Job Description

Victim Advocate – Special Victims Unit with a focus on Sexual Assault Advocacy

Full Time Position FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide advocacy to victims of crime on behalf of St. Joseph County and the State of Indiana -- primarily in cases involving sexual assault but may include cases with child victims or victims of domestic/ family violence in both the adult and juvenile court.

Victim Advocates assist victims of crime by guiding them through each stage of the criminal justice process. Victim Advocate directly communicates with victims and advises them of developments in criminal cases. They provide victims with information so that they are aware of their rights and can actively participate.

Victim Advocates join in case reviews with law enforcement officers, SVU investigators, and prosecutors during each stage of the case. Victim Advocate directly communicates with victims, advises them of developments and provides information on up-coming court dates. They relay victim questions to investigators, paralegals and attorneys and convey the answers.

Victim Advocates help victims identify their needs and make referrals to appropriate local and state service agencies that assist crime victims. They develop victim resources, including conducting outreach to local community groups and offer education to local schools about sexual assault and/or domestic violence.

Maintain and provide regular documentation of victim contact to Director of Victim/Witness Services for compliance reports to grant funding sources, and to other law enforcement individuals as needed.

Other duties as determined by the Director of Victim/Witness Services.

Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent required. Undergraduate degree in social work or criminal justice or prior experience working with victims of crime preferred. Strong communication and interpersonal skills required. Advocate will use database to enter victim contacts and to prepare reports.

Work attributes: Must be able to coordinate with Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys, Paralegals and Law Enforcement Officer on the status of the cases and the needs/questions of victims throughout prosecution. Position requires self-starting ability, organization, and strong interpersonal skills. Must be able to communicate with victims in writing, in person, and by telephone.

Education and Professional Competence: Experience working with victims of crime preferred. Strong communication and interpersonal skills required.

Physical Demands: Position does not require any heavy, repetitive, or overhead lifting. Position requires familiarity with normal office machines and computer skills.

Work environment: Interior office environment in close proximity to other employees.

Salary range: Pay is partially funded through a grant which is applied for each grant year.

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