Juvenile and Domestic Relations Victim Advocate - Norfolk

YWCA South Hampton Roads•Virginia Beach, VA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Victim Advocate Manager, provides victim advocacy services, victim advocacy accompaniment, legal education, crisis intervention counseling, emotional support, and community referrals to primary and secondary victims of interpersonal violence. This position is stationed out of the Norfolk Courthouse Juvenile and Domestic Relations (JDR) Court Services Unit.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a related human services field preferred
A relevant combination of education, training, and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree, including experience in fields such as law enforcement.
A minimum of one year of related experience with housing, homeless population, and/or victims of violence required.
Must successfully pass a criminal background check
Must complete the YWCA SHR Onboarding and Advanced Training Program
Demonstrate knowledge of interpersonal violence and a strong commitment to ending violence against women, men, and children.
Non-judgmental attitude, sensitive to confidential information.
Must be able to work independently, manage multiple priorities and respond to participants in a professional and reassuring manner.
Demonstrate ability to act as an advocate on behalf of clients with a working knowledge of legal, medical, and social service systems.
Must be able to function as a team with other co-workers.
Ability to work well with people of various ethnic, racial, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
Must complete the training programs of the YWCA SHR.
Must have excellent driving record and have a valid driver’s license; certificate of insurance from an insurance carrier licensed in the State of Virginia.
Requires willingness to work and travel alone.
Travel is required and access to reliable transportation is essential.

Responsibilities

Provide in person and telephone communication with clients providing; crisis intervention counseling, legal victim advocacy, personal safety planning, service planning, and community referrals
Provide advocacy and accompaniment services during legal proceedings, during law enforcement interviews, prosecutor interviews, and other related settings as necessary for primary and secondary victims of interpersonal violence
Provide accompaniment and education in the JDR Court Services Unit for Protective Order petitioners experiencing interpersonal violence
Work collaboratively with YWCA staff, law enforcement units, Commonwealth Attorney’s, and Victim Witness staff to provide immediate and ongoing communication regarding clients while maintaining YWCA confidentiality policies
Maintain documentation of clients’ requests for services, intervention initiatives, service plans, and services provided through the ECM and VADATA systems
Act as a resource person for staff.
Prepare and deliver in-service programs and training for agency staff, interns and volunteers
Provide community and allied professional training regarding YWCA services and interpersonal violence
Pursue on-going training and education regarding interpersonal violence, legal issues, community resources and other related topics
Attend staff meetings and attend related professional activities as assigned
Other duties as assigned