Department & Location: Erie County District Attorney, 25 & 50 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo
Posting Dates: September 12, 2022 – September 21, 2022
Title of Position: Victim Advocate, Job Group VII
Shift: Full time Contingent Permanent, Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm or 8:30am-4:30pm
Starting Annual Salary: $44,755 (for new county employees) $44,755-$55,180 (for current county employees)
The work involves acting as an advocate for crime victims. The incumbent assists the victim in contacts with the criminal justice system, and various community agencies and services as needed. Also provides counseling and other practical services as indicated. Works under the supervision of a higher level administrative employee. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
• Provides an initial assessment of the victim and develops a service delivery plan, including identification of immediate and/or long term services;
• Conducts evaluation and interviews according to specific guidelines and format;
• Provides crisis intervention counseling, and ongoing support as needed;
• Assists victims through practical services such as referrals to shelters, relocation assistance and lock replacement;
• Acts as a liaison between the victim and criminal justice system, including preparation for court processes;
• Advocates on behalf of the victim for police and District Attorney’s prosecution assistance;
• Maintains contact and shares information with Drug Court judges to achieve the goal of consistency in handling domestic violence cases;
• Attends meetings and serves on committees which focus on domestic violence;
• Provides orientation for victims concerning such issues as criminal justice process and how to obtain and enforce Orders of Protection;
• Maintains accurate records and statistics monthly;
• Links victims to appropriate community, substance abuse and mental health services;
• Debriefs the victim and family following court proceedings.
PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Good knowledge of physical, psychological and social complications of domestic violence; good knowledge of the criminal justice system related to domestic violence; good knowledge of victim safety and clinical care management; good knowledge of addiction; good knowledge of community resources; ability to interview and counsel victims; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; tact; resourcefulness; capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Completion of 60 semester credit hours from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a concentration in Human Services, Mental Health, Criminal Justice, or related field and completion of 500 hours of field work in an internship in Human Services Domestic Violence.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
• Possession of a valid New York State Driver’s License is required at time of appointment.
NOTE: Verifiable part-time and/or volunteer experience will be pro-rated toward meeting full time experience requirement.
If interested and meet the above qualifications, please forward resume to:
Kathleen Callan, Chief of Administration
Erie County District Attorney, 25 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo NY 14202
This notice will be posted for the period September 12, 2022 through and including September 21, 2022.