The New York County District Attorney's Office (DANY) has an opening for a Victim Services Advocate in its Witness Aid Services Unit (WASU) Victim Assistance Center. In this position the Victim Services Advocate will provide a full range of services to victims of crime. These services may include short term crisis intervention, community referrals, orientation to the criminal justice system, case status updates, and court support. Services will be provided in different office locations, such as the Main Office downtown, the Harlem Office, and/or the Washington Heights office.


Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- Conduct heavy volume of follow up calls and maintain on-going contact to ensure the clients are receiving support and services.
- Explain criminal justice system and provide case information.
- Assist with emergency safety planning.
- Act as liaison with victims and the assigned Assistant District Attorney throughout the Criminal Justice process.
- Ensure victims, witnesses, and their families are connected with WASU concrete and therapeutic services.
- Assist with orders of protection, supporting depositions, and registration for notification of inmate release.
- Provide support and accompaniment during Criminal Justice proceedings.
- Participate in community presentations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.


In addition to the Minimum Qualification Requirements, all candidates must possess the following:

- Bachelor's degree.


Preferred Requirements/Skills:

- Master's or Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, victim advocacy, or a closely related field; supplemented by 3-5 years of experience in social work, counseling, or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job.
- Thorough knowledge of: Crime victim advocacy, criminal justice system procedures and methods; post-traumatic crisis intervention; recordkeeping techniques.
- Experience in program evaluation, conducting needs assessments, developing, and enhancing community collaborations.
- Bilingual Spanish.
- American Sign Language (ASL).
- Ability to handle and resolve emergency situations, assist victims in trauma either in person or over the phone while maintaining composure.
- Strong analytical, interpersonal, problem-solving, oral, and written communications skills.
- Ability to foster good working relationship within the community and with external community-based agencies.


How to Apply:

- Apply with a Cover Letter and Resume.


Additional Information:

- Current office employees: To be eligible for a transfer or promotion, staff must have already served at least 1 year in their current position and be in good standing. In addition, must meet the minimum qualifications of the position.
- Looking for candidates that could commit to one (1) year to the hiring unit.
- Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position.

Qualification Requirements
1. High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above; or
2. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above.

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.