Victim Advocate - Full-time / Part-time

Job Description

Working at IRSC has its perks! In addition to helping drive change and having a positive impact by supporting our students, staff, and faculty, IRSC offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Flexible Spending
• Paid time off, including annual and sick leave and paid holidays
• Florida Retirement System (FRS) participation
• Voluntary participation in 403(b) and 457(b) deferred compensation plans

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

The qualifications and skill requirements for this position include:

• Bachelor's degree and/or the equivalent proven direct service work experience (either salaried or volunteer) in a Victim Service or related social service field will be considered equally;
• Interest and concern for victims of sexual assault and victims of all other crimes;
• Understanding of the issues surrounding sexual assault and a familiarity with the needs of survivors and their families as well as an understanding of the issues surrounding victims of sexual assault and victims of all other crimes (including, but not limited to, homicide, domestic violence, etc.) and a familiarity with the needs of the survivors and their families;
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and work calmly through a crisis;
• Must possess personal automobile with valid auto insurance in accordance with Florida Statutes and a valid Florida Driver's License;
• No arrest history;
• Ability to integrate well with existing Sexual Assault Assistance Program and Victim Assistance Program staff;
• Ability to work effectively with medical personnel, law enforcement agencies, State Attorney's Office staff, and all other professionals who come into contact with victims of sexual assault and victims of all other crimes;
• Ability and commitment to maintain confidentiality, listen well with strong communication skills, be empathetic and a good problem solver, and offer non-judgmental caring;
• Knowledge of medical processes involving sexual assault exams and the legal process involving victims of sexual assault and victims of all other crimes;
• Ability to work independently at times as well as to take directions and follow office/program policy;
• Ability to speak to sexual assault victims in a sympathetic manner so that the victim will feel safe and not be frightened or discouraged from continuing discussion;
• Knowledge of other community agencies which might provide services to victims of sexual assault and victims of all other crimes.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential job functions and responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Responsible for explaining the Criminal Justice System to victims of sexual assault and victims of all other crimes and accompanying these victims to all exams, hearings, and any other required meetings;
• Explaining Crimes Compensation to victims of sexual assault and victims of all other crimes;
• Referring victims of sexual assault and victims of all other crimes to any other appropriate agency which might meet their specific needs;
• Providing Crisis Intervention and Outreach to victims of sexual assault and victims of all other crimes and Criminal Justice System Advocacy for victims of sexual assault and victims of all other crimes;
• Offering support to victims of sexual assault on a 24-hour basis and to victims of all other crimes victims on an as-needed basis;
• Twenty-four (24)-hour on-call response to Law Enforcement, Hospital, and other places where sexual assault victims may be located;
• Performing other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The specific duties and responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

• Assisting victims of sexual assault and victims of all other crimes in preparing Victim Impact Statements;
• Providing orientation to the victim of sexual assault and victims of all other crimes on the Court System and escort, to include transportation, of the victim of sexual assault and victims of all other crimes to court during the court process (this includes hearings, etc.). Most often this is in the four-county area (Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee) covered by the Program; however, some initial interviews and depositions are done in the county or state where the victim resides. This position may require air travel;
• Coordinating lodging and travel arrangements for victims of sexual assault and victims of all other crimes for court-related appearances;
• Providing referral for information regarding medical concerns such as venereal disease, pregnancy, HIV and other medical issues concerning victims of sexual assault;
• Accompanying victims of sexual assault to follow-up medical exams, explaining each step to them, and assisting them in understanding the particular physical problems which affect victims of sexual assault;
• Informing victims of sexual assault and victims of all other crimes of their statutory Victim Rights and assessing the victim's need for more in-depth counseling and referring to the appropriate services;
• Providing regular follow-up with victims of sexual assault which includes visits to their home, and any other place victims may be located;
• Helping victims of sexual assault and victims of all other crimes file Crimes Compensation documents and assisting with any follow-up requests by Crimes Compensation Bureau;
• Although each Victim Advocate is assigned to a particular area of the Circuit (Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee), periodically they are required to assist fellow staff members in other areas covering cases, hearings, being on-call, etc.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires an ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, lift, reach up, stoop, and carry items occasionally in access of twenty-five (25) pounds. It also requires manual dexterity to operate standard office machines, such as, copier, fax, calculator, telephone, and other equipment as necessary. The ability to drive a car is required. IRSC expects its employees to follow proper safety standards while employed by the College.

ClassificationVictims AssistanceSupervisoryNoFLSA ExemptNoEmployment TypeTemporary With Benefits (Fixed Term)Compensation and Application DeadlineThe salary for this position is $16.83/hour | Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and education. | | Grant Funded | Open Until Filled |