Tribal Victim Outreach Advocate

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under direction, assists victims of crime by providing a full range of services including assistance with compensation claims, crisis intervention, court support, case status updates, community referrals, and community awareness. Perform highly interactive and assistance duties directly working with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in the case management and service referral functions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Initiate contact with victims of violent crimes; advise crime victims of their rights and assist them in navigating through the criminal justice system.
• Provide crisis intervention on scene or by phone to victims of crime and survivors of tragedy. 
• Utilize formal and informal networks (faith, business, and tribal social) to outreach and increase the awareness and knowledge of resources for victims of general crimes.
• Assist victims in applying for benefits including reimbursement for lost wages and medical expenses; assist victims with completing and processing forms, including the state Victim Assistance Compensation Fund; determine victim eligibility for benefits.
• Confer with law enforcement officials on the status of cases; coordinate interviews between investigating officers and victims; provide support to victims and their families during interviews with law enforcement, attorneys, and other court personnel.
• Maintain outreach records and assist in preparation of monthly program reports, grant reports, and other programmatic documents.
• Maintains liaison with local, state, and federal agencies for the purpose of implementing and interpreting the Tribal Victim Assistance services, functions, and program
• Provide ongoing emotional support, encouragement and information to victims as the case moves through the criminal justice system; provide support during court proceedings, as needed; update victims regarding the ongoing status of criminal proceedings.
• Responsible for collecting and reporting tribal victim assistance statistics for reporting to the funding agency
• Other duties as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• A Bachelor’s degree in social work, sociology, psychology or related field with 3 years work in human services.
• Possess knowledge of victim assistance including applicable standards, laws, regulations, and codes.  
• Knowledge of needs and challenges experienced by people from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge of safety planning for victims of crime.
• Respectful, knowledgeable, and have an understanding of tribal cultures, customs, beliefs, values, social systems, and structure of Indian families

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the Tribe’s provider. 
• The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma operates a drug-free workplace. The selected applicant must submit to and pass applicable drug test.
• Must be able to work flexible hours.
• Ability to work emergency call-outs, nights, weekends and holidays.
• Must pass intensive background check including OSBI.