Victim Services Advocate (Jewish Community Advocate)

The New York County District Attorney's Office (DANY) has an opening for a Victim Services Advocate in its Survivor Services Bureau (SSB). Victim Services Advocates provide a full range of services to crime victims, witnesses, and their families. Responsibilities include short term crisis intervention, community referrals, orientation to the criminal justice system and explanation of proceedings, case status updates, and court appearance support for all crime victims, witnesses, and their families. In addition, this position will serve as the Advocate assigned to support any individuals for whom Jewish identity is relevant to effective engagement and provision of services. The position requires an understanding of the cultural, religious, and ethnic aspects of Jewish identities as well as experience working with members of various Jewish communities and religious sects. SSB services are provided at DANY offices in downtown Manhattan, Harlem, and Washington Heights.


Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- Handle and resolve emergency situations, assist victims in trauma either in person or over the phone while maintaining composure.
- Assist with emergency safety planning.
- Conduct follow-up calls and maintain on-going contact with crime victims to ensure continuous engagement and support.
- Explain the criminal justice system, proceedings, and provide case information.
- Act as a liaison between victims and witnesses and the assigned Assistant District Attorney.
- Ensure all victims, witnesses, and their families are connected with SSB therapeutic services.
- Assist with orders of protection, supporting depositions, and registration for notification of inmate release.
- Provide support and accompaniment during court proceedings.
- Participate in community presentations.


In addition to the Minimum Qualification Requirements, all candidates must possess the following:

- Bachelor's degree.
- An understanding of the cultural, religious, and ethnic aspects of Jewish identity and experience working with members of various Jewish communities and religious sects.


Preferred Skills:

- Knowledge of crime victim advocacy, criminal justice system procedures, post-traumatic crisis intervention.
- Experience with recordkeeping techniques.
- Experience in program evaluation, conducting needs assessments, developing, and enhancing community collaborations.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills.
- Ability to foster good working relationship within the community and with external community-based agencies.
- Foreign language or American Sign Language (ASL) skills.


How to Apply:

- Apply with a Cover Letter and Resume.


Hours/Shift:

- Shifts could vary between, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, 9 am - 5 pm, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm, 10 am - 6 pm, 10:30 am-6:30 pm.
- Overtime may be required, including nights and weekends.


Additional Information:
- Current office employees: To be eligible for a transfer or promotion, staff must have already served at least 1 year in their current unit/department and be in good standing. In addition, must meet the minimum qualifications of the position.
- Looking for candidates that could commit to one (1) year to the hiring unit.
- Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position.

Qualification Requirements
1. High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above; or
2. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.