Victim Advocate

BHcare Inc.•New Haven, CT

About The Position

Empower Survivors. Strengthen Communities. Become a Victim Advocate at BHcare. Are you driven to support individuals impacted by domestic violence? BHcare is seeking a Victim Advocate to provide support, information, referrals, and services to victims of domestic violence referred by the courts to the Family Violence Intervention Units of the Superior Court. Who We Are BHcare is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic offering integrated care for individuals and families navigating mental health, substance use, and domestic violence. Our dedicated teams work to create lasting change through support, empowerment, and connection to vital services. What You’ll Do: Provides in-person or telephone contact, including support in designing and implementing safety plan (e.g., obtaining protective order) Provides information regarding court process, victims’ rights, prosecution, sanctions, court orders, OVS criminal injuries compensation. Assist with registering for CT SAVIN/DOC Victims Notification Programs. Develops a system of referral for self, children, and dependents, to CDVS programs and other services in the community served by the court, referring victims for immediate and/or on-going services Complete progress notes, within 24 hours, documenting progress in ETO on service goals and objectives, psychosocial histories, and other documentation within UCDVS guidelines for content and timeliness. Provides victim input regarding prosecution / disposition of the criminal case. Keeps DVS Resource Manual current, adding new resources as appropriate including United Way 2-1-1. If you’re passionate about empowering survivors and building safer communities, we want to hear from you. Apply today!

Requirements

BA in human services field or High School Equivalent and 8 years relevant experience in lieu of degree required
Must have comprehensive knowledge of civil and criminal court system as related to domestic violence issues
Must be able to obtain and maintain the domestic violence counselor certification per CGS 52-146k before providing direct service to clients, followed with six-hour recertification yearly
Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) desirable. Demonstrated oral and written skills required
Strong counseling, advocacy, networking, and crisis intervention skills required
Strong Written Communication Skills
Must be able to integrate and manage information quickly and efficiently. Must have knowledge of diverse community resources
Sensitivity to Domestic Violence issues
Must be able to work as part of a team, maintaining a professional attitude and respectful demeanor with clients, co-workers, and supervisors
Must be proficient in Microsoft 365. Must be able to navigate through electronic health records system (EHR).

Responsibilities

Provides in-person or telephone contact, including support in designing and implementing safety plan (e.g., obtaining protective order)
Provides information regarding court process, victims’ rights, prosecution, sanctions, court orders, OVS criminal injuries compensation.
Assist with registering for CT SAVIN/DOC Victims Notification Programs.
Develops a system of referral for self, children, and dependents, to CDVS programs and other services in the community served by the court, referring victims for immediate and/or on-going services
Complete progress notes, within 24 hours, documenting progress in ETO on service goals and objectives, psychosocial histories, and other documentation within UCDVS guidelines for content and timeliness.
Provides victim input regarding prosecution / disposition of the criminal case.
Keeps DVS Resource Manual current, adding new resources as appropriate including United Way 2-1-1.