Victim Advocate

Omaha Tribe of Nebraska•Macy, NE

About The Position

The Victim Advocate is a full-time position that coordinates services for victims in collaboration with social services, tribal court, law enforcement, probation, and behavioral health. The Advocate works directly with adults and youth affected by family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence, both in and outside the shelter. Services include information, emotional support, referrals, safety and transition planning, and possible court accompaniment. After obtaining applicable training, certification, or credentials, Advocates may staff a crisis hotline, lead support groups, or provide in-person counseling. The role also collaborates with private nonprofit organizations, including sexual assault crisis centers, shelters, and related services not available locally. The primary duties of the Victim Advocate/Laura House Advocate are to oversee planning and implementation of the Omaha Family Violence Program and provide direct services at Laura's House, the domestic violence shelter. The Advocate maintains confidentiality and shelter safety, supports and accompanies victims, and helps residents with daily shelter routines. The role includes community education, coordination with partner agencies and the criminal justice system, program planning and evaluation, policy and protocol development, recordkeeping, and required reporting. The position requires availability 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including on-call, after-hours, holiday, and weekend coverage.

Requirements

At least two years of experience working with victims of crime or abuse, or experience in a related field.
Valid driver's license and ability to be insured.
Understanding of Omaha culture, tribal systems, and the tribal referral process.
Computer skills and public speaking skills, including the ability to provide community lectures and education on trauma, domestic violence, strengthening families, sexual assault, and stalking.
Ability to perform the listed duties satisfactorily; reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree or associate degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee planning and implementation of the Omaha Family Violence Program.
Provide direct services at Laura's House domestic violence shelter, maintaining client confidentiality and shelter safety.
Provide advocacy and accompaniment to victims.
Be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including on-call, after-hours, holiday, and weekend coverage.
Help residents maintain a clean and orderly shelter environment; issue and explain the shelter handbook; and assist with meals, laundry, schedules, and appointments.
Provide information about victimization, crime prevention, victims' legal rights and protections, and the criminal justice process.
Provide emotional support and assist victims with safety planning, victim compensation applications, and submitting comments to courts and probation.
Intervene with creditors, landlords, and employers on behalf of victims.
Help victims find shelter in the surrounding area and arrange transportation.
Refer victims to other services and assist them in completing treatment or case-plan goals, objectives, and activities.
Provide group and individual community education on domestic violence, sexual assault, date rape, and stalking.
Serve as a community contact point for victims of violence and as a member of the Planning Team.
Work with partner programs and agencies on prevention and awareness activities and collaborate with the criminal justice system, including police stations, prosecutor's offices, courts, probation or parole departments, and prisons.
Collaborate on system assessment and project evaluation to identify program strengths and weaknesses and support ongoing improvement.
Assist in creating assessment tools to document the number of victims served and services provided.
Develop protocols that promote partnerships and collaborations and define their purpose, relevance, roles, and responsibilities.
Lead ongoing review and updates of existing victim services, policies, and procedures, and identify those needing implementation.
Report threats of harm to clients or others and report child abuse or neglect.
Maintain computerized records and data for reporting and statistical and management information systems, including shelter residence days and time spent with each client.
Assist with monthly, semiannual, and annual reports.
Perform other duties as assigned.