Senior SVD Advocate - Queens

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, interviews, court, 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent training and experience.
• Two years’ experience in crime victim service delivery (or other relevant experience).
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently and within a precinct setting.
• Prior experience working with victims of sexual assault.