Youth Counselor Victim Services Advocate

We are Hiring! 

Job Posting:  Victim Service Advocate/Youth Counselor  

Location:  Schuyler Office 105 Ninth Street Watkins Glen, NY 14891

Employment Type:  Full Time

Schedule: Monday- Friday 8:30am-4:30pm (37.5hrs)/Week with On- Call responsibility

Salary:$23.00

As a regional agency of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester, Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston builds communities that care for all people. We serve all people seeking help in a safe, welcoming and comforting environment that feels like being home.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to express and explore your passion for helping others, then join a team that truly makes a difference DAILY, in people's lives. Don't miss out on being a part of something special!

General Description

Youth Counselor:

Under the supervision of the Program Supervisor-Housing and Victim Services the Youth Counselor provides crisis and ongoing support to young people who are in crisis and/or at risk of being in an unsafe environment.

Victim Services Advocate:

Under the supervision of the Program Supervisor-Housing Solutions and Victim Services, the Victim Services Advocate provides direct services to victims of crime, provides community education on violence and conducts outreach activities to the assigned service area

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Youth Counselor Responsibilities:

• Respond quickly to report of a youth that has run away from home, is homeless or is in an unsafe environment by meeting with and advocating for youth. 
• Determines the immediate needs of the youth in crisis and provide the appropriate aid. 
• Locates immediate shelter for youth, back with his parent or guardian, with a family or friend or a respite bed. 
• Develops a plan with the youth for personal development and appropriate on-going social services. 
• Refers youth to appropriate social service agencies that can assist the youth with moving toward reconciliation with the parent or guardian or that can help the youth live independently.
• If applicable, develops rapport with parent/guardian and guide them to services as needed to aid in the reconciliation with their child. 
• Builds an awareness in law enforcement, education, and other social services officials of the help available to youth in the program through educational presentations and communications materials. 
• Completes program specific training annually. 
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Victim Services Advocate Responsibilities:

• Provides direct services to victims of crime, including emergency needs, information and referral, counseling, accompaniment, home and hospital visits, and assistance in filing for CVB compensation.
• Prepares safety plans.
• Provides individual and group counseling on the dynamics of domestic violence and victimization
• Offers immediate support to victims during and after a traumatic event.
• Assists victims in navigating the criminal justice system, including attending court hearings and providing updates on case status
• Determines the immediate needs of the crime victim and family – develops appropriate plan, involves appropriate agencies and facilitates the implementation of the plan.
• Determines the legal course to which the crime victim will be subject and provide or obtain appropriate assistance to the victim.
• Shares 24-hour on call responsibility with other First Step employees.
• Works with law enforcement, prosecutors, and other organizations to ensure comprehensive support for victims.
• Develops and presents prevention and awareness efforts regarding violence and community response.
• Remains up to date on local, state and federal policies and/or legislation regarding victims of crime with a focus on intimate partner violence.
• Maintains statistical database and case management files. Prepare monthly reports as required by funders.
• Participates in appropriate Catholic Charities staff meetings and in-service staff development opportunities. Represents Catholic Charities to the Community.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive. Employees are required to follow appropriate supervisory direction and perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Education: Associate’s degree in human services or related field  

Credentials: Valid NY State Driver License and access to a reliable vehicle 

Experience: Experience in assessing victim safety. Commitment to trauma informed, client centered approach in all interactions preferred 

 Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust and rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Empathy and compassion for others, especially individuals who have experienced trauma. Experience in collaboration with other county agencies to ensure victim’s needs are met preferred. Relevant years of experience and education will be considered

Special Requirements:• 24/7 Emergency On-Call 

Additional Qualifications:

• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to multi-task, manage priorities, and provide immediate support and assistance in stressful situations.
• Willingness to foster agency, department and program wide cooperation and teamwork through use of positive/constructive communication techniques.
• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality regarding all records including consumer records, employee records and billing records.
• Ability to work in the following software programs: Windows, Microsoft Office, and multiple online software platforms as required by funders and partner organizations
• Ability to analyze and interpret data and to handle problem resolution.
• Possession of a valid NYS Driver’s license and a driver's record considered acceptable by agency and insurance carrier.
• Continuous use of a reliable, registered and insured vehicle.
• Demonstrate commitment to Agency Mission Statement.
• Working knowledge of community resources and funding systems external to the agency.
• Must be able to work non-traditional work hours (24/7 Emergency On-Call)
• Background checks may be required per program regulations.
• Compliance: Adheres to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations including, but not limited to, those governing confidentiality, privacy, program, billing and documentation standards. All duties must be performed in accordance with CCDR’s corporate compliance and ethics program.

***Catholic Charities is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to create great opportunities for our agency and our people. EOE/AA Disability/Vet