Victim Advocate

Our Mission: Lutheran Community Services Northwest partners with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope.

About Us Lutheran Community Services Northwest is a non-profit human services agency that improves lives of people in communities throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho. We provide a wide variety of services to adults, adolescents, children, families, schools and communities. We are privileged to touch lives of all ages, cultures and faiths.

MISSION IMPACT: All LCSNW team members will contribute to our mission of partnering with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope. The Victim Advocate provides support, crisis intervention, and general, medical, and legal advocacy for primary and/or secondary survivors of crime. Services are offered in collaboration with criminal and civil justice providers and other systems as appropriate and requested by the community. The Victim Advocate informs and refers to resources and specific wrap-around support so people can make informed and empowered decisions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

●Provide crisis intervention as needed, in and out of facility, to people who are primary or secondary victims of crime

● Foster collaboration with team members and community providers to deliver culturally appropriate services that empower and cater to the needs of survivors, including BIPOC, refugee, and immigrant populations, while staying informed about available resources for these specific communities

● Maintain compliance with program and documentation requirements, dictates of legal system, accreditation and training standards and any other requirements in support of service delivery

● Provides phone coverage and crisis response on designated shifts, secures a replacement for designated shifts as needed, and fills-in for team members as needed on their shifts

● Medical advocacy including but not limited to informing survivors of their rights in medical settings; assisting survivors in making informed decisions about medical care; providing information on medical care/concerns; providing support at medical exams and appointments; and providing information about Crime Victim Compensation and helping to locate providers

● Legal Advocacy including but not limited to assistance in making informed decisions about reporting to law enforcement or other entities; informing survivors of their rights in legal settings; providing information about the criminal justice system, civil remedies, and dependency/family/juvenile court proceedings; preparing survivor for court hearings/trials; supporting survivor at interviews, trial, sentencing, and post-conviction; assisting with civil protection orders, criminal no contact orders, and more; actively monitoring case with survivor permission; and assisting with connection to legal service in the community

REQUIREMENTS:

1. 1 year of related lived or professional experience

2. Adheres to and applies established operational processes in a timely, appropriate way

3. Thrives in a diverse and multicultural environment

4. HS diploma or equivalent /substantial relevant experience will be considered in place of degree

5. Victim Advocacy is required upon hire and is provided by LCSNW.

6. Fluency in English, both spoken and written

7. Basic mastery of Google Suite and Microsoft 365 applications; and case management software

8. Uses a trauma-informed lens to navigate challenges, conflict and obstacles/barriers; demonstrates resilience, awareness and self-regulation.

9. Works with cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategies to enhance end-user experiences throughout the service lifecycle.

10. Successfully completes tasks in a low noise environment

11. Interacts with others and performs tasks in-person and through the use of technology, with moderate periods of stationary activity and moderate periods of increased physical activity

12. Moves equipment/materials weighing up to 10 pounds

13. Travels between worksites regularly; requires valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and motor vehicle records clearance

14. Works in a variety of settings, including and not limited to LCSNW office locations, partner agency and community-based settings, and faith-based settings such as churches

15. Meets LCSNW criminal background clearance requirements; WSP and/or ORCHARDS

THE PERKS:  We offer a full benefits package with options for medical, dental, prescription and vision coverage; employer-paid short and long-term disability, as well as life insurance. Vacation includes up to 2 weeks in the first year. Up to 2 weeks of Sick leave for you or to take care of your immediate family (based on hours worked). 12 Paid Holidays plus 2 Floating Holidays each year. A 403(b) Retirement plan, with employer matching after meeting eligibility requirements. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to help and support you. Staff potentially eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness program as a 501(c) 3 employer.

We thank all candidates in advance for their interest in joining the Lutheran Community Services Northwest team.  Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

LUTHERAN COMMUNITY SERVICES NORTHWEST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND COMMITTED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCY.