Victim Advocate

Victim Advocate

General Statement of Duties:

Provides services to victims of domestic violence of all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, spoken language, age, or disability, assists in training and supervision of volunteer/intern advocates within the Victim Advocate program, provides support to Field when needed.

WAGE RANGE: $19-20.50/hour; differential for additional language fluencies

Supervision Received:

Works under the direct supervision of the Director of Victim Services, who may alter job duties as needed and in collaboration with partner agencies at the Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD), the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), and more.

Supervision Exercised:

No supervisory responsibilities, unless assigned by the Director of Victim Services.

Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

Provide direct services to victims of intimate partner and family violence, including but not limited to crisis intervention, legal advocacy, domestic violence education, and safety planning.

On-call support for APD, BCSO, and other local law enforcement agencies as they respond to domestic violence calls in the field.

Legal advocacy, including education about victims’ rights, criminal and civil processes, court accompaniment, and assistance obtaining domestic violence restraining orders.

Establish and maintain trusting, empathetic, confidential relationships with clients and families seeking a variety of DV services.

Maintain comprehensive records of all client interactions on paper and digital systems.

Assist with DVRC Helpline calls, return client calls, and follow-up via phone and email with clients.

Coordinate with relevant law enforcement agencies, including field officers, detectives, Victim Advocates, and district attorneys to ensure clients understand criminal processes.

Information and referrals to partner agencies relevant to client needs, cultural background, and geographic location.

Assistance applying for financial support for victims of crime through the Crime Victims Reparation Commission and other community programs.

Other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Bilingual preferred. Strong written and oral communication skills with peers and clients from diverse backgrounds. Ability to respond calmly, compassionately, and professionally in crisis situations. Knowledge or willingness to learn dynamics of domestic violence, including the Duluth Power and Control Wheel, trauma-informed care, client-centered advocacy, and the potential intersections of domestic violence and mental health crises, substance abuse, poverty, etc.

Experience and Training:

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family/Cultural Studies, Psychology, or related field; OR

High school diploma or GED ; AND

Two years of professional experience in social services, legal systems, community organizing, or related fields; OR

One year of experience providing direct services to victims of crime, including domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, etc.; OR

Any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training.

Necessary Special Requirements:

Ability to pass a CYFD background check and Federal Background check

No felony convictions for violent crimes

Valid driver’s license

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.00 - $20.50 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Patient demographics:

• Adolescents
• Adults
• Children
• Older adults

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person