Overview

Summary

Safe Horizon’s Senior DV Victim Advocate (SVD) works within the SVD of NYPD.   The advocate partners with police personnel to provide a coordinated, victim-centered approach to teen and adult victims of sexual assault to reduce trauma and improve the quality of services victims receive. The advocate works with victims, friends, caregivers and family members of sexual assault who are seeking assistance from NYPD within the SVD. The advocate will also be available to work with victims of sexual assault on an as-needed basis by responding to their home or to the hospital where they are being treated.

The advocate’s responsibilities may include some or all of the following:

Responsibilities:

  • Learn and integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, using an anti-oppressive lens, into your work with clients.
  • Participate in New York State 40-hour certification training for advocates who provide support for sexual assault victims;
  • Provide client-centered trauma-informed services for victims of sexual assault who come to the NYPD SVD seeking assistance;
  • Conduct visits to a victim’s home with SVD detectives to assist victims as needed;
  • Provide information, referrals, and practical assistance to victims experiencing sexual assault;
  • Conduct client-centered safety assessments and safety planning suited to the individual’s needs for safety, privacy, and sense of agency;
  • Provide crisis intervention and supportive listening;
  • Advocate with NYPD SVD personnel that may include keeping a victim apprised of an NYPD investigation;
  • Provide criminal justice advocacy and support in the initial phases of the criminal justice process that may include linkages to prosecutors;
  • Provide brief trauma mental health intervention, and coordination with other providers for on-going clinical care;
  • Provide accompaniment with detectives to hospitals or other sites such as the victim’s home to provide support;
  • Ensure protection of survivor’s rights as a victim of sexual assault;
  • Help with applying for compensation through the New York State Office of Victims Services (OVS);
  • Coordinate community resources for victims of sexual assault, including linkages to other providers as needed;
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with advocate agencies in the sexual assault field; including borough-based sexual assault meetings with partner agencies in the field;
  • Provide information and referral for victims for services such as shelter, mental health treatment, medical care, and other entitlements;
  • Provide emergency practical assistance for victims including transportation and food vouchers;
  • Work collaboratively with police officers and detectives in order to effectively provide assistance to victims;
  • Perform data entry into a computerized record-keeping system and maintain thorough, accurate, and timely case records and statistics;
  • Advocate with Family and Criminal Court staff for victims;
  • Participate in cross-training or other education opportunities with NYPD relevant to investigation, victim advocacy, and service provision;
  • Conduct community presentations;
  • Attend relevant training, workshops and seminars, including sexual assault related task force meetings to ensure strong partnerships with local community-based organizations;
  • Work with family members, caregivers and friends of the survivor as needed, and perform other related tasks as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:

  • Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, be assertive and well organized
  • Demonstrate the ability to work independently and within a precinct  setting
  • Prior experience working with victims of sexual assault

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent training and experience.
  • Two years’ experience in crime victim service delivery (or other relevant experience)
  • Basic knowledge of crime victim and domestic violence issues
  • Certification as a sexual assault advocate or willingness to attend training immediately upon hire to become certified
  • Knowledge of the police and criminal justice system helpful
  • Bi-lingual ability in Spanish is helpful but not required

Other:

  • Hours: 35 hours/week, probably 12 to 8 with flexibility in days worked—may require weekend days

If hired, I agree to abide by all of Safe Horizon’s rules and regulations, and understand that, if employed, my employment may be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at the option of either the company or me. I further understand that no representation, whether oral or written by any representative or agent of the organization, at any time, constitutes a contract of employment. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

New Requirement:

Effective October 29, 2021, as a private contractor of The City of New York all Safe Horizon employees, interns and volunteers must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination unless they have been granted a reasonable accommodation for religious or medical reasons.

Technology Statement:

Applicants may be responsible for providing the equipment and tools they need to work remotely as required, such as access to a computer, internet service, and phone service. Safe Horizon will discuss potential solutions with candidates and may assist where needed and agreed to in advance.

Please follow this link to view complete EEO Law and complaint filing information: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf

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