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Career Opportunity: Victim Advocate

Position Title: Victim Advocate

Department: Intervention Services

Location: 265 Oxford Street, Providence, RI

Education: Bachelor's Degree, or equivalent

Timeframe to apply: Open until Filled

Salary: Based on Experience

Start Date: Immediate – Open to Filled


Background

The Nonviolence Institute (NVI) seeks to teach by word and example the principles and practices of nonviolence, and to foster a community that addresses potentially violent situations with nonviolent solutions. NVI has helped to significantly lower violence in the City of Providence and other cities in the State of RI, through the offering of quality comprehensive services to both victims and perpetrators of crime. Victim Support Services specifically works to increase trauma informed, client-centered services being offered to victims of violence throughout the State of Rhode Island regardless of background or circumstance.


Today NVI seeks an experienced, creative, and relentless Victim Advocate to provide high quality supportive services to victims of crime. This position offers the right individual an opportunity to impact the future of a vibrant and critical community organization.


Victim Services has been part of the NVI’s programming since 2007. It is the only program in the state that specifically serves the families and friends of homicide victims. Our programs consist of a monthly mutual support session, Victims Compensation filing, funeral planning, victim impact statements, family support, victim advocacy, expressive arts and alternative therapeutic activities, referrals to counseling, and crisis response. NVI Advocates also respond to living victims of violent crime, helping victims plan for care and potential needs after the incidents. Advocates respond to all violent crime incidents, including shootings, stabbings, and violent assaults and use these responses to build relationships and intervene in the complex cycles of violence in which victims are so often caught. The staff of Victim Services collaborates with other NVI programs to best serve the needs of youth and families whose lives are affected by violence and to implement a holistic violence reduction strategy and work closely with the Street Outreach Specialists.


Responsibilities

  • Perform crisis intervention with clients suffering trauma

  • Support victims of violent crime in their healing through intervention and advocacy

  • Provide information on Victim’s Rights, assess victims, and make referrals to appropriate community agencies

  • Assist clients in applying for Victim’s Compensation

  • Establish and maintain relationships with other victim service and community agencies; serve as a go-between for victims and their families

  • Assist victims with the timely return of property and items of evidence

  • Connect victims with the Victim Services team at the Attorney General’s office; work with this team to ensure that victims are kept informed in regards to their case and are supported through the entire criminal justice process

  • Provide continued support to victims and their families through home visits and phone calls

  • Keep up to date on current laws, regulations, and trends in victim assistance

  • Develop and update resource directory for victims of crime and other traumatic incidents

  • Coordinate educational forums, mutual support sessions, and other gatherings

  • Prepare print materials for distribution to crime victims

  • Use personal vehicle to transport clients and attend appointments

  • Develop and supervise volunteers and interns

  • Document client contacts and services provided and assist director with data collection and required reporting

  • Act as a third line of response on the on-call rotation schedule to respond to call from Rhode Island Hospital’s Emergency Department


Qualifications

  • A Bachelor’s degree; in Human Development, Criminal Justice, Social Work, or equivalent work experience is preferred

  • Bilingual Spanish/English speaking preferred and highly encouraged to apply

  • A commitment to learn and promote NVI’s logic model and the principles and practices of Nonviolence

  • Experience as a counselor and/or advocate preferred

  • Experience working with populations from diverse backgrounds

  • Understanding of the complex and varied needs of victims

  • Understanding of the effects of trauma and the value of trauma informed service provision

  • Superior organizational and communication abilities

  • Proficient with Word, Excel, Photoshop, Gmail

  • High quality writing skills

  • Ability to work in a diverse organization with staff that have various skill levels

  • Ability to work creatively and independently

  • A high level of energy

  • Willing to work late and on weekends as needed to ensure the success of the overall department and of NVI

  • Must have a fully registered and insured vehicle and a valid U.S. Driver’s license


If interested in this life changing position, please send a cover letter and resume to Lisa Pina-Warren, Director of Street Outreach and Victim Services, at lisapw@nonviolenceinstitute.org.


NVI is an equal opportunity employer.


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