Victim Advocate - Family Court

City of New York•Staten Island, NY

11d

About The Position

The New York City Law Department’s Family Court Division is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Victim Advocate. In prosecuting juvenile delinquency cases, the Family Court Division's Juvenile Delinquency Prosecution Unit seeks to ensure that those youth who commit delinquent acts are held accountable for their misconduct and receive appropriate services. The Family Court system is focused on rehabilitation. The victim advocate, under supervision, with wide latitude for independent judgment, will perform work in the supervision, planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring, and/or evaluation of community development programs as well as victim services and safety planning. The selected candidate will perform duties including but not limited to: - Act as a continuing source of support for victims throughout the pendency of a juvenile delinquency case; - Work closely with victims on all types of cases including Family Conflict, victims of cases assigned to the Special Victims Unit, Major Case Unit and victims on designated felony matters; - Help to secure witness cooperation; - Interview victims and witnesses and explain the juvenile delinquency process to them; - Communicate with attorneys and coordinate the victim and/or witness’ court appointments; - Work with the victim/witness to obtain services including Office of Victims Services; - Arrange for transportation to and from court for the victim or witness; - Coordinate for interpreters for the victim or witness; - Accompany fearful victims/witnesses to court when they testify; - Develop an expertise regarding available community resources in order to assist victims and witnesses in navigating the court process and accessing proper services; - Complete monthly victim advocate forms; - Update electronic files as needed; - Some of the physical activities performed and environmental conditions experienced include lifting and carrying boxes and files; climbing stairs; and traveling throughout the City on all types of public transportation, and/or walking in all kinds of weather, often carrying files and other documents. This position will require citywide travel and may require travel to other jurisdictions including within New York State and other jurisdictions.

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.

Nice To Haves

Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and investigative skills.
Critical thinking with the ability to arrive at logical conclusions.
The ability to multitask, take initiative and function independently under tight deadlines.
Proficiency in the MS Office Suite, including but not limited to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Ability to foster good working relationships within the community and with external community based agencies.

Responsibilities

Act as a continuing source of support for victims throughout the pendency of a juvenile delinquency case
Work closely with victims on all types of cases including Family Conflict, victims of cases assigned to the Special Victims Unit, Major Case Unit and victims on designated felony matters
Help to secure witness cooperation
Interview victims and witnesses and explain the juvenile delinquency process to them
Communicate with attorneys and coordinate the victim and/or witness’ court appointments
Work with the victim/witness to obtain services including Office of Victims Services
Arrange for transportation to and from court for the victim or witness
Coordinate for interpreters for the victim or witness
Accompany fearful victims/witnesses to court when they testify
Develop an expertise regarding available community resources in order to assist victims and witnesses in navigating the court process and accessing proper services
Complete monthly victim advocate forms
Update electronic files as needed