Victim Services Advocate

Artists ReEnvisioning Tomorrow Inc•Peoria, IL

96d

About The Position

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Victim Services Advocate to join our team. The ideal candidate will support and empower families and victims of violence as they recover from physical and emotional trauma. Our goal is to assist our clients with skills, services, and opportunities that promote healing and resilience. This role involves working closely with other victim service providers to ensure seamless support for our clients.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field; master's degree preferred.
Minimum of 2 years of experience in victim service provision, including crisis intervention and trauma-informed care.
Strong understanding of community resources and ability to navigate public and private service systems.
Experience working with victims of violence, with a deep understanding of trauma dynamics.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working with diverse populations in high-stress situations.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with strong organizational and time management skills.
Willingness to work flexible hours and be on-call for emergencies.

Responsibilities

Respond to incidents of community violence, including non-fatal and fatal shootings, in designated areas.
Receive notifications through various means (outreach workers, police, etc.) and respond on-site or via phone.
Visit crime scenes, victims' homes, hospitals, and other healthcare settings as needed.
Provide immediate support at hospitals, medical examiner's offices, and during funeral planning.
Assess crisis levels and refer clients to appropriate counseling services.
Offer trauma-informed care and develop case plans based on individual victim needs.
Navigate public agency processes for victim compensation, emergency financial assistance, and more.
Connect families to mental health services, trauma-informed youth programs, employment support, and more.
Facilitate interactions with police to ensure families receive updates on cases.
Conduct regular weekly support groups for victims and their families.
Provide assistance during court visits or trials.
Maintain a caseload of up to 25 participants, ensuring all have completed intake forms.