The Office of the District Attorney, Bronx County (“BXDA”) is charged with the twin goals of ensuring public safety and striving for equal justice for the over 1.4 million members of the Bronx County community. By “Pursuing Justice with Integrity,” the BXDA places a focus on assistance for crime victims while simultaneously ensuring fairness to defendants. Moreover, the BXDA aims to balance the need to seek appropriate punishment for certain crimes while recognizing when punitive measures do not adequately advance justice. By recognizing these significant distinctions and acting accordingly, BXDA has established a standard of excellence in the representation of the Bronx community at large, which continues to grow stronger every day.
In furtherance of this mission, the BXDA seeks experienced and enthusiastic Family and Child Advocate.

Job Responsibilities:
Specific Duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Support children and families who are victims of crime by ensuring they receive essential emotional support. Assist them in coping with the challenges of the criminal justice system. Utilize play, art, organized activities, and other creative, engaging approaches to help children express their feelings and alleviate the stress and anxiety generated by the interview process.

- Engage with and interview crime victims and their families to assess their need to develop an advocacy plan.

- Create a welcoming environment by managing play areas and providing toys, games, and other resources to make the experience less intimidating for child victims of crime.

- When appropriate, assist survivors in accessing essential concrete supports, including safe housing, educational opportunities (such as school enrollment, after-school and summer programs), substance abuse treatment, mental health care, medical services, and other related social services.

- Maintaining regular contact with prosecutors, law enforcement, service providers, and other professionals to obtain case information to assess survivors’ needs consistently and accurately.

- Maintaining regular contact with survivors during the duration of the criminal matter, ensuring they are in a safe environment, receiving appropriate supportive services, and kept informed of the progress of the criminal case while remaining engaged in the criminal justice process.

- Develop and maintain professional relationships with governmental and non-governmental service providers.

- Attend meetings, information fairs, professional training, community outreach, educational programs, and other meetings as directed.

- Engage in activities that foster community education and support at-risk populations. Provide education and outreach to youth, educators, families, community organizations, non-profit organizations, healthcare institutions, and law enforcement.

- Participate in occasional events outside of standard work hours.

- Connect victims, witnesses, and their families with concrete and therapeutic services.

- Educate and assist victims and families understand and navigate the criminal justice system.

- Assist clients with orders of protection and registration to notify them of the inmate’s release.

- Assist clients with completing and filing victim compensation claims with the State Office of Victim Services.

- Engage in oral and written advocacy with public, private, and nonprofit organizations to help victims and their families access appropriate resources and entitlement rights.

- Escort clients to court and confer with Assistant District Attorneys.

- Keep accurate records of work performed.

- Produce relevant reports.

- Perform all other relevant duties assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

- A bachelor’s degree is required.
- MSW/LMHC/ Child Life Specialist Certification Preferred.
- Fluent Spanish speaker strongly preferred.

COMMUNITY COORDINATOR - 56058

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
2. High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.

- Past advocacy experience is strongly preferred. - Knowledge of the neighborhoods and population of Bronx County is preferred. - Ability to work in a fast-paced, non-structured environment. - Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. - Ability to both interact and be comfortable with a diverse population. - New York State driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one within 6 months. - Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook.

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

City Residency is not required for this position.

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.