Victim Services Advocate

City of New York • New York City, NY

22h • Onsite

About The Position

The New York County District Attorney's Office (DANY) is hiring a Victim Services Advocate in its Survivor Services Bureau (SSB). The SSB supports crime victims, witnesses, and their families throughout the adjudication of criminal matters, helping them access services to navigate New York’s court system and rebuild their lives. The Advocate provides individualized safety and needs assessments, short-term crisis intervention, referrals to community-based programming, criminal justice system orientation, case status updates, and in-court support. Services are provided at the Main Office downtown, the Harlem Office, and/or the Washington Heights Office. The position may offer opportunities to focus on particular crime categories, such as elder abuse or human trafficking, and on communities across Manhattan.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college by the candidate’s start date. Preferred qualifications include a degree in social work, psychology, victim advocacy, or a related field, together with relevant experience; equivalent education, training, and experience may also qualify. The position may involve varied shifts and overtime, including nights and weekends. Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume. Authorization to work in the United States is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, required by the candidate’s start date.
• Authorization to work in the United States.
• Ability to handle and resolve emergency situations and assist victims experiencing trauma, in person or over the phone, while maintaining composure.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, problem-solving, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to foster good working relationships within the community and with external community-based agencies.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s or bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, victim advocacy, or a closely related field, supplemented by 3–5 years of experience in social work, counseling, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience is also considered.
• Thorough knowledge of crime victim advocacy, criminal justice system procedures and methods, post-traumatic crisis intervention, and recordkeeping techniques.
• Experience in program evaluation, conducting needs assessments, and developing and enhancing community collaborations.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English.
• American Sign Language (ASL) training.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a high volume of follow-up calls and maintain ongoing contact to ensure clients receive support and services.
• Explain the criminal justice system and provide case information.
• Assist with emergency safety planning.
• Act as a liaison between victims and the assigned Assistant District Attorney throughout the criminal justice process.
• Ensure victims, witnesses, and their families are connected with SSB concrete and therapeutic services.
• Assist with orders of protection, supporting depositions, and registration for inmate-release notifications.
• Provide support and accompaniment during criminal justice proceedings.
• Participate in community presentations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level