Victim Services Advocate

City of New York • New York, NY

2d • 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 as they navigate the court system and rebuild their lives. The advocate helps clients access individualized safety and needs assessments, short-term crisis intervention, community-based referrals, 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 a special focus on particular categories of crime, such as elder abuse or human trafficking, or on individual communities across Manhattan.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college by the candidate’s start date. The posting also lists a Community Associate qualification requirement of 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 experience. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Applicants should apply with a cover letter and resume.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college by the candidate’s start date.
• Authorization to work in the United States.
• For the listed Community Associate qualification: 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 experience.

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; equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience are 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 in Spanish and English.
• American Sign Language training.
• 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.

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.
• Liaise with 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 notification of inmate release.
• 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