Crime Victim Advocate: Violence Response Specialist

The Bronx District Attorney’s Office is seeking a well-qualified staff whose diverse backgrounds reflect an ability to serve the 1.4 million members of the Bronx County community and pursue a safer Bronx through fair justice. The Crime Victims Assistance Unit (CVAU) seeks a violence response advocate to address the unique challenges facing victims of violence in Bronx County, and the unfortunate ever-increasing numbers of these victims and family members. The CVAU’s violence response advocate’s unique job will be to connect with victims and families at the earliest practical moment after an incident occurs, to provide almost immediate emotional and concrete services using a victim centered trauma informed approach. To achieve this, advocates will meet victims at hospitals, precincts, or homes. The goal of this program is to engage victims and witnesses at the earliest opportunity after a crime has occurred, when their needs are greatest. CVAU services will be offered and provided to victims and families at the front end of cases.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Engage with victims/families/witnesses of non-fatal shootings and other violent crimes as first responders, at the earliest practical stage after the incident occurs, when supportive needs are greatest.

Provide immediate emotional support and offering concrete services and referrals, such as providing psychological first aid on the field, safety planning and crisis resolution.

Meet with victims/families/witnesses at hospitals/precincts/homes.

Coordinate with NYPD and ON CALL Assistant District Attorneys in making connections with victims/families/witnesses.

Conduct regular follow up and check-ins with these clients, with continual assessment of their needs.

Attend meetings, trainings, and organizing educational presentations to staff and community on topics related to understanding the needs of the Bronx community who are victims of violent crimes and providing information and resources.

Attend precinct roll call meetings to offer sensitivity training and act as a bridge between the community and law enforcement.

Partner and collaborate with other programs that address gun violence and violent crimes.

Develop a plan to offer sustainable remedy to enable clients to resume a level of normalcy to their lives with the goal of promoting a healthier and safer lifestyle.

Provide information about the criminal justice system and court accompaniment

Assess safety needs and work collaboratively with the Witness Security Program to provide short term safer housing option.

Work with the Relocation Advocate to develop long term safer and affordable housing options. Conduct Intake for victims/families/witnesses of all crime types to determine safety and resource needs.

Explain the Criminal Justice process.

Assist clients with the completion of and filing of victim compensation claims with NYS OVS.

Prepare letters and forms to assist with other entitlements, such as housing.

Refer to city partners, including public and private agencies, to provide supportive and concrete services.

Connect clients to onsite therapy through CVAU when needed.

Confer and collaborate with the assigned ADAs on cases.

Other duties as needed

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree required

Bronx Resident preferred

In-depth knowledge of Bronx Neighborhoods

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Experience working with victims/survivors

Ability to use and navigate public transportation

Excellent interpersonal skills

Able to multi-task

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
2. High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to “1” or “2” above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in “1” above.