VOCA Safe House Advocate Case Worker

---

Job description

SUMMARY

Case Workers / Victim Advocates are responsible for working directly with victims in crisis. All job responsibilities listed are allowable for VOCA and DV. VOCA staff may provide these services to victims of crime during their VOCA funded staff time. On DV time staff only provide the services to DV residents or outreach groups.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Be knowledgeable of the LKLP VOCA funded victims' services program and the LKLP Safe House Domestic Violence Program.

Answers and conducts business and crisis calls (completes a Crisis-In-Take form). Conducts active listening via phone and makes referrals to appropriate agencies.

Case Worker is to complete a client's In-Take, Goal Sheet, Entering Case Note, Progress Note and all other documentation that is required upon entry and exit.

Document daily Progress Notes.

Plans groups counseling and provides individual counseling upon request.

Compiles and completes DATA collection on each shift.

Serves as Victim Advocate, on behalf of survivors of violent crime, by means of provision of information about the criminal justice process, victims' rights, and how to obtain notifications.

Makes referrals

Maintains knowledge of VOCA ARPA responsibilities.

Attends specific professional case worker training as a part of the VOCA ARPA project.

Assist with VOCA ARPA court personnel trainings.

Maintains knowledge of Crime Victims Compensation and assists with completion of application

Accompany survivors to Emergency Medical Care

Accompaniment and advocacy for law enforcement interview

Coordination of child or dependent care assistance

Aid in return of property or personal effects

Providing access to interpreter services and/or immigration assistance

Provision of Emergency Financial Assistance

Provides notification of Criminal Justice Events

Coordinate housing or shelter services

Assistance with relocation

Assist survivor with Victim Impact Statement

Assistance in obtaining protection or restraining orders

Works with other case workers in cohesive team designed to maximize the independence of victims, including coordination housing, shelter services, or assistance with relocation.

Completes reports and client notes on each shift.

Coordinates and assists with transportation, when possible.

Handles emergencies inside and outside the shelter in a calm and timely manner.

Provides referrals to other needed services, supports and resources, other victim service programs (when necessary), and assistance in applying for public benefits.

Provides outreach (satellite) services and education about violence related issues to nonresident victims, individuals or groups.

Works with other case workers in cohesive team designed to maximize the independence of victims of crime.

Attends VOCA training/staff meetings conducted by LKLP VOCA Director.

Attends State VOCA trainings as appropriate.

Keeps VOCA activities and time sheets daily.

Performs other services as identified and according to client needs, staff interests and abilities.

Be able to operate Security Alarm and Security Gate. Call 911 in case of emergency.

Ability to maintain poise and self-control in crisis situations.

Ability to communicate with and be sensitive to the needs of people of various backgrounds.

Exhibits excellent interpersonal and leadership skills.

Ability to focus and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other agencies and to be cooperative in managing referrals.

Makes good use of time and acts professionally and responsibly in all work areas.

Capable of being able to maintain a professional relationship with all entities of people (staff, Board Members, officials, and the general public).

Performs all other duties as assigned by the Program Director and/or the Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Associate's degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; six months to one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Required to attain all certifications, licenses and registration as required by the Executive Director, the Program Director and state and federal funding sources. Valid driver's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Work environment is moderately quiet. Work schedule is varying. Part-time case workers will be expected to be on call should other staff become ill or have a personal injury or personal emergency. The shelter works three shifts daily, seven days each week, and shift work is required of case workers. Additional hours over a standard work week may from time to time be required. Effective communications skills are a must.

<!– job description page –>