Victim Care Advocate

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is the Catholic Church in Northeast Kansas: Growing as Disciples of Jesus; Making Disciples for Jesus. The Victim Care Advocate works in collaboration with the Archdiocesan Report Investigator and the Office for Protection and Care to accompany victims/survivors of sexual abuse by an agent of the Church. The incumbent is responsible for providing outreach and trauma-informed care to known survivors and their families to create a relationship that will allow the best understanding as to how the church may meet the needs that have arisen from the harms that have occurred. Using a victim/survivor centered approach, this position works to identify the needs that are unique to each individual survivor. This position includes managing treatment services and other care and resources for immediate and long term needs. This is a safety-sensitive position, exercising a high degree of discretion, trust and confidence. Success in this position will require a heart and passion for sitting with someone who has suffered enormous betrayal and the desire to do what's possible to advocate for them on their journey of healing. This position is full-time, will average 40 hours per week, with the opportunity for a flexible work schedule. This position is hybrid with work completed in the Chancery office and remotely. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Provide immediate initial outreach and ongoing accompaniment and advocacy to victims that will create and promote healing and restorative relationships. 
• Prioritize availability to survivors when they are in need of support. 
• Facilitate referrals for counseling/therapy services. 
• Work collaboratively with the Archdiocesan Report Investigator to keep victims informed of the status of their case and their rights through the phases of diocesan investigation.
• Develop and maintain a positive and productive working relationship with other members of the ministry and Archdiocesan staff in the pursuit of providing the highest quality care and support to abuse victims. 
• Review and update victim services handouts, resource materials, archdiocesan website to keep all information current. 
• Update and maintain the filing/tracking system for all contacts and activities with  victims and family members, and other support providers such as mental  health professionals and spiritual guides; keeps leadership apprised as requested. 
• Participate in educational opportunities as they present themselves to continue to learn and incorporate best practices into this evolving ministry. 
• Advocate for advancement of ministry with others who may be in need of education and/or resources. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Build and  maintain constructive working relationships characterized by acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect, even in difficult situations, while  promoting a sense of collaboration and teamwork. 
• Advocate for a person who has been harmed or a situation that was unjust. 
• Use verbal  and/or written communication skills to exchange information clearly and concisely  to deliver concepts, opinions and ideas in a professional manner. 
• Exhibit poise and presence; demonstrate patience and composure; adapt quickly and resourcefully to all situations; demonstrate self-assurance and maintain credibility at all levels.
• Earn others’  trust and respect through consistent honesty and professionalism in all interactions.
• Take personal responsibility and act with urgency to meet individual and organizational commitments, including going beyond what the job typically requires. 

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree or work in fields such as client success or advocacy, social services, communications, non-profit sector or other related field is preferred. 
• Two or more  years’ relevant work experience with victims of abuse is required; and/or any combination of education and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to advocate effectively in supporting victims of abuse as a representative of the institution who is alleged to have inflicted the harm. 
• Basic skills in MS: Office and Google Drive is required.
• Working knowledge of Restorative Justice Principles or corresponding  certifications is a plus. 
• Spanish-speaking/bilingual is considered a plus. 
• Practicing  Catholic in good standing is preferred. 

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas offers a comprehensive health and welfare benefits plan including medical, dental and vision, a 401k plan that includes matching contributions, as well as generous paid time off policies such as vacation, sick leave and paid holidays. 

Note: All employees are required to consent to a background check, commit to our Statement of Foundational Principles as they Relate to Employment, Code of Conduct policy and complete Safe Environment training before hiring.