Victim Advocate - Fort Wayne, United States - Amani Family Services

Description

The Victim Care Advocate serves as a part of the Victim Care team and reports to the Victim Care Manager.

Services are rendered to respond to victims' emotional and physical needs and assist them in stabilizing their lives past victimization.

Survivors receive the necessary resources to navigate the court system, and education to increase their sense of safety and security.

• Contact and interview victims to assess needs and provide options and appropriate referrals
• Provide ongoing advocacy to help clients, keep them informed, and assist them so that they are afforded the right to be heard
• Accompany or transport clients to appointments to provide support while involved in the criminal or civil justice process (court hearings, interviews with police, prosecutor's office, providers, etc.)
• Ensure all client work completed is within the scope of the grant[s1], including but not limited to:
• Explanation of the process of the criminal and civil justice systems
• Providing information and assistance with victims' rights (how to obtain notifications, victim impact statements, restitution)
• Interventions with employers, creditors, landlords, schools
• Obtaining protective orders
• Short term, limited assistance in immigration matters with appropriate referrals to competent, licensed professionals and providing detailed and easily understood explanations from a culturally competent lens.
• Work on special program projects (National Crime Victims Rights' Week, outreach events, and presentations)
• Provide ongoing and intermittent client contact and support to ensure successful achievement of the identified goals in the case plan
• Scheduling and working with interpreters, providing transportation, accompanying clients to appointments, connecting to resources, providing support
• Attend staff and other relevant meetings and trainings
• Accurately record tasks, case notes, and mileage in accordance with agency standards
• Enter and maintain accurate information in agency database
• Represent Victim Care Program and Amani in a professional manner in the community
• Make referrals for services based on the level of need (internal and external services)
• This position does not have supervisory responsibilities, however, may help coordinate volunteer activities.
• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelor's degree in related discipline (or universitylevel education equivalent from other countries) preferred
• Certificate from an accredited Interpreter training class such as Bridging the Gap preferred
• Experience working in crisis setting with individuals and families
• Experience in domestic violence or trauma informed service
• Prior work or volunteer experience with immigrants and refugees, as well experience working with lowincome communities
• Some legal background helpful

• Professional technology skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, and database software. Ability to scan, edit and create PDF files and experience with shared folders
• Knowledge of community resources and agencies

• Must be able to read, write, and communicate fluently in English
• Strong administrative, organizational, interpersonal, problemsolving, time management, verbal communication, and writing and presentation skills are required
• Attention to detail is a must
• Must be able to meet deadlines
• Problem solving skills to address persistent challenges
• Must be able to work in a high stress environment
• Professional disposition and demeanor
• Ability to work in and adapt to the culture of a multicultural, community based organization
• Awareness of and sensitivity to the diversity and to the cultures represented in the communities served by Amani
• Knowledge of cultural competencies, internal biases and the ability to engage in selfexamination to overcome this barrier to providing exceptional services to Amani clients
• Good/Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to relate well with persons from a variety of cultural, educational, and socioeconomic groups
• Client rapport building and engagement skills
• Superior active listening skills
• Comprehensive knowledge of community resources
• Ability to define and uphold ethics and professional boundaries with staff and clients in all circumstances
• Strong personal and work ethics
• Commitment to maintain confidentiality
• Understand and follow all policies and procedures of Amani
• High level of independent judgment
• Ability to work effectively with mínimal management guidance/supervision and communicate well with others
• Selfstarter with great selfleadership
• Strong communication skills with the treatment team and partner agencies
• Excellent customer service, f