Bilingual Victim Advocate

Community Resource Center•Encinitas, CA

About The Position

Under the supervisor of the Manager of Victim Services, the Victim Advocate provides crisis intervention, criminal justice support and advocacy services to victims of crime. The Victim Advocate assists participants in addressing their immediate crisis, accessing referrals and services, problem solving, setting, and working towards both short-term and long-term goals, including the acquisition of housing, childcare, legal services, education, and employment.

Requirements

Bilingual English/Spanish; must be able to read, write, and speak both languages fluently.
Some human service experience, especially case management and crisis intervention; homeless intervention, mental health, or domestic violence.
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a social service-related field.
State certified 40-hour Domestic Violence Counselor training or complete within 90 days of hire.
MS Office proficiency: ability to learn the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Efforts to Outcomes (ETO).
Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional evenings and Saturdays.
Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Must have access to reliable transportation.
Candidates selected for hire are to undergo a TB screening and LiveScan background screening.
All employees must have the legal right to work in the United States without support; sponsorship is not available, nor is relocation assistance.

Responsibilities

Provide immediate, short-term emotional and physical care for victims/survivors.
Assess immediate victim/survivor needs and assist with appropriate shelter placement/referral if needed.
Provide crisis intervention, emergency assistance and associated support services to victims/survivors.
Perform advocacy on behalf of participants when needed with outside service providers.
Provide financial intervention for victims/survivors related needs.
Works collaboratively on a multidisciplinary treatment team.
Accompany participants to court/legal appointments to act as an advocate when requested/necessary and provide a legal case plan.
Facilitates coordination of services among various agencies; advocates for and links client to needed services.
Assists clients with applying for Social Security Disability, Victim of Crime compensation, and other financial benefits.
Serves as a client advocate and liaison with the District Attorney’s Office and Police Department for victims of crime wishing to file police reports, restraining orders, etc.
Document participant and collateral contacts in a timely manner.
Adhere to ethical practice standards and comply with CRC policies and procedures.
Work in collaboration with all members of the program staff.
Assist with the facilitation of psycho-educational groups for program participants when requested.
Other duties as assigned.