Survivors Program Victim Advocate
Horizons: A Family Service Alliance
Cedar Rapids, IA
Full-time
Social Service
Posted on May 15, 2019
This position is responsible for providing support to and advocacy for victims of violent crime. This includes but is not limited to, providing support to victims through direct and indirect contacts, coordinating and facilitating support groups, advocating for victims with relevant professional organizations to augment support services for victims of violent crime. Dealing with highly emotional and volatile situations while maintaining a professional demeanor. Providing support and advocacy for victims of violent crimes throughout the investigation, prosecution, and post sentencing phases of the crime.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Complete case management and required documentation.
- Involvement in relevant community committees.
- Engage in outreach to identify victims throughout service area and provide support and advocacy, directly and through the development of local volunteer and professional services.
- Develop, implement, and schedule educational presentations in the public sector including training for law enforcement, schools, and non-profit agencies.
- Completes job-related paperwork and statistics in a timely and accurate manner.
- Follows Agency and Code of Iowa policy on confidentiality.
- Keeps supervisor informed of relevant issues.
- Represents the Department and Agency positively in all public and community contacts.
- Supports efficient use and conservation of Agency resources (equipment, supplies, energy, and mileage).
- Note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES:
- All employees shall be responsible to learn and comply with all safety and health rules and regulations applicable to their work. It is their further responsibility to support Horizons in providing a safe place to work and to protect themselves, co-workers, and clients against injuries or illnesses.
- Understand HIPAA regulations and report potential infractions to Human Resources.
- Recognize and build on the cultural diversity of our clients and co-workers. Display sensitivity and responsiveness to cultural differences of staff and clients.
- Attend training as directed; attains agency, funders and state training requirements.
- Actively, assertively, and thoughtfully participates in staff meetings on a regular basis, as scheduled by the supervisor.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
A Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent number of years of experience is required. Must possess knowledge of the resources available to victims, either through private groups, public sponsored programs, or community resources.SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Ability to work in a caring and helping manner with victims of violent crime. Ability to actively advocate for clients. Ability to work well with members of the press, judiciary, and law enforcement. Demonstrated ability to organize time and efforts to meet support and advocacy work demands. Ability to be professional and represent the Program in an appropriate and positive fashion. This position is a mandatory child abuse reporter and must be re-certified every five years. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Horizons is an Equal Opportunity Employer.QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must provide vehicle for own transportation.
- Must possess a valid Iowa driver’s license.
- Must possess valid auto insurance.
- Must supply all needed records
- Must be able to be certified as not having been involved in abuse to children or adults.
- Must be able to be certified as not having been involved in criminal activity.