The Crime Victim Advocate Program (CVAP) is a joint program of Safe Horizon and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) that will assign advocates to every police precinct and Police Service Area (PSA) citywide. Each precinct will have two advocates assigned (a crime victim advocate and a domestic violence victim advocate), except a few identified precincts will have only one advocate. The precincts with one advocate assigned will work with all victims of crime, including victims of domestic violence.
The Safe Horizon crime victim advocate/domestic violence advocate will partner with police personnel to provide outreach to victims who have filed reports to the precinct or PSA. The advocate will work with all victims of crime who seek assistance from the NYPD with a specific focus for victims who have filed a report as a victim of a violent felony offense as well as victims of domestic violence who have filed reports to the precinct on an as needed basis.
Essential Job Functions
Learn and integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, using an anti-oppressive lens, into your work with clients
Attempt to reach by phone and mail victims who have filed reports with the precinct or PSA with a specific focus on victims of violent felony crimes and those victims who have filed reports two or more reports in the previous 12 months
Work with victims of crime who come to the precinct or PSA seeking assistance
Conduct home visits with officers and detectives to assist victims as needed
Provide information, referrals, and practical assistance to victims experiencing crime
Conduct client centered safety assessments and safety planning suited to the individual’s needs
Provide crisis intervention and supportive listening
Advocate with NYPD personnel that may include keeping a victim apprised of an NYPD investigation
Provide criminal justice advocacy
Advocate for victims for public benefits they may be entitled to
Help with applying for compensation through the New York State Office of Victims Services (OVS)
Coordinate community resources for crime victims
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 to effectively aid victims
Collect data, track the history of crimes, and prepare monthly reports
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
Provide coverage in vacant precincts as needed
Conduct trainings with police personnel
Conduct community presentations
Attend relevant trainings, workshops and seminars
Work with other victims of domestic violence as needed
Perform other related tasks as assigned
Interacts With
All internal Safe Horizon programs and departments that can comprehensively support the client and case plan
All external agencies and organizations that can provide appropriate services to the client, specifically the NYPD and the court systems
The district attorney’s office in each of the boroughs, including the domestic violence bureaus
New York City Family Justice Centers
Knowledge And Skills
Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills, be assertive and well organized
Demonstrate the ability to work independently and within a precinct or PSA setting
Education
Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent training and experience.
Experience
A minimum of two years’ experience in crime victim service delivery, or other relevant experience
Basic knowledge of crime victim and domestic violence issues
Knowledge of the police and criminal justice system helpful
Other
Basic understanding of computer and systems for managing case records
Bilingual ability may be required to meet individual precinct/community linguistic needed
Flexibility working some evening and weekend hours
Schedule
This position is on-site.
If hired, I agree to abide by all of Safe Horizon’s rules and regulations, and understand that, if employed, my employment may be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at the option of either the company or me. I further understand that no representation, whether oral or written by any representative or agent of the organization, at any time, constitutes a contract of employment.
AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply .
Technology Statement
Applicants may be responsible for providing the equipment and tools they need to work remotely as required, such as access to a computer, internet service, and phone service. Safe Horizon will discuss potential solutions with candidates and may assist where needed and agreed to in advance.
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