Child Victim Counselor

The New York County District Attorney’s Office (DANY) has an immediate opening in its Survivor Services Unit (SSB)for a Child Victim Counselor. This position will provide trauma-informed supportive services and conduct client engagement to survivors of child abuse. In this position the Child Victim Counselor is responsible for providing counseling and therapeutic services to assist child victims as well as all crime victims, witnesses, and their families. These services may include short term counseling, crisis intervention, community referrals, orientation to the criminal justice system, case status updates, and court support. Services will be provided in different office locations such as, the Main Office downtown, the Harlem Office and/or the Washington Heights Office.


Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- Conduct an assessment of the child and family members to determine the impact of the trauma, and the need for treatment for the child and family.
- Provide trauma focused crisis intervention and support to the child and family in the process of making effective linkages to mental health treatment and other services if warranted. Follow up contact with victims to monitor their connection to services.
- Conduct counseling/therapy sessions in either individual and/or group setting as well as mental health evaluation and concrete needs assessments to survivors of child abuse, witnesses and their families.
- Additionally, the counselor will provide therapeutic support to all crime victims, witnesses and families impacted by crime prosecuted by the New York County District Attorney’s Office.
- Direct engagement with all victims, witnesses, and their families including explaining the criminal justice system, connecting them with services, conducting outreach and follow up calls; maintaining on-going contact to ensure they are receiving support and services.
- Coordinate with the assigned Assistant District Attorneys, and the Survivor Services Bureau (SSB) to ensure that the child’s and family’s needs are addressed.
- Victim support and court accompaniment throughout the criminal justice process.
- Act as a liaison between all victims, families, and Assistant District Attorneys and orient victims to the prosecutorial process and provide case status information.
- Perform related duties as assigned.


In addition to the Minimum Qualification Requirements, candidates must possess the following:

- Master’s degree in social work and License.
- Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and License.
- New York State LMSW/LCSW or LMHC.


Preferred Requirements/Skills:

- Experience working with children.
- Familiarity with the crime victims and/or criminal justice system.
- Written and oral Spanish, or Mandarin, or Cantonese, or Korean, or French fluency.
- ASL proficiency.
- SIFI certified/eligible a plus.
- Ability to work overtime and flexible hours including holidays, evenings, and weekends.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to demonstrate a high level of confidentiality and sensitivity to victim issues a must.
- Ability to handle high caseload and set priorities.
- Excellent engagement, crisis intervention, and assessment skills.
- Dependable team player who works collaboratively and cooperatively with staff in a team-oriented environment.


How to Apply:

- Apply with a Cover Letter and Resume.


Hours/Shift:

- Shifts could vary between, 9 am - 5 pm, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm, 10 am - 6 pm.
- Overtime may be required, including nights and weekends.


Additional Information:

- Current office employees: To be eligible for a transfer or promotion, staff must have already served at least 1 year in their current unit/bureau/department and be in good standing. In addition, must meet the minimum and additional qualifications of the position.
- Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position.

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATE - 56057

Qualification Requirements
1. High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above; or
2. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.