-based setting. Intervention promotes safety, client self-determination, empowerment, and linkage to support networks of peers, agencies, providers and advocates.

Job Responsibilities:

Conduct face-to-face interviews with victims to assess situations, conduct lethality assessments, safety planning, service planning and referrals for attorney legal advocacy as appropriate. Provide accompaniment to victims for securing protective orders and court appearances. Work collaboratively with and from within the Domestic Violence Unit and precincts of the police department to provide immediate and follow-up interventions to victims of domestic violence. Coordinate placement in Samaritan House shelter, other area shelter or apply the "Emergency Response Policy" as appropriate for clients needing shelter or who are in immediate danger. Assess and provide for immediate needs of clients in temporary emergency shelter (hotel), i.e., medical assistance, food, toiletries, etc. Maintain documentation of clients' requests for services, intervention initiatives, service plans, and services provided and complete statistical reports. Provide training and technical assistance to the Police Department and other organizations on the issues effecting victims and victim needs. Provide training to the general public, service providers and victims of domestic violence through participation in volunteer trainings, community awareness initiatives and support groups as assigned. Other duties as assigned.

Required Background:

Prefer a master's degree in social work, counseling, criminal justice, or other related disciplines with some working knowledge of issues relating to domestic violence and the legal rights of victims. A minimum of a B.A. or B.S. degree in social work, counseling, criminal justice, or other related disciplines with two years experience working with victims of domestic violence. Must pass criminal background check. Any conviction that relates to moral turpitude will disqualify person from being hired as they will not be able to work at Virginia Beach Police Department. These include any conduct contrary to community standards of justice, honesty and /or good morals.

Required Skills:

Experience managing multiple tasks and activities simultaneously Versed in the dynamics of domestic violence and current teachings on power and control as articulated in the domestic violence literature Knowledgeable of the symptoms of post-traumatic stress as they relate to victims domestic abuse or sexual assault and appropriate intervention strategies Knowledgeable of the procedures involved in critical incident debriefing Versed in the principles of empowerment and able to demonstrate this in all interactions with clients, volunteers and staff Knowledgeable of the legal rights of victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault and how to assist clients in accessing the legal system Ability to read, write and communicate in English Ability to teach/train adults Ability to work within a team model of service delivery Ability to use a telephone and a computer Possess a reasonably clean driving record

Required Physical Skills:

Ability to lift 25 pounds Ability to operate a motor vehicle; car, truck and van Ability to walk, climb and reach Ability to conduct and participate in meetings

Contact:

Theresa Lindsey Director of Operations/Employee Engagement 2620 Southern Blvd. Virginia Beach, VA 23452 757 631-0710, ext 253 757 631-0747 (fax)

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$19.00 - $21.39 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance Ability to

Relocate:

Virginia Beach, VA 23452: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location:

In person