Victim advocate job description
Updated March 14, 2024
13 min read
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Example victim advocate requirements on a job description
Victim advocate requirements can be divided into technical requirements and required soft skills. The lists below show the most common requirements included in victim advocate job postings.
Sample victim advocate requirements
- At least bachelor's degree in social work or related field.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience working with victims of crime.
- Thorough knowledge of relevant laws and legal system.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to pass background check.
Sample required victim advocate soft skills
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and problem solving skills.
- Ability to remain composed in difficult and emotionally charged situations.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Compassionate and empathetic attitude.
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Victim advocate job description example 1
Centerstone victim advocate job description
Centerstone is among the nation's leading nonprofit behavioral health systems with thousands of employees dedicated to delivering care that changes people's lives. A dynamic, well-established organization, we offer rewarding opportunities to serve all ages in a variety of settings. Come talk to us about joining the Centerstone team!
Provides crisis support to victims of sexual abuse by assisting them through the criminal justice process Provides criminal justice advocacy as the victim case proceeds to the State's Attorney Office. Maintain SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) member collaborations, communications, and monthly meetings. Performs related follow-up and records management tasks. Organized, dependable, and sensitive in dealing with trauma. Able to work effectively with team, including outside community providers who are members of the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). Must be able to navigate computer system and complete paperwork timely and efficiently.
Minimum Qualifications: Requires High School diploma or equivalent. Must be able to navigate computer system and complete paperwork timely and efficiently. Candidate must possess a valid Florida Driver's License in good standing, current auto insurance, with their own vehicle. Hours can vary- candidate must be flexible, on-call rotation required.
Preferred Qualification: Bachelor of Arts Degree (will substitute years of victim service experience) preferred. Bilingual preferred.
Special Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: Organized, dependable, and sensitive in dealing with trauma. Able to work effectively with team, including outside community providers. Must be able to navigate computer system and complete paperwork timely and efficiently.
Maintain SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) member collaborations, communications, and monthly meetings to meet Florida Council Against Sexual Violence (FCASV) certification standards. Provides on-call crisis intervention to primary and secondary victims of sexual assault/abuse. Contributed to development and implementation of victim safety plan. Refer children and their families for additional services as identified. Responds to location of victim within 45 minutes of first notification. Responds to telephone crisis calls immediately following notification. Accompanies victims to law enforcement agency, crime scene, or other destinations to provide support and education about the legal system. Provides information about sexually transmitted diseases, legal proceedings, victim's rights and referrals to other community resources as needed. Completes all required documentation to comply with Attorney General's Office of Crime Compensation, Rape Crisis Program standards, and Centerstone standards. Keeps Supervisor advised of any problems that arise while on-call, or if unable to meet requirements of commitment to the program. Maintains good working relationships with SART members, attends SART meetings, and provides outreach/awareness activities in the community.
Work Environment/Physical Demands: Moderate noise levels as found in a business office with computer & printers. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to occasionally loud. May be required to work in the community/on-site. Ability to sit, use hands and fingers, talk or hear, and smell continually. Ability to stand, walk and reach frequently. Ability to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch occasionally.
Position Type, Expected Hours of Work and Travel: Hours can vary- candidate must be flexible, on-call rotation required and frequent local travel.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Centerstone is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.
*CB* Bradenton, FL
Time Type:
Full time
Delivering care that changes people's lives starts with our employees. Below are just some of the great benefits Centerstone employees enjoy:
Medical, dental, and vision health coverage Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts403b retirement plan with company match Paid time off and ten paid holidays AD&D Insurance, Life Insurance, and Long Term Disability (company paid) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion employee resource groups Continuing education opportunities Employee Assistance Program
Centerstone is an equal opportunity employer. Employment at Centerstone is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Centerstone does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law.
At Centerstone, we use our values as a guide for what we do. Respect, Expertise, Integrity and Empowerment are at the heart of every interaction at Centerstone, and particularly rooted in our beliefs toward diversity and inclusion.
Our approach to diversity is simple-it's about embracing everyone. Together, we continue to develop an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our employees. It powers our innovation and connects us closer to each other, to our clients and the communities we serve. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the growing world around us, and where everyone feels empowered, safe and welcomed.
Provides crisis support to victims of sexual abuse by assisting them through the criminal justice process Provides criminal justice advocacy as the victim case proceeds to the State's Attorney Office. Maintain SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) member collaborations, communications, and monthly meetings. Performs related follow-up and records management tasks. Organized, dependable, and sensitive in dealing with trauma. Able to work effectively with team, including outside community providers who are members of the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). Must be able to navigate computer system and complete paperwork timely and efficiently.
Minimum Qualifications: Requires High School diploma or equivalent. Must be able to navigate computer system and complete paperwork timely and efficiently. Candidate must possess a valid Florida Driver's License in good standing, current auto insurance, with their own vehicle. Hours can vary- candidate must be flexible, on-call rotation required.
Preferred Qualification: Bachelor of Arts Degree (will substitute years of victim service experience) preferred. Bilingual preferred.
Special Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: Organized, dependable, and sensitive in dealing with trauma. Able to work effectively with team, including outside community providers. Must be able to navigate computer system and complete paperwork timely and efficiently.
Maintain SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) member collaborations, communications, and monthly meetings to meet Florida Council Against Sexual Violence (FCASV) certification standards. Provides on-call crisis intervention to primary and secondary victims of sexual assault/abuse. Contributed to development and implementation of victim safety plan. Refer children and their families for additional services as identified. Responds to location of victim within 45 minutes of first notification. Responds to telephone crisis calls immediately following notification. Accompanies victims to law enforcement agency, crime scene, or other destinations to provide support and education about the legal system. Provides information about sexually transmitted diseases, legal proceedings, victim's rights and referrals to other community resources as needed. Completes all required documentation to comply with Attorney General's Office of Crime Compensation, Rape Crisis Program standards, and Centerstone standards. Keeps Supervisor advised of any problems that arise while on-call, or if unable to meet requirements of commitment to the program. Maintains good working relationships with SART members, attends SART meetings, and provides outreach/awareness activities in the community.
Work Environment/Physical Demands: Moderate noise levels as found in a business office with computer & printers. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to occasionally loud. May be required to work in the community/on-site. Ability to sit, use hands and fingers, talk or hear, and smell continually. Ability to stand, walk and reach frequently. Ability to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch occasionally.
Position Type, Expected Hours of Work and Travel: Hours can vary- candidate must be flexible, on-call rotation required and frequent local travel.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Centerstone is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.
*CB* Bradenton, FL
Time Type:
Full time
Delivering care that changes people's lives starts with our employees. Below are just some of the great benefits Centerstone employees enjoy:
Medical, dental, and vision health coverage Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts403b retirement plan with company match Paid time off and ten paid holidays AD&D Insurance, Life Insurance, and Long Term Disability (company paid) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion employee resource groups Continuing education opportunities Employee Assistance Program
Centerstone is an equal opportunity employer. Employment at Centerstone is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Centerstone does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law.
At Centerstone, we use our values as a guide for what we do. Respect, Expertise, Integrity and Empowerment are at the heart of every interaction at Centerstone, and particularly rooted in our beliefs toward diversity and inclusion.
Our approach to diversity is simple-it's about embracing everyone. Together, we continue to develop an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our employees. It powers our innovation and connects us closer to each other, to our clients and the communities we serve. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the growing world around us, and where everyone feels empowered, safe and welcomed.
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Victim advocate job description example 2
St. John's Well Child and Family Center victim advocate job description
- Maintain client’s files, records, appointments, services, follow-ups and assessments.
- Track client data, assist with data collection and reports.
- Administer and interpret all screening tools.
- Participate in continuing education and development, such as trauma counseling and cultural competence
- Attend staff meetings and open discussion forums.
- Assist project staff in conducting cultural competency training for St. John’s staff.
- Liaise with the L.A. District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Victim Services, Cal OES funded DVA programs 1736 Family Crisis Center, and Center for the Pacific Asian Family, Cal OES RCP programs Center for the Pacific Asian Family, YWCA Greater Los Angeles, East L.A. Women’s Center, St. Francis Medical Center, and other community resource providers,
- Participate in local or state coalitions, associations, and advocacy groups relevant to this project (e.g. deal with violent crime issues) such as the L.A. County Statewide Refugee Forum, the L.A. Asylum Collaborative, and the L.A. Trauma Informed Task Force.
- Education : (Preferred)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Experience : (Preferred)
- Two years experience in a social service setting providing case management to multi-ethnic communities, with knowledge of and experience with Domestic Violence and People Experiencing Homelessness.
- Bilingual English/Spanish (Required)
- EHR- Electronic Health Record (Preferred)
- Word, Excel and Microsoft Office
- Licensure/Certification :
- Upon hiring, Victim Advocates will be required to attain Victim Advocate certification via a mandatory 40-hour entry-level victim/witness training in Sacramento
- CA driver license and insurance for travel to community events, assignments and community outreach locations.
- Travel :
- Local and in-state travel
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this Job, the employee establishes and maintains effective work relationships with co-workers and customers, maintain regular attendance, understands and carries out a variety of oral and written instructions, has knowledge of proper English usage, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary, has the ability to learn office principles, practices, and methods, understands filing systems, including numerical, alphabetical, chronological, learns a variety of procedures, policies, and services of the assigned work unit or program, performs assigned duties with efficiency and accuracy and maintains confidentiality. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
NOTE
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
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Victim advocate job description example 3
Magellan Health victim advocate job description
Provides Air Force (AF) personnel, their family members, or intimate partners who are victims of domestic abuse nonclinical emergent and urgent service through safety assessments and safety planning services. The Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate (DAVAs) promotes a coordinated community response to allegations of domestic abuse via providing a range of support and education services to victims during duty hours, as well as on-call emergency services after duty hours. This position provides comprehensive services 24 hours a day/7 days per week to assist and advocate for victims of domestic abuse and to ensure victims are connected with the appropriate resources to ensure their safety. The DAVA does not provide clinical treatment services.
+ Responds to calls IAW established protocols, maintains a record of calls, and provides the Family Advocacy Officer or designee a situational report the following duty day.
+ Partners with the Family Advocacy case manager, or mental health on-call provider if the treatment/case manager is unavailable, to establish current and effective safety plans. The victim's safety is the DAVA's top responsibility and priority. The DAVA shall review the Victim's Safety Plan during each victim contact. Establishes a Victim's Safety Plan on a case-by-case basis.
+ Develops safety plans based on initial and ongoing risk assessments. If imminent risk of serious harm or death is established, notify the FAO, law enforcement, and Command.
+ Includes children, if involved, in the process and evaluates physical safety and emotional well-being; refer involved children to the treatment/case manager for follow-on care.
+ Immediately reports any changes in the victim's circumstances that changes or impacts the safety plan to the FAP treatment/case manager or mental health on-call provider if the treatment/case manager is unavailable.
+ Determines victim's imminent risk of serious harm or death, risk factors will be assessed per the detailed job description.
+ Provides safety assessments and safety planning for comprehensive services to include emotional support, arrangement of transportation; accompany victims to medical, legal and/or law enforcement appointments, assist in securing protective orders, emergency food and/or shelter and information benefits.
+ Works directly with victims to ensure that expressed needs are advocated and presented to personnel at intervening agencies.
+ Assesses imminent risks for health and/ or safety of the victim and make referrals as appropriate.
+ Assists victims with navigating the system to obtain the services desired and refer victims to the appropriate services for continued care.
+ Ensures victims of domestic abuse receive sensitive, confidential with the exception of state, federal, and military reporting requirements and immediate comprehensive care and treatment needed to restore health and well-being.
+ Assists victims in developing safety plans, conduct a risk assessment, and provide emotional support, prevention awareness and education to victims.
+ Provides information on victim services and resources available on and/or off the installation.
+ Explains reporting options during the initial contact whenever possible to ensure that the victim makes informed decisions about whom to disclose information regarding the abuse.
+ Ensures that first responders, (Emergency Medical Services and or law enforcement etc.) when appropriate, are contacted immediately during emergencies and in situations where there is imminent harm to the victim or others.
+ Partners with the FAP treatment/case manager to support the victim and promote safety for the victim and children in the home. Briefs the treatment/case manager prior to the Clinical Case Staffing (CCS) so that the CCS team has the most current information on the victim and children for staffing.
+ Supports the Family Advocacy Outreach Manager (FAOM) in developing System Advocacy, Education and Public Awareness, and promoting a coordinated community response to domestic abuse.
+ Operates within established guidelines.
+ Other duties as assigned.
Other Job Requirements
Responsibilities
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in any of the following disciplines: Social Work; Psychology; Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling; Counseling or Behavioral Science; Criminal Justice, or related field.
Two years of experience assisting and providing advocacy services to victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault.
Upon hire, or within six-months of hiring, must obtain the Basic Advocate credential with designation of Comprehensive Intervention Specialist as approved and offered by the National Advocate Credentialing Program, which is overseen by the National Organization for Victims Assistance.
Before starting work, all FAP and DAVA personnel working with Military Treatment Facilities shall provide proof of immunization from the following diseases according to CDC guidelines: Hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and influenza, and proof of a negative TB skin test (completed within the past 12 months (if positive, proof of negative chest X-ray within the past 12 months).
At a minimum, all FAP and DAVA personnel working within a Military Treatment Facility must maintain current certification in either the American Heart Association Basic Life Support Course (BLS) (Course C) or the American Red Cross Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/BLS (Heart Saver) Course.
Shall be able to obtain and maintain a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) Tier 1 Clearance.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office© Suite and have the ability to input, retrieve, and format documentation via various database/software.
DAVAs shall have knowledge of military programs, organizations, chain of command, unit missions, life styles, and situations that contribute to family stress, problems and crisis situations.
Possess the ability to work effectively with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to work cooperatively with military and civilian medical, social service, law enforcement, and legal personnel on behalf of victims.
Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted motor vehicle license.
Must possess transportation to transport victim in crisis (non-emergent) situations as a last resort.
Must be able to provide on-call 24 hours/7 days per week victim advocacy services.
Must be able to operate general office equipment including but not limited to: computer, phones and related media and information devices on most or all workdays.
Ability to communicate and interact with others, both in person and/or by telephone to conduct business.
Ability to work under time pressure. and rapidly for long periods to meet deadlines.
General Job Information
Title
Victim Advocate, AFMRA - Travis, AFB. California
Grade
WDN_AFMRA_DAVA
Work Experience - Required
Victim Advocacy
Work Experience - Preferred
Education - Required
Bachelors - Behavioral Health
Education - Preferred
License and Certifications - Required
License and Certifications - Preferred
This is a Service Contract Act (SCA) covered position. The pay rate and health and welfare allowance are specified in the applicable wage determination agreement.
Magellan Health, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Tobacco-free workplace. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled.Every employee must understand, comply with and attest to the security responsibilities and security controls unique to their position; and comply with all applicable legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements and internal policies and procedures.
+ Responds to calls IAW established protocols, maintains a record of calls, and provides the Family Advocacy Officer or designee a situational report the following duty day.
+ Partners with the Family Advocacy case manager, or mental health on-call provider if the treatment/case manager is unavailable, to establish current and effective safety plans. The victim's safety is the DAVA's top responsibility and priority. The DAVA shall review the Victim's Safety Plan during each victim contact. Establishes a Victim's Safety Plan on a case-by-case basis.
+ Develops safety plans based on initial and ongoing risk assessments. If imminent risk of serious harm or death is established, notify the FAO, law enforcement, and Command.
+ Includes children, if involved, in the process and evaluates physical safety and emotional well-being; refer involved children to the treatment/case manager for follow-on care.
+ Immediately reports any changes in the victim's circumstances that changes or impacts the safety plan to the FAP treatment/case manager or mental health on-call provider if the treatment/case manager is unavailable.
+ Determines victim's imminent risk of serious harm or death, risk factors will be assessed per the detailed job description.
+ Provides safety assessments and safety planning for comprehensive services to include emotional support, arrangement of transportation; accompany victims to medical, legal and/or law enforcement appointments, assist in securing protective orders, emergency food and/or shelter and information benefits.
+ Works directly with victims to ensure that expressed needs are advocated and presented to personnel at intervening agencies.
+ Assesses imminent risks for health and/ or safety of the victim and make referrals as appropriate.
+ Assists victims with navigating the system to obtain the services desired and refer victims to the appropriate services for continued care.
+ Ensures victims of domestic abuse receive sensitive, confidential with the exception of state, federal, and military reporting requirements and immediate comprehensive care and treatment needed to restore health and well-being.
+ Assists victims in developing safety plans, conduct a risk assessment, and provide emotional support, prevention awareness and education to victims.
+ Provides information on victim services and resources available on and/or off the installation.
+ Explains reporting options during the initial contact whenever possible to ensure that the victim makes informed decisions about whom to disclose information regarding the abuse.
+ Ensures that first responders, (Emergency Medical Services and or law enforcement etc.) when appropriate, are contacted immediately during emergencies and in situations where there is imminent harm to the victim or others.
+ Partners with the FAP treatment/case manager to support the victim and promote safety for the victim and children in the home. Briefs the treatment/case manager prior to the Clinical Case Staffing (CCS) so that the CCS team has the most current information on the victim and children for staffing.
+ Supports the Family Advocacy Outreach Manager (FAOM) in developing System Advocacy, Education and Public Awareness, and promoting a coordinated community response to domestic abuse.
+ Operates within established guidelines.
+ Other duties as assigned.
Other Job Requirements
Responsibilities
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in any of the following disciplines: Social Work; Psychology; Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling; Counseling or Behavioral Science; Criminal Justice, or related field.
Two years of experience assisting and providing advocacy services to victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault.
Upon hire, or within six-months of hiring, must obtain the Basic Advocate credential with designation of Comprehensive Intervention Specialist as approved and offered by the National Advocate Credentialing Program, which is overseen by the National Organization for Victims Assistance.
Before starting work, all FAP and DAVA personnel working with Military Treatment Facilities shall provide proof of immunization from the following diseases according to CDC guidelines: Hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and influenza, and proof of a negative TB skin test (completed within the past 12 months (if positive, proof of negative chest X-ray within the past 12 months).
At a minimum, all FAP and DAVA personnel working within a Military Treatment Facility must maintain current certification in either the American Heart Association Basic Life Support Course (BLS) (Course C) or the American Red Cross Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/BLS (Heart Saver) Course.
Shall be able to obtain and maintain a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) Tier 1 Clearance.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office© Suite and have the ability to input, retrieve, and format documentation via various database/software.
DAVAs shall have knowledge of military programs, organizations, chain of command, unit missions, life styles, and situations that contribute to family stress, problems and crisis situations.
Possess the ability to work effectively with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to work cooperatively with military and civilian medical, social service, law enforcement, and legal personnel on behalf of victims.
Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted motor vehicle license.
Must possess transportation to transport victim in crisis (non-emergent) situations as a last resort.
Must be able to provide on-call 24 hours/7 days per week victim advocacy services.
Must be able to operate general office equipment including but not limited to: computer, phones and related media and information devices on most or all workdays.
Ability to communicate and interact with others, both in person and/or by telephone to conduct business.
Ability to work under time pressure. and rapidly for long periods to meet deadlines.
General Job Information
Title
Victim Advocate, AFMRA - Travis, AFB. California
Grade
WDN_AFMRA_DAVA
Work Experience - Required
Victim Advocacy
Work Experience - Preferred
Education - Required
Bachelors - Behavioral Health
Education - Preferred
License and Certifications - Required
License and Certifications - Preferred
This is a Service Contract Act (SCA) covered position. The pay rate and health and welfare allowance are specified in the applicable wage determination agreement.
Magellan Health, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Tobacco-free workplace. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled.Every employee must understand, comply with and attest to the security responsibilities and security controls unique to their position; and comply with all applicable legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements and internal policies and procedures.
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Updated March 14, 2024
Updated March 14, 2024