Victim Advocate

Definition

*THIS IS A GRANT FUNDED POSITION*

Under general supervision from the FAC Director, provides direct assistance, counseling and supportive advocacy to crime victims, child witnesses and their non-offending caregivers in cases of child physical and sexual abuse, child neglect, adult sexual assault, domestic violence and elder abuse. Assists clients with understanding and working with the judicial system. Provides support and assistance in obtaining related services that may be needed to ensure victims receive full benefits of the legal system for coping with issues of crime in their lives. This job class is treated as FLSA-Exempt and is subject to working non-standard hours.

Examples of Tasks

Essential Functions: (Essential functions may vary among positions, but may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification. )

Tasks:

1. Provides assistance to victims of crime, or witnesses to crime within the response systems of the SRPMIC, who may be children, elderly, or victims of other specific crimes. Shares appropriate information with victims and witnesses, or their families about the coordinated, multidisciplinary response, and the judicial system and applicable laws. Conducts interviews to gather information to assist victims in handling individual cases. Serves as liaison between victims, prosecution and other service agencies.
   
2. Provides and assists in crisis assessment and intervention, risk assessment and possible safety planning and support for victims and non-offending family members at all stages of involvement with the advocacy center. Escorts/transports victims to related appointments, including court proceedings and informs victims about their rights as a victim, where applicable. Coordinates necessary information handling to ensure victims and witnesses understand the judicial system and applicable laws. Engages in follow-up contact with victims after case disposition. Assists with interviews, investigations, and monitoring visits.
   
3. Assesses individual victim needs and cultural considerations for the victim and their non-offending family members in acting as a resource for community service referrals. Coordinates efforts with victims and families to ensure continued safety, and provision of available services. Investigates and follows up on case referrals. Makes referrals to appropriate social service entities, or other services, as needed.
   
4. Provides documentation to formalize services available/provided and effectiveness/appropriateness of services. Maintains confidentiality of record-keeping, and provides assistance to police department and court officers in tracking responses to victims and their families Makes recommendations for improved or additional services.
   
5. Assists in developing community education and/or involvement activities to encourage community involvement and interest in victim-related training and awareness campaigns. Assists in planning and coordinating community outreach activities. Provides in-service training and exposure to various criminal justice and victim-related matters. Maintains, schedules and reports on Victim Assistance projects which includes the SRPMIC Police Department, Social Services, judicial systems, and other prevention activities and programs within and outside the Community.
   
6. Works with all tribal and outside resource departments to improve services to victims. Diplomatically investigates and resolves complaints regarding response, quality and issues regarding services to victim and families.. Recommends policies and procedures revisions as deemed necessary to improve integrated work environment.
   
7. Maintains data of victim demographics and service indicators on all cases referred to the FAC until the case is adjudicated and/or closed for services. Prepares and maintains statistical records on victims served and services provided and submits monthly statistical reports. Conducts research and prepares reports on community needs and resources specifically related to victim assistance needs. Maintains processes to ensure accuracy, timeliness, organization and professionalism of paperwork and documentation for files on victim assistance-related material. Makes presentations on research data as needed.
   
8. Attends and participates in staff development trainings and multidisciplinary meetings, and all appropriate trainings to enhance and/or maintain skills.
   
9. Maintains an especially high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality given the nature of the position.
   
10. Performs other job related duties as assigned by the Family Advocacy Center Director.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics:

• Knowledge of Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, its resources and of Pima-Maricopa/American Indian culture and traditions.
• Knowledge of tribal justice system as it relates to victim rights and procedures and confidentiality requirements.
• Knowledge of effective methods and techniques in working with children, elderly and other victims and their families.
• Knowledge and experience in law enforcement and the justice system and an understanding of dynamics of domestic violence.
• Knowledge of information gathering, statistical reporting and maintenance of confidential data base.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with Community departments, community groups, victims and their families, as well as other staff and the public.
• Skill in operating a variety of office equipment, including personal computer, related software and data based information.
• Skill in oral and written communication as well as experience in public relations activities.
• Skill in working as an advocate with crime victims.
  
• Ability to make oral presentations to community groups and to organizations within and outside the SRPMIC.
• Ability to effectively manage client cases, caseload, and assesses victims needs.
• Ability to deal with angry people (victim and abuser) and maintain safety and security.
• Ability to listen, communicate and work effectively with a diverse group of people.
• Ability to provide thoughtful and thorough analysis.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and use good judgment in prioritizing work assignments.
• Ability to resolve conflict and utilize negotiation skills.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities and achieve goals.
• Ability to operate tape recorder, camera (video and still), and other tools routinely used in work of this nature.
• Ability to work non-standard work hours and to respond on short-notice on-call, as directed by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education & Experience: A Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice, Social Services or closely related field and two (2) years full time work experience with community-based domestic violence/victim assistance programs, human services, social services or related direct client services.
• Preference given to candidates that meet the requirements who have work experience with issues with Native American and minority populations.
  
• Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of education and experience that will allow the applicant to satisfactorily perform the duties of the job may be considered.

Special Requirements

May be required to work outside normal work hours including nights, weekends and holidays.

• Employees in, and applicants applying for, jobs providing direct services to children are subject to the "Community Code of Ordinances", Chapter 11, "Minors", Article X. "Investigation of Persons Working With Children".

Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check. Employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

"SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer" Preference will be given to a qualified Community Member, then a qualified Native American and then other qualified candidate.

In order to obtain consideration for Community member/Native American preference, applicant must submit a copy of Tribal Enrollment card or CIB which indicates enrollment in a Federally Recognized Native American Tribe by one of the following methods:
1) attach to application
2) fax (480) 362-5860
3) mail or hand deliver to Human Resources.

Documentation must be received by position closing date.
The IHS/BIA Form-4432 is not accepted.
Your Tribal ID/CIB must be submitted to HR-Recruitment-Two Waters.