Youth Counselor Victim Services Advocate

General Description

Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston builds communities that care for all people. We serve all people seeking help in a safe, welcoming and comforting environment that feels like being home.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Youth Counselor Responsibilities:

  • Respond quickly to report of a youth that has run away from home, is homeless or is in an unsafe environment by meeting with and advocating for youth.
  • Determines the immediate needs of the youth in crisis and provide the appropriate aid.
  • Locates immediate shelter for youth, back with his parent or guardian, with a family or friend or a respite bed.
  • Develops a plan with the youth for personal development and appropriate on-going social services.
  • Refers youth to appropriate social service agencies that can assist the youth with moving toward reconciliation with the parent or guardian or that can help the youth live independently.
  • If applicable, develops rapport with parent/guardian and guide them to services as needed to aid in the reconciliation with their child.
  • Buils an awareness in law enforcement, education, and other social services officials of the help available to youth in the program through educational presentations and communications materials.
  • Completes program specific training annually.
  • Completes other duties as assigned.

• Victim Services Advocate Responsibilities:

  • Provides direct services to victims of crime, including emergency needs, information and referral, counseling, accompaniment, home and hospital visits, and assistance in filing for CVB compensation.
  • Prepares safety plans.
  • Offers immediate support to victims during and after a traumatic event.
  • Assists victims in navigating the criminal justice system, including attending court hearings and providing updates on case status.
  • Determines the immediate needs of the crime victim and family – develops appropriate plan, involves appropriate agencies and facilitates the implementation of the plan.
  • Determines the legal course to which the crime victim will be subject and provide or obtain appropriate assistance to the victim.
  • Shares 24-hour on call responsibility with other First Step employees.
  • Works with law enforcement, prosecutors, and other organizations to ensure comprehensive support for victims.
  • Develops and presents prevention and awareness efforts regarding violence and community response.
  • Remains up to date on local, state and federal policies and/or legislation regarding victims of crime with a focus on intimate partner violence.
  • Maintains statistical database and case management files. Prepare monthly reports as required by funders.
  • Participates in appropriate Catholic Charities staff meetings and in-service staff development opportunities. Represents Catholic Charities to the Community.
  • Completes other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s degree in human services or related field
• Credentials: Valid NY State Driver License and access to a reliable vehicle
• Experience: Experience in assessing victim safety. Commitment to trauma informed, client centered approach in all interactions preferred
• Special Requirements: 24/7 Emergency On-Call

Additional Qualifications

• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to multi-task, manage priorities, and provide immediate support and assistance in stressful situations.
• Willingness to foster agency, department and program wide cooperation and teamwork through use of positive/constructive communication techniques.
• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality regarding all records including consumer records, employee records and billing records.
• Ability to work in the following software programs: Windows, Microsoft Office, and multiple online software platforms as required by funders and partner organizations
• Ability to analyze and interpret data and to handle problem resolution.
• Possession of a valid NYS Driver’s license and a driver's record considered acceptable by agency and insurance carrier.
• Continuous use of a reliable, registered and insured vehicle.
• Demonstrate commitment to Agency Mission Statement.
• Working knowledge of community resources and funding systems external to the agency.
• Must be able to work non-traditional work hours (24/7 Emergency On-Call)