Victims Advocacy

Job Duties

·        Respond to incidences of community violence within one hour

·        Visit to crime scenes, a victims' home, hospitals, and other health care settings to provide support.

·        Provide immediate support and advocacy for those impacted by violence at the hospital, accompanying the family at the medical examiner's office, planning for a funeral, and/or assessing level of crisis to refer to counseling services.

·        Provide trauma-informed counseling with victims and families.

·        Connect/refer families to appropriate services and supports in the community

·        Support families in their interaction with police to receive updates on cases.

·        Assist families with application to Illinois Crime Victim Compensation Program operated by the Office of the Illinois Attorney General.

·        Conduct regular weekly support groups with victims and families.

·        Provide support to families during court visits or trials.

Requirement and Skills  

·        B.A. in social services or minimum 2 years’ experience working with community violence victims.

·        Demonstrated commitment to empowerment.

·        Knowledge of community violence.

·        Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills (written and verbal).

·        Demonstrated ability to work independently and cooperatively.

·        Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others of diverse age, language, race, ethnicity, sexual preference, religious belief, mental/physical abilities, and socioeconomic status.