Domestic Violence Advocate - CVAB

City of New York • New York City, NY

1d

About The Position

The Office of the District Attorney, Bronx County (“BXDA”) is charged with the twin goals of ensuring public safety and striving for equal justice for the over 1.4 million members of the Bronx County community. By “Pursuing Justice with Integrity,” the BXDA places a focus on assistance for crime victims while simultaneously ensuring fairness to defendants. Moreover, the BXDA aims to balance the need to seek appropriate punishment for certain crimes while recognizing when punitive measures do not adequately advance justice. By recognizing these significant distinctions and acting accordingly, BXDA has established a standard of excellence in the representation of the Bronx community at large, which continues to grow stronger every day. The Crime Victims Assistance Bureau in the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office leads, manages and administrates the Office’s in-house victim services program, which provides direct, concrete, and therapeutic services to crime victims throughout Bronx County, and makes referrals when appropriate. In furtherance of this mission, the BXDA seeks experienced and enthusiastic Domestic Violence Advocate in the Crime Victims Assistance Bureau.

Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
• High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and Outlook is required.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Bi-lingual Preferred (Spanish)
• Past advocacy experience, particularly in the domestic violence population.
• Familiarity with the neighborhoods and population of Bronx County.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, non-structured environment.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Experience working with victims/survivors.
• Comfortable interacting with and serving a diverse population.
• Able to multi-task.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis and emotional support to victims/witnesses involved in Domestic Violence cases, specifically Intimate Partner Violence.
• Connect victims, witnesses, and their families to concrete and therapeutic services
• Explain the Criminal Justice process to clients and provide continued support throughout the process.
• Assist with Orders of Protection and Registration for notification of Inmate's release.
• Assist clients with the completion and filing of victim compensation claims with the State Office of Victim Services.
• Connect victims and witnesses to concrete resources.
• Prepare letters and forms to assist with other entitlements, such as housing.
• Advocate with public and private agencies.
• Escort clients to court and confer with Assistant District Attorneys.
• Provide information about the criminal justice system and court accompaniment.
• Escort clients to court and confer with Assistant District Attorneys.
• Refer to city partners, including public and private agencies, to provide supportive and concrete services.
• Perform any other assigned duties requested by the direct supervisor or other CVAB managing staff.

Benefits

• The City of New York offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance for the employee and his/her spouse or domestic partner and unemancipated children under age 26, union benefits such as dental and vision coverage, paid annual leave and sick leave, paid holidays, a pension, and optional savings and pre-tax programs such as Deferred Compensation, IRA, and a flexible spending account.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level