Child Victim Advocate

Job description

Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit organization that provides confidential services at no-cost to individuals impacted by violence. Services include counseling, hospital, police, and court accompaniment, 24-hour hotline, and community education and prevention programs.

POSITION: Child Victim Advocate

Summary: This position provides direct support, crisis intervention, and advocacy services to child victims of abuse, neglect, and other crimes, as well as their non-offending caregivers. The Child Victim Advocate works collaboratively with multidisciplinary team (MDT) members, including law enforcement, child protective services, medical professionals, mental health providers, and prosecutors, to ensure a trauma informed response. The advocate plays a crucial role in helping families navigate the legal and social services systems while promoting healing and justice.

***RESUMES WITHOUT A COVER LETTER WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED***

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or related field required
• Experience in victim advocacy, social services, or related field, preferably working with children and families
• Basic knowledge of trauma informed care, child abuse dynamics, and the criminal justice system
• Strong communication, crisis intervention, and interpersonal skills
• Exhibits compassion and understanding of the impacts of interpersonal violence on individuals and families
• Demonstrates cultural humility, an understanding of systems of oppression, and a commitment to personal growth in skills and attitudes that promote equality and inclusion
• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain collaborative relationships with coworkers, key stakeholders, and outside entities
• Successful completion of the sexual assault counselor training provided by CVC
• Bilingual strongly preferred
• Must be able to provide FBI Criminal Clearance, PA State Police Criminal Clearance, and Child Abuse History Clearance
• Valid driver’s license and working vehicle required

Core Responsibilities:

• Provide emotional support and crisis intervention to child victims and their non-offending caregivers
• Assist families in understanding the investigative, legal, and child welfare processes
• Assist with scheduling appointments and forensic interviews
• Coordinate all disciplines involved in the case to be present, and arrange for an interpreter when needed
• Accompany victims and caregivers to forensic interviews, medical exams, court proceedings, and other relevant appointments
• Act as liaison between families and MDT members to ensure clear communication and coordination of services
• Provide referrals to counseling, legal assistance, and other community services as needed
• Educate families about their rights as crime victims and available supports
• Maintain accurate case notes, service documentation, and reports in accordance with agency and funding requirements
• Ensure confidentiality and compliance with all relevant policies and laws, including HIPAA and mandated reporting requirements

Other Responsibilities:

• Participates in on-going services to clients such as crisis intervention, hospital, police, and court accompaniment, and advocacy services
• Submits weekly and monthly grant and data tracking documentation to the Victim Witness Supervisor
• Helps to maintain 24-hour hotline coverage and on call duties
• Contributes with intention to a positive and supportive agency culture based on care, trust, and our shared values
• Assists and participates in agency events and activities
• Other duties as assigned

What We Offer You:

• Competitive salary
• Health, Dental, Life and LTD insurance
• Generous PTO package
• 12 major holidays paid
• Paid hour break
• Professional development and training opportunities
• 403B Plan Enrollment and Employer Contribution after 1 year of full-time employment

***RESUMES WITHOUT A COVER LETTER WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED***

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 per year

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person