Job Description

Victim Assistance Program (VAP), the leading expert in crisis intervention for victims of crime and trauma in Northeast Ohio, is seeking a full time Victim Advocacy Coordinator to work in our downtown Akron office, Monday through Friday from 8a – 4p., in addition to on-call responsibilities.

Committed to diversity and to equal employment, Victim Assistance Program does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, veteran status, military obligations, HIV status, marital/familial status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Victim Assistance Program will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities.

The ideal candidate for this integral and multifaceted role will have a passion for helping those in need, be a team player, and possess the confidence to work independently to help clients achieve their goals. The Victim Advocacy Coordinator will need to be rigidly organized with an impeccable eye for detail, possess a passion for coaching staff, be extremely organized, and foster the ability to adhere to policies and procedures as outlined by both Victim Assistance Program and the County of Summit Department of Job and Family Services (CSDJFS).

As one of the first victim services agencies established in the United States, we are driven to expand the blueprint our founder established in 1972. We are always advancing, always changing, and always thinking of new ways to help victims of crime and trauma.

If you are passionate about using your expertise to help create a world where all victims are healed, please read on!

CHECK OUT THE SPECIFICS TO SEE IF THIS IS THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU

The Victim Advocacy Coordinator provides and coordinates trauma-informed services to victims, family members, and communities, impacted by crisis, violence, or tragedy. Crisis intervention, advocacy and multifaceted administrative duties as required.

Crisis Intervention

Responding to the immediate needs of victims on our hotline or at our main office located in Akron.

• Assess and assist clients with their immediate needs
• Engage clients in the NOVA (National Organization for Victim Assistance) model of crisis intervention
• Determine when crisis intervention services have been exhausted to provide information and referrals
• Maintain open communication with the on-call supervisor to debrief after difficult cases
• Provide follow-up support via phone or in the office as needed
• Respond on-scene within 30 minutes to provide crisis intervention in the immediate aftermath of a crisis

Advocacy

The Victim Advocacy Coordinator will assist a small number of victims and their families navigate through the aftermath of their victimization.

• Conduct an intake assessment, collecting information to allow us to better assist each individual client
• Maintain a knowledge of resources and refer clients to outside entities so they may accomplish goals/tasks
• Educate clients on their rights and the application of applying or waiving their rights as a victim of crime
• Coordinate services with local law enforcement and court personnel
• Provide criminal justice education and public record case information to victims when able
• Attend criminal and civil hearings or meetings with clients to provide advocacy and support
• Empower clients to create and continue self-initiated goals through needs assessments and action plans

Administrative

The Victim Advocacy Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating the administrative contractual obligations our program has with the CSDJFS.

• Liaison with CSDJFS personnel to submit required Advocacy Program forms and documentation
• Develop and disseminate client correspondences in a timely fashion
• Verify program participant documentation and case files completeness
• Review and cross check statistical reports to associated time sheets
• Coach team members in job duties as they pertain to CSDJFS documentation
• Create and update client’s electronic case files according to policy and procedure

REQUIREMENTS

Victim Assistance Program strives to provide all our employees with the right tools for success, we just need you to come with a few things in your toolbox.

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to Victim Assistance Program mission and services
• Two years of criminal justice, advocacy, case management, or crisis intervention experience
• Must be extremely organized, be detail oriented, and have impeccable follow through
• Pass and clear a state and federal background check
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, current auto insurance and a reliable vehicle
• Must reside within 25 miles of VAP’S main office

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE APPLYING

All employees of Victim Assistance Program must appreciate the potential physical and psychological impact VAP employment may have on their personal lives.

Employees may witness, observe, smell, and hear disturbing sights and sounds including but not limited to crime scenes, pictures of abuse, and recordings of violent incidents. Secondly, employees may be exposed to situations which could potentially result in physical harm from victims and/or aggressors. Both are concerns primarily of direct service victim advocates, but any employee can be exposed to these situations from time to time. In addition, all employees of Victim Assistance Program are required to respond 24/7/365 to the needs of victims of extreme and catastrophic incidents impacting Summit County.

As our goal is to respond to trauma, we do not engage in prevention, nor do we engage in activism. To ensure every victim is provided with unbiased support, our agency remains neutral on most social justice issues. We work extremely close with local law enforcement; we are a pro police agency and expect all our employees to strengthen our mission by respecting the work of law enforcement in our community.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR OWN

We aspire to ensure the needs of our employees are always identified. Employees are provided a competitive compensation compared to similar Summit County nonprofits. We strive to provide employees with a supportive and accessible supervisor, a beautiful, trauma informed office settings, new furniture, up to date technology, security, expansive training programs, Verizon wireless cell phone discounts and an employee assistance program including 6 free confidential counseling sessions.

Our newly renovated main office in downtown Akron is within walking distance to the courts, police station, restaurants, shops, and the Towpath Trail. The space includes an education training facility, trauma free room, and a staff kitchen. A great benefit package is also provided to full time employees. This includes 3 weeks of PTO plus 12 paid holidays, a birthday PTO day, 2 PTO volunteer days, medical coverage, dental & vision coverage, pet insurance, mileage reimbursement, bereavement leave, and a 401k retirement plan with a matching contribution.

It is our belief that if employees are taken care of, and employees have the resources to take care of themselves, then victims will receive superior services… and that is our goal.

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 20,000 - 40,000.

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