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As the victim witness advocate, you will provide direct services to the co-victims of homicide and other violent crimes over the phone, in court, and in the office. All of your duties will be carried out in accordance with the standards set forth by the Pennsylvania coalition on crime and delinquency and through other programs established by the federal victim's crime act (VOCA). Advocate will provide information, advocacy and emotional support to the family and friends of victims of violent crime. This position will work in conjunction with the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office and the Philadelphia Police Department/Homicide Detectives. As an advocate, you will be a key member of the team by assisting co-victims to navigate the judicial system and work through the grieving process. You will become familiar with issues regarding traumatic grief, and will be able to use this knowledge to validate client's feelings and perceptions. Orientation and training are provided on the job, through PCCD, and through other training resources deemed appropriate by the Program Director and Executive Director, with consideration of the employee's skills and interest.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following (other duties may be assigned):

Court accompaniment:

• Prepares daily court schedule/lists based on information obtained from the DAO unit support staff and prioritizes court accompaniment services based on staff availability and client need

• Provide direct victim services and advocacy to victims and co-victims of violence at preliminary hearings, trials, pleas, and sentencing hearings

• Organizes and maintains a system of outreach and follow up to victims and co-victims

• Maintains appropriate professional boundaries.

Victim Services:

• Provide advocacy and basic criminal justice information along with case status information to victims and co-victims on the phone and in court

• Utilizes a basic understanding of traumatic bereavement and informal supportive counseling techniques when interacting with all crime victims on the phone and in person

• Assist the preliminary hearing coordinator with court accompaniment to preliminary hearings when available

• Assist co-victims with filing for Crime Victims Compensation applications in person, by mail, or by telephone

• Tabulate monthly service delivery statistics and maintains this information within the computer data base

• Adheres to appropriate documentation and confidentiality procedures for referrals and services within the agency and for those outside of the organization

• Assist with other administrative responsibilities as assignment

• Participates in community outreach efforts and other victim service projects when appropriate

Other:

• Assist Program Director in training interns and volunteers regarding victim service procedures at preliminary hearing and trial level

• Works together with Program Director to address problems with and/or the learning needs of interns and volunteers

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice is preferred

• Two years of professional work experience preferred

• Experience working with children, adults and families that have experienced trauma and/or grief and loss strongly preferred

• Bilingual candidates (fluent in English and Spanish) are preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

• Team player with a capacity to collaborate effectively with staff, volunteers, and community organizations for successful achievement of position and organization's mission-driven goals.

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• A commitment to integrating justice and equity into the work of the organization to ensure an inclusive and anti-racist organizational culture.

• Commitment to criminal justice, direct service to crime victims and trauma informed practice

• The ability to maintain confidential information, be skilled with assertive approach to problem solving

• Tremendous level of emotional maturity, empathy, and a commitment to social justice

• A commitment to AVP's mission.

Benefits: AVP offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for full-time employees that includes: 5 weeks' paid time off (PTO) annually; 15 paid holidays per year; 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; and Flexible Spending Account for medical and dependent care.

Position Details: This is a full-time exempt status position based in Philadelphia, PA.