Victims of Crime Service Navigator

The Victims of Crime Service Navigator will oversee the operations of the collaboration between the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office and YWCA Greater Cincinnati. YWCA will lead the system navigation collaboration. While working within the Prosecutor’s office, the Navigator will ensure the execution of the following activities: advance training for victim advocates designed by YWCA; and providing trauma-informed and client-centered support to victims of crime by guiding them through the criminal justice process and connecting them with essential services. This position serves as a critical liaison between victims, prosecutors, law enforcement, and community-based service providers to ensure victims’ rights are upheld and their needs are addressed in a timely, coordinated manner. The Navigator emphasizes accessibility, system navigation, and continuity of care, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Victim Navigation and Court Advocacy

Provide trauma-informed victim navigation services to individuals affected by crime, including preparation for civil and criminal court hearings, explanation of the legal process, and education regarding crime victims’ rights, compensation options, and available community supports. Accompany victims to ex parte hearings, final civil hearings, and criminal court proceedings, as appropriate, to promote informed participation and reduce barriers to access.

Safety Planning and Immediate Support

Develop individualized safety plans that respond to each victim’s circumstances and level of risk. Coordinate practical assistance such as transportation, childcare, and follow-up support, and serve as a liaison among victims, the court, law enforcement, and community-based service providers to ensure timely and coordinated response.

Client-Centered Case Management Provide comprehensive case management to Hamilton County victims who need help navigating court-related services and accessing resources. Assess victim needs, develop individualized service plans, and connect clients to public and community-based supports that promote safety, recovery, and long-term stability. Participate in ongoing assessment of victim needs and service gaps to help identify emerging trends, improve service delivery, and strengthen coordinated responses for victims of crime and their families.

Victim Outreach and Engagement Receive referrals from Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office staff and conduct prompt outreach to victims to assess immediate and ongoing needs. Provide information about victims' rights, available services, and court processes; facilitate referrals to appropriate supports; and maintain regular contact to ensure victims remain engaged and connected to services. Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners to strengthen referral pathways and improve access to housing, healthcare, mental health, transportation, childcare, and other resources that promote long-term victim stability.

Confidential Documentation and Reporting Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records, case notes, surveys, and program data in full compliance with agency policy, grant requirements, and VAWA confidentiality standards. Track service delivery, referral outcomes, client progress, and resource utilization; prepare monthly reports for YWCA and Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office leadership; monitor program effectiveness; identify service gaps; and contribute to performance measurement, quality improvement, partnership evaluation, and grant reporting requirements.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree required in social work, psychology, and human services-related field. Experience in social service delivery and with a high level of working knowledge around the dynamics of victim services and trauma-informed care. Ability to multi-task and prioritize in crisis-oriented conditions. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and an ability to work with individuals across the spectrum of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

· Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Counseling, Public Health, or a related field required.

· Minimum of two (2) years of experience providing direct services, advocacy, case management, crisis intervention, or systems navigation to survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, human tracking, child abuse, or other forms of gender-based violence.

· Experience working within or collaborating with criminal justice, legal, victim services, healthcare, or social service systems preferred.

· Experience facilitating support groups, educational programming, or community trainings.

· Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and historically marginalized communities.

PREFERRED EDUCATION:

· Master’s degree in social work, Counseling, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, or a related field preferred.

· Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

· State or national victim advocacy certification (OVC. OVC, NOVA, or state coalition)

· Bilingual or multilingual abilities