Victim Advocate

VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM’S VICTIM ADVOCATE

Victim Assistance Program, the leading expert in crisis intervention for victims of crime and trauma in Northeast Ohio, is seeking a full time, nonexempt, hourly, Victim Advocate to work Monday – Friday 8a-4p, at our main office location in downtown Akron, in addition to having on call responsibilities.

Committed to diversity and to equal employment, Victim Assistance Program does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, veteran status, military obligations, HIV status, marital/familial status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Victim Assistance Program will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities.

The preferred candidate for this integral role will have a passion for helping those in need, be a team player, and confidence to work independently to help clients achieve their goals.

As one of the first victim services agencies established in the United States, we are driven to expand the blueprint our founder established in 1972. We are always advancing, always changing, and always thinking of new ways to help victims of crime and trauma.

If you are passionate about using your expertise to help create a world where all victims are healed, please read on!

REQUIREMENTS

Victim Assistance Program strives to provide all our employees with the right tools for success, we just need you to come with a few things in your toolbox.

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to our mission and services is preferred.
• Must reside within 25 miles of VAP’s main office.
• Pass and clear a state and federal background check.
• Possess a valid driver’s license, current auto insurance, and a reliable vehicle.

CHECK OUT THE SPECIFICS TO SEE IF THIS IS THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU

The Victim Advocate provides trauma-informed services to victims, family members, and communities impacted by crisis, violence, or tragedy. The Advocate offers immediate crisis intervention and advocacy via phone or in-person to address the aftermath of the client’s victimization.

Crisis Intervention

Responding to the needs of victims on our hotline, at the scene of the crime, at the local hospital, or at our main office located in Akron.

• Respond on-scene within 30 minutes to provide crisis intervention in the immediate aftermath of a crisis.
• Assess and assist clients with their immediate needs.
• Engage clients in the NOVA (National Organization for Victim Assistance) model of crisis intervention.
• Determine when crisis intervention services have been exhausted to provide information and referrals.
• Maintain open communication with the on-call supervisor to debrief after difficult cases.
• Provide follow-up support via phone or in the office as needed.

Advocacy

The Victim Advocate may help clients navigate through the entire court system - both on the municipal level and the various branches of the County Court of Common Pleas.

• Conduct an intake assessment, collecting information to allow us to better assist each individual client.
• Maintain a knowledge of resources and refer clients to outside entities so they may accomplish goals/tasks.
• Educate clients on their rights and the application of applying or waiving their rights as a victim of crime.
• Coordination of services with local law enforcement and court personnel
• Provide criminal justice education and public record case information to victims when able.
• Attend criminal and civil hearings or meetings with clients to provide advocacy and support.
• Empower clients to create and continue self-initiated goals.

Administrative

The Victim Advocate will be responsible for maintaining documentation and fostering on-going and new relationships with collaborative partners to enhance clients’ experiences.

• Navigate through victim, offender, and case files through various online court systems.
• Foster a professional rapport with all Summit County Law Enforcement agencies and detectives.
• Foster a professional rapport with medical staff working in the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Emergency rooms and other local hospitals.
• Create and update client’s electronic case files according to policy and procedure.
• Disseminate paper and electronic Client Rights and victim outcome surveys to measure our program’s success.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE APPLYING

All employees of Victim Assistance Program must appreciate the potential physical and psychological impact VAP employment may have on their personal lives.

Employees may witness, observe, smell, and hear disturbing sights and sounds including but not limited to crime scenes, pictures of abuse, and recordings of violent incidents. Secondly, employees may be exposed to situations which could potentially result in physical harm from victims and/or aggressors. Both are concerns primarily of direct service Victim Advocates, but any employee can be exposed to these situations from time to time. In addition, all employees of Victim Assistance Program are required to respond 24/7/365 to the needs of victims of extreme and catastrophic incidents impacting Summit County.

TAKING CARE OF OUR OWN

We aspire to ensure the needs of our employees are always identified. We provide employees with a supportive and accessible supervisor, a beautiful trauma informed office setting, new furniture, up to date technology, security, expansive training programs and an employee assistance program including 6 free confidential counseling sessions.

Our newly renovated main office in downtown Akron is within walking distance to the courts, police station, restaurants, shops, and the towpath trails. The space includes an education training facility, trauma free room, and a staff kitchen. A generous benefit package is also provided to full-time employees. This includes 4 weeks of annual PTO plus 13 paid holidays, a birthday PTO day, 2 PTO volunteer days, medical coverage, dental & vision coverage, pet insurance, mileage reimbursement, significant bereavement leave, and a 401k retirement plan with a matching contribution.

It is our belief that if employees are taken care of, and employees have the resources to take care of themselves, then victims will receive superior services… and that is our goal.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.82 - $19.23 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• On call

Application Question(s):

• Do you live within 25 miles of 137 South Main Street in Akron?
• For consideration, please upload cover letter telling us why you're interested in working for Victim Assistance Program.

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Social work: 1 year (Preferred)
• advocacy: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person