Union County Government - This is a Full Time Grant Funded position providing direct services to victims of violent crime within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Union County State’s Attorney’s Office.  The VOCA Crime Victim Advocate will work closely with the existing Crime Victim Advocate to ensure the needs of the victims are being met in a sensitive and through manner.  This position will involve work both within the State’s Attorney’s Office, as well as in the field, including home visits.

Provide information and referral to victims: explanation of the criminal justice process; preparation of victims for court hearings; notification of case status, court proceedings, and case disposition per Illinois Crime Victims Bill of Rights; information on community resources to help alleviate trauma associated with victimization.

Crisis intervention and emotional support: 24-hour availability to provide crisis intervention and referral services to victims of violent crime, as well as on-going emotional support through the criminal justice process.  Attentiveness to victim safety issues is critical.

Legal advocacy: Provide victims with assistance or referral in completing petitions for Orders of Protection and other petitions for emergency relief; accompany victims to court; involve victims in the decision-making process as their case progresses through the system; advocate for the victim with the State’s Attorney staff and local law enforcement; assist with property return and request for restitution; assist with victim impact statements.

Personal advocacy: Including, but not limited to employer and creditor intervention, transportation to court, advocacy with other social service providers on victim’s behalf, translator services, and follow-up contact with victims throughout court proceedings and post-disposition.  Services may also be provided to significant others who may be vicariously affected by the victim’s trauma.

Provide information on the Crime Victim’s Compensation program and assistance with the filing of claims, as well as follow-up on claims.

Develop collaborative working relationships with criminal justice personnel and service providers to ensure effective service delivery to victims.  Maintain confidentiality.

Additional Responsibilities:

Screening offense reports to determine the need for victim’s services.

Provide notification to the victims of court proceedings.

Inform victims of their case status and progress.

Assistance to the victims if they are harassed, intimidated, or afraid.

Advocacy and support with any problems that victims may have as a result of a crime or court appearance.

Crisis intervention.

24-hour emergency response.

Emotional support and understanding of victimization.

Referral to agencies/programs to assist in lessening the trauma.

Employer and creditor intervention.

Explanation of the Criminal Justice System.

Assistance in filing for Crime Victim Compensation Claims.

Assist victims in recovering property damaged or stolen and in obtaining restitution of compensation for medical and other expenses incurred as a result of the criminal act.

Prepare victims for pending court hearings by informing them of procedures involved.

Accompany victims to court hearings.

Involve victims, when possible, in the decision-making in the process in the criminal justice system.

Grant Maintenance:

Must provide data for reports and program evaluations as required for grant funding.

Bachelors Degree or equivalent

Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing

Preferred knowledge and abilities:

Prior work or volunteer experience in social services or the criminal justice system; familiarity with law enforcement and court terminology and practices; ability to properly handle crisis intervention; possess appropriate knowledge in areas of child abuse both physical and sexual; working knowledge of statutes, domestic violence issues, community resources; effective interpersonal and interview skills; ability to use office equipment, including computer, printer, copier, fax machine, and telephone.

Full time position, 35 hours per week, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

$39,000.00 yearly salary

Vacation, personal and sick time available

Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund

Medical and dental insurance offered

Resumes will be accepted until 4/26/2021

Union County Government is committed to nondiscrimination in hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, fringe benefits and other aspects of employment, on the the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or ancestry.