Victim Advocate

Status: Non‑Exempt, Full‑time, 32 hours per week with on‑call requirement. Supervisor: Coordinator of Advocacy. Salary: $24.73 per hour. Location: Poughkeepsie, NY.

Function

The Victim Advocate is a front‑line advocate and first responder to victims in need, providing casework services such as crisis counseling, safety planning, advocacy, information and referrals, emergency financial assistance, and claims filing. The Advocate is available via 24‑hour hotlines and walk‑ins at the Center for Victim Safety and Support office.

Responsibilities

• Complete intakes with victims to determine eligibility and identify needs.
• Review consent and confidentiality with victims regularly.
• Provide services including crisis counseling, safety planning, advocacy, accompaniment, information and referrals, and Office of Victim Services claims filing.
• Meet with victims in person and by phone for ongoing support and needs assessments.
• Accompany victims of crime as needed, offering counseling, referrals, assistance with compensation claims, criminal‑justice advocacy, and personal advocacy.
• Establish and maintain liaisons with the District Attorney’s Office, law enforcement, hospitals, attorneys, social services, and other community agencies.
• Accompany victims to hospitals, police departments, Title IX hearings, court, and other locations on short notice.
• Review and manage assigned Office of Victim Services claims.
• Provide information and referrals following agency protocol.
• Evaluate and dispense emergency financial assistance as approved by supervisors.
• Cover incoming calls on the 24‑hour Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis/Crime Victims hotlines during business hours and after hours via on‑call rotation.
• Conduct community outreach through presentations and tabling events.
• Assist with fundraisers and special events, including those outside regular agency hours.
• Build and maintain effective, trusting relationships with criminal‑justice professionals.
• Complete all administrative tasks promptly, including documentation, weekly/monthly activity reports, case record maintenance, and database entry.
• Maintain statistics, updated client records, and prepare reports as needed.
• Complete and maintain NYS DOH Rape Crisis Counselor certification.
• Complete NYS Mandated Reporter training and report any suspected child abuse.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• BA in Human Services (preferred) and/or 3–5 years relevant work experience.
• Experience in human services, counseling, and/or advocacy.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to work effectively under extreme pressure.
• Independent work style with appropriate escalation to manager.
• Strong teamwork, out‑of‑the‑box thinking, resourcefulness, and advocacy skills.
• Organizational skills for timely documentation and record‑keeping.
• Empathy and compassion.
• Clear, effective oral and written communication.

Essential Requirements

• Cellphone for work (reimbursed) with coverage in Dutchess County.
• Ability to travel to various work locations throughout the day and during on‑call hours.
• Availability outside office hours as needed; ability to work irregular hours on short notice.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match up to 5%.
• Generous paid vacation, holiday, sick and personal time package (2 weeks vacation first year, 13 paid holidays, 12 sick days, 4 personal days).
• Access to Family Services’ Compassionate Leave Program for donating/receiving unused time off.
• Group term life and long‑term disability insurance.
• Supplemental life insurance & accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Supplemental insurance through Aflac.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Pet insurance.

Pay

$24.73 per hour.

Schedule

Full‑time, 32 hours per week with on‑call requirement.