FAMILY ADVOCATE
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is paraprofessional work withresponsibility for providing support and assistance to child victims of crime and their non-offending family members. Work is performed under direct supervision of the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) Program Coordinator, with leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment in routine matters. Supervision is not a requirement of this position. Performs related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Provides individual and group support services to child victims of crime and their non-offending family members;
Provides crisis intervention and short-term counseling;
Assesses victim needs and makes appropriate referrals;
Advocates for victims, ensuring their needs are addressed within the community and criminal justice systems;
Provides assistance for victims in completing compensation claims and OVS affidavits;
Provides assistance and information on shelters, restraining orders, availability of counseling and explanation of court process;
Confers with attorneys, law enforcement and Child Protective Services on the issues affecting a victim’s ability and willingness to cooperate with the investigation and prosecution;
Participates in CAC multidisciplinary monthly case review meetings;
Provides accompaniment to forensic medical evaluations, court, police and District Attorney’s Office;
Provides follow-up on outreach through phone contact;
Maintains appropriate case documentation and statistics;
Organizes and presents seminars on victimization with emphasis on family violence prevention;
Performs a variety of related activities as required.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES & PERSONAL
CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of Family and Criminal Court procedures; good knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to the rights of victims; good knowledge of policies and procedures of the Child Advocacy Center; good knowledge of policies and procedures of Child Protective Services; good knowledge of the dynamics associated with child abuse and domestic violence; good knowledge of community resources and ability to make appropriate referrals; skill in public speaking; ability to deal with people in sensitive and traumatic situations; ability to facilitate support group sessions; ability to establish effective working relationships with clients and professionals; ability to work independently; ability to speak Spanish and English fluently; tact; emotional maturity; good judgment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education, AND:
A.) Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or university with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice or a Human Services field; OR:
B.) Two (2) years of full-time, paid experience in the fields of child abuse, domestic violence, or related fields;
PART-TIME, PAID EXPERIENCE WILL BE PRO-RATED AS APPROPRIATE
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENT AND CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT
Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license at the time of appointment and maintenance of such license throughout the tenure of employment in the position.
Competitive Class