Victim Services Advocate

Manhattan DA • New York, NY

3d • 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 bureau supports crime victims, witnesses, and their families throughout criminal proceedings, helping them access services to navigate the court system and rebuild their lives. The advocate provides individualized safety and needs assessments, short-term crisis intervention, referrals to community-based programs, criminal justice system orientation, case-status updates, and in-court support. Services may be 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 specific communities across Manhattan.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college by the candidate’s start date.
• High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community-centered activities related to the duties, or equivalent education and/or experience.
• 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; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 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 in Spanish and English.
• American Sign Language training.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-volume 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 the Survivor Services Bureau’s 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.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Generous benefits package
• Opportunities for professional development
• Potential eligibility for federal loan forgiveness and state repayment assistance programs

What This Job Offers

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