Victim Advocate of the Child Advocacy Center

Summary Of Duties

The Victim Advocate of the Child Advocacy Center works within a Multi-Disciplinary Team. The caseload consists of primary and secondary victims of child sexual abuse and severe physical abuse, and is shared by the team members. The Victim Advocate assists clients by providing information and referrals based on an assessment of client and family need, advocacy throughout the investigative process, supportive counseling and linkage to the NYS Office of Victim Services.

Position Responsibilities

• Works independently with clients to provide crisis and supportive counseling, provides assessments of needs and linkages to services.
• Provides information and linkage to NYS Office of Victim Services.
• Develops and maintains a working knowledge of community resources and makes appropriate referrals.
• Communicates effectively and functions in a collaborative manner within all levels of the multi-disciplinary team.
• Participates in case review, staff meetings, supervisions and other team meetings.
• Maintains appropriate data and case documentation for all assigned cases.
• Consistently demonstrates professional behaviors and leadership skills that are in support of the mission and philosophy with the Child Advocacy Center and the larger organization.
• Affirms that quality services identified are delivered, acts as an advocate on client's behalf/request with other members of the multi-disciplinary team.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in one of the following listed fields: social work, psychology, counseling, or community mental health or related field AND one-year experience in providing supportive services or a master's degree in one of the above listed fields may be substituted for one year of experience.
• Requires understanding of child abuse and the legal and family court systems.
• Must be able to perform duties in an independent and efficient manner.
• Must possess knowledge of and ability to provide crisis intervention strategies effectively.
• Valid NYS Driver's License.
• Automobile in good working order.
• Must maintain active NYS Defensive Driving course every 3 years and send a copy of the new certification of completion upon expiration.
• Must maintain valid vehicle inspection, registration, and insurance cards and send updated copies to Human Resources upon expiration.