Victim Advocate

Victim Advocate

Job Description

The Victim Advocate provides supportive services for surviving family members of homicides in the Chicagoland area. Candidates should have background experience in trauma-informed victim services and recognize when trauma intervention may be necessary with appropriate recommendations to Manager.

The Victim Advocate must also possess the ability to handle confidential information appropriately; have knowledge of community resources; can effectively interact with families of diverse cultures; possess good verbal, written communication, and organizational skills, have travel transportation, a high level of integrity and personal maturity, and demonstrate a passion for working with survivors. Some weekend and evening availability is required.

Responsibilities:

• Provide immediate emotional support and crisis intervention to survivors of crime victims.
• Provide information on available services through local community agencies.
• Provide continued in-person emotional support, guidance, and advocacy to survivors and their families.
• Aid in filing Violent Crime Victim Compensation claims (VCVA) including making the survivor aware of the availability of VCVA, assist the survivor in completing the required forms and any follow up as needed.
• Provide follow-up contact for cases through in-person contacts, telephone contacts, and written communications with survivors to offer continued emotional support, provide emphatic listening, check on victim’s progress, and ensure that appropriate services are in place.
• Accompany parents to court proceedings.
• Serve as liaison with other agencies on behalf of the survivor as needed.
• Coordinate with Victim/Witness Coordinators from the State Attorney’s Office to ensure that families are provided with accurate information concerning upcoming court proceedings.
• Set-up and maintain client and/or program files. Establish and maintain case management files on each case as directed.
• Commit to flexible scheduled hours to accomplish assigned tasks.
• 10 hours of community service hours annually

Qualifications

• Required to have experience working with victims or survivors of violence, or comparable experience.
• Ability to comply with all rules, guidelines, and professional conduct set forth by supervisor.
• Basic computer proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and ask questions to enhance the development process.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to work effectively with a variety of people.
• Able to make sound judgment in crisis situations as needed.
• Able to work with minimum supervision.
• Ability to handle crisis situations calmly and effectively

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of victims, we encourage you to apply. Join our team of dedicated professionals who are committed to providing support, advocacy, and empowerment to those who need it most.

Please note that this position requires a background check and adherence to strict confidentiality policies.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $41,600.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance

Patient demographics:

• Adults

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• working with victims or survivors of violence,: 2 years (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60620 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Chicago, IL 60620: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person