Victim Advocate - Virginia Beach Police Operations

YWCA South Hampton Roads•Virginia Beach, VA

32d•$40,000 - $45,000•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Survivor Services Director, the Victim Advocate provides advocacy, accompaniment, legal education, crisis intervention counseling, emotional support, and community referrals to primary and secondary victims of interpersonal violence. The position involves responding to clients in person and by telephone, coordinating with YWCA staff and external partners, and maintaining confidential client records. The role is based on-site at the Virginia Police Department to support immediate response and collaboration with officers and investigators. It also includes advocacy and accompaniment in legal, law-enforcement, medical, and other settings; helping facilitate sexual assault support groups; and providing training and information to agency staff, interns, volunteers, community members, and allied professionals. The position requires travel, reliable transportation, and the ability to work and travel alone. YWCA South Hampton Roads describes its mission as eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The organization serves people facing crisis and works with community partners to address disparities and support survivors of sexual and domestic violence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, or a related Human Services field.
Two years of experience in the field.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must complete YWCA SHR training programs, including YWCA onboarding and advanced training.
Must pass a background check.
Strong understanding of interpersonal violence and commitment to ending violence against women, men, and children.
Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and respond to participants professionally and reassuringly.
Ability to advocate on behalf of clients, with working knowledge of legal, medical, and social service systems.
Ability to function as part of a team and work well with people from varied ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills.
Willingness to work and travel alone; travel is required.
Must have and maintain reliable transportation, an excellent driving record, a valid driver’s license, and a certificate of insurance from an insurer licensed in Virginia.

Responsibilities

Provide in-person and telephone crisis intervention, legal victim advocacy, personal safety planning, service planning, and community referrals.
Coordinate with YWCA staff, law enforcement units, the Commonwealth Attorney, and Victim Witness staff regarding clients while following YWCA confidentiality policies.
Document client service requests, interventions, service plans, and services provided in the ECM and VADATA systems.
Provide advocacy and accompaniment during legal proceedings, law-enforcement interviews, emergency room visits, visits to local jails and magistrate offices, and forensic examinations.
Provide advocacy and accompaniment during forensic PERK exams for sexual assault victims.
Assist with facilitating sexual assault support group meetings.
Serve as a resource for staff and 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 ongoing training and education regarding interpersonal violence, legal issues, community resources, and related topics.
Attend staff meetings and related professional activities as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.