Victim Advocate FT

Compensation Range:

Our full-time positions come with an array of excellent benefits including comprehensive healthcare coverage, a pension plan, flexible spending accounts and even a tuition reimbursement program.

At Lancaster County, we understand the importance of work-life balance. That's why we offer paid time off for sick, vacation and holidays, an employee assistance program, and family medical leave.

If you're passionate about making a difference, apply today to join us in serving the community!

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

• Effectively and efficiently provide direct advocacy, support, and information to victims of domestic violence crimes, family members, and witnesses in the justice systems.

• Accompany, assist, and intervene to ensure crime victims’ rights are upheld.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• The position reports to the Program Director of Victim/Witness Services, or the Deputy Director in the absence of the Director. 

• There are no staff positions that report to this individual.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provide basic services to domestic violence victims, witnesses and significant others of crimes committed by adult offenders, providing information about the justice systems and the protection from abuse process, information about victims’ rights and participation in the system, orientation, and accompaniment of victims/witnesses to court, and assistance with restitution and property return.

• Fulfill mandated responsibilities under the Crime Victim’s Act and advocate for victims’ rights.

• Assess, initiate, and manage Victims Compensation Assistance Program claims.

• Assist in witness notification, orientation, and accompaniment to court proceedings.

• Provide coverage of general cases as staffing needs require.

• Serve as a liaison between police, prosecutors, and victims.

• Refer victims to other appropriate social service agencies and follow-up on those referrals.

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

• Perform other VOCA-eligible duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a human service or criminal justice related field, OR

• Associate’s degree in a human service or criminal justice related field and a combination of work experience in a public or private agency providing direct human services to clients, OR

• Any equivalent combination of education, victim services experience and training that provides the knowledge and skills to do this job.

• Experience with domestic violence victims preferred.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge or and commitment to the rights of crime victims

• Knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• Ability to plan, document, and execute all responsibilities relating to crime victims  

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system, the juvenile justice system, and the protection order process

• Ability to manage conflicting priorities, multi-task and organize work

• Ability to problem-solve, work independently, and follow directions.

• Ability to interact with people of varying socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.

• Bilingual preferred, but not required

• Demonstrate excellent communication skills (written, phone and in-person) with clients and staff.

• Knowledge of basic computer skills and the ability to learn various programs required for completion and documentation of work.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Successful completion of a background investigation verified by PSP criminal record, FBI fingerprint and PA ChildLine Child Abuse History clearances.  The background investigation includes a pre-employment drug screen, questionnaire and examination of the driving record and social history.

• Must complete specialized domestic violence training.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have the use of a personal vehicle

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Does not pose a threat to the health and safety of the department

• Must have the ability to work independently.

• Must have the ability to transport self to various locations for hearings, meetings, and other appointments and to access those locations with reasonable accommodations.

• Work is primarily sedentary in nature.

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees.  Read more about our benefits here.

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.