Victim Advocate (Social Services Specialist II)

Fairfax County•Fairfax (Ej27), VA

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position includes a signing bonus of $2,500 (full-time) for new county hires. This is an exciting time to join Fairfax County Government as we shape racial and social equity policies in the county through the One Fairfax Policy. Using this framework, we intentionally consider equity when making policies or delivering programs and services. As a member of the Division of Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) Advocacy Services Program, provides short-term case management, and in-person and telephone-based crisis intervention and safety planning options to survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking in need of support.

Requirements

Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including strong listening abilities.
Knowledge of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking issues, trends, dynamics, and interventions.
Ability to organize information and manage workload in order to meet required deadlines.
Possess the ability to demonstrate understanding, respect, and acceptance of diversity in all client and team interactions.
Ability to make sound, trauma informed judgments.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, partner agencies, and community organizations.
Ability to use automated systems and county provided technology to perform job duties efficiently.
Ability to assess safety, risk, and protective capacity and connect clients to appropriate resources as needed.
Ability to demonstrate accountability, integrity, and professionalism.
Ability to adhere to agency policies and ethical standards.
Minimum of a bachelor's degree in a human services field OR minimum of a bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a human services area.
Driver's license (required)
Must complete a criminal background check, child protective services registry and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in social work or a related human services field
Two (2) years of directly related professional experience in the social services or human services field.
At least two (2) years of full-time equivalent experience working with victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking and/or human trafficking.
At least three (3) years of experience working in the victim advocacy field.
At least three (3) years working with court services and court systems.
Experience working with a diverse multicultural population.
Bilingual in English and another language.

Responsibilities

Provides trauma informed, culturally sensitive, and survivor centered education on survivor rights, the dynamics of domestic violence, and the cycle of abuse.
Provides advocacy services to include crisis intervention, emotional support and options counseling and safety planning.
Supports survivors in navigating through complex court processes by explaining their rights and resources available to them.
Provides court accompaniment, connects clients to pro-bono or low-cost legal resources, and offers emotional support during court hearings.
Provides coverage for 24-hour crisis hotlines and after hours on-call support on a rotational basis and will participate in events held in the evenings and on weekends, as needed.
Documents all work, maintains accurate records, and upholds confidentiality.
Represents Domestic and Sexual Violence Services on county and community committees and workgroups.
Maintains relationships with county and community service providers to ensure survivors receive current and accurate information.
Participates in outreach events and may assist or help facilitate educational presentations.
Other duties as assigned