Victim Advocate

Position Title: Victim Advocate

Salary Range: $40,000 – $50,000 (based on experience)

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Bilingual/Bicultural Candidates Strongly Encouraged to Apply

Position Overview:

The Victim Advocate provides direct support and advocacy services to child victims and their families. Serving as a liaison between families, service providers, and the community, the Advocate ensures that all individuals receive timely and appropriate resources and support. This role collaborates closely with a multidisciplinary team (MDT) to coordinate services, monitor case progress, and address service gaps. Confidentiality, empathy, and professionalism are key components of this role.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Advocacy & Legal Support

· Assist victims and non-offending family members by completing and submitting NYS Office of Victim Services (OVS) compensation claims.

· Offer court support including preparation, accompaniment, and guidance throughout legal proceedings.

· Provide case updates to service providers and legal personnel as necessary (e.g., case status, court dates, sentencing)

· Client support & resource navigation

· Connect families with essential services such as medical care, mental health treatment, housing assistance, public aid, food, clothing, and domestic violence resources.

· Conduct needs assessments and makes appropriate referrals.

· Other duties as assigned.

District Attorney’s Office Support (2 days/week)

· Work collaboratively with Assistant District Attorney’s on cases involving children.

· Provide victim/witness coordination, including scheduling and case updates.

· Prepare children and caregivers for court appearances, accompany victims to court when appropriate.

· Assist with victim impact statement preparation.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

· Participate actively in MDT meetings to support coordinated responses.

· Accompany and support families during investigative interviews or law enforcement involvement, including emergency on-call responses.

Medical Support

· Refer victims for medical evaluations and accompany them when requested.

Ongoing Communication & Follow-Up

· Maintain regular contact with clients via phone, in-person, or virtual meetings to ensure continued support and follow-up on services.

Documentation & Reporting

· Maintain accurate and confidential case files, service records, and statistical data.

· Administer client satisfaction surveys, contributing to quality assurance efforts.

Professional Development & Training

· Attend required meetings, in-service training, and relevant external training to stay informed on best practices and advocacy standards.

On-Call Rotation

· Participate in rotating on-call schedule to include evenings and weekends to provide immediate advocacy during emergency forensic interviews after hours.

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology, human services, or a related field preferred.

· Experience working with children and families affected by trauma is strongly preferred.

· Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

· Ability to collaborate with individuals from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.

· Bilingual/bicultural applicants are encouraged to apply.

· Must maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to professional ethical standards.

· Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation may be required.

About Us:

McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center (MMRCAC) is committed to supporting and protecting children and families impacted by abuse and trauma. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at all levels of our organization. We do not discriminate based on any protected class or status under the law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person