Senior Sexual Assault Advocate

The Office of the District Attorney, Bronx County (“BXDA”) is charged with the twin goals of ensuring public safety and striving for equal justice for the over 1.4 million members of the Bronx County community. By “Pursuing Justice with Integrity,” the BXDA places a focus on assistance for crime victims while simultaneously ensuring fairness to defendants. Moreover, the BXDA aims to balance the need to seek appropriate punishment for certain crimes while recognizing when punitive measures do not adequately advance justice. By recognizing these significant distinctions and acting accordingly, BXDA has established a standard of excellence in the representation of the Bronx community at large, which continues to grow stronger every day.

In furtherance of this mission, the BXDA seeks experienced and enthusiastic Senior Sexual Assault Advocate to support our Crime Victims Assistance Bureau (CVAB) to address the unique challenges facing victims of violence in Bronx County, and the unfortunate ever-increasing numbers of these victims and family members. The CVAB’s Sexual Assault advocate’s unique job will be to connect with victims and families at the earliest practical moment after an incident occurs, to provide almost immediate emotional and concrete services using a victim centered trauma informed approach. To achieve this, advocates will meet victims at hospitals, precincts, or homes. The goal of this program is to engage victims and witnesses at the earliest opportunity after a crime has occurred, when their needs are greatest. CVAB services will be offered and provided to victims and families at the front end of cases.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Engage with and interview sexual assault crime victims and their families to determine needs.
• Assessing survivor’s needs for services and, where appropriate, assisting survivors in securing suitable housing and access to education 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 appropriate services, and being kept informed of the progress of the criminal matter and engaged in the criminal justice process.
• Developing and maintaining professional relationships with governmental and nongovernmental human trafficking service providers.
• Attend meetings, information fairs, professional training, community outreach and educational programs, and other meetings as directed.
• Engage in activities that promote the education of the community and at-risk populations about human trafficking. Providing education and outreach to youth, educators, families, community organizations, non-profit organizations, healthcare institutions, and law enforcement.
• Participate in occasional events outside of standard work hours.
• Connect victims, witnesses, and their families with concrete and therapeutic services.
• Educating and assisting victims and families in understanding and navigating the criminal justice system.
• Assist clients with orders of protection and registration to notify them of the inmate’s release.
• Assist clients with completing and filing victim compensation claims with the State Office of Victim Services.
• Provide oral and written advocacy with public, private, and nonprofit organizations to assist victims and their families in accessing appropriate resources and entitlement rights.
• Escort clients to court and confer with Assistant District Attorneys.
• Conduct presentations and outreach with community partners.
• Perform all other relevant duties as assigned.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• A Master’s Degree is required by the candidate’s start date.
• Fluent Spanish speaker is required.
• Past advocacy experience is strongly preferred
• Knowledge of the neighborhoods and population of Bronx County is preferred
• Ability to work in a fast-paced non, structured environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to both interact and be comfortable with a diverse population.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook.

The City of New York offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance for the employee and his/her spouse or domestic partner and unemancipated children under age 26, union benefits such as dental and vision coverage, paid annual leave and sick leave, paid holidays, a pension, and optional savings and pre-tax programs such as Deferred Compensation, IRA, and a flexible spending account.

COMMUNITY COORDINATOR - 56058

• 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.