Job Information
City of New York Human Trafficking Victim's Advocate in New York, New York
Job Description
The Bronx District Attorney’s Office is seeking a well-qualified staff whose diverse backgrounds reflect an ability to serve the 1.4 million members of the Bronx County community and pursue a safer Bronx through fair justice. The Crime Victims Assistance Bureau seeks a Human Trafficking Victim’s Advocate to provide survivors with trauma-informed support services. The position will entrust a trained advocate with assisting trafficking victims through the initial disclosure process and follow-up interviews. The Human Trafficking Victim’s Advocate will also assist the survivor in navigating the process and procedures of the criminal justice system. Services are not contingent upon an arrest; crisis and supportive services are provided, nonetheless.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Engaging with survivors in the interview process
Assessing survivor’s needs for services, and where appropriate, assisting survivors in securing suitable housing, and access to education and job placement opportunities, substance abuse rehabilitation programs, mental health and other medical care, and related social services.
Maintaining regular contact with prosecutors, law enforcement, service providers, and other professionals to support survivors’ needs, reevaluating placements and services where appropriate.
Maintaining regular contact with survivors during the pendency of the criminal matter, ensuring they are in a secure environment, receiving any appropriate services, and that they are kept informed of the progress of the criminal matter and kept engaged in the criminal justice process.
Developing and maintaining professional relationships with governmental and nongovernmental human trafficking service providers.
Attending taskforce meetings, information fairs, professional training, community outreach and educational programming, and other meetings as directed.
Engaging in activities that promote the education of the community and at-risk population about human trafficking. Specially, provide education and outreach to youth, educators, families, community organization, non-profit organizations, healthcare institutions, and law enforcement.
Participating in occasional law enforcement operations outside of standard work hours.
Interview sexual assault crime victims and their family to determine needs.
Connect victims, witnesses and their families with concrete and therapeutic services.
Explain the Criminal Justice process to clients.
Assist clients with Orders of Protection and registration for notification of inmate’s release.
Assist clients with the completion of and filling of victim compensation claims with the State Office of Victim Services
Prepare letters and forms to assist with other entitlements.
Advocate with public and private agencies.
Escort clients to court and confer with Assistant District Attorneys.
All other relevant duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
BA/BS required; BSW preferred with at least two (2) years’ experience post-degree working with human trafficking, domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault and/or substance abuse cases.
Past advocacy experience with rape and sexual assault victims preferred.
Fluent Spanish speaker preferred
Familiarity with general court services and criminal law enforcement processes preferred.
Knowledge of the neighborhoods, resources, and population of Bronx County
Ability to both interact and be comfortable with a diverse population.
Exceptional organizational skills and strong attention to detail
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Qualifications
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.
Additional Information
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.