Victim Services Advocate

Job description

About Us Artists ReEnvisioning Tomorrow Inc (ART INC), established in 2018 by Jonathon and Nikki Romain, stands as Peoria’s leading arts and culture non-profit. Each year, ART INC offers arts education to nearly 500 students, supported by a dedicated team of staff, board members, volunteers, and teaching artists. They work tirelessly to develop programs that empower all students to imagine, create, and reach their full potential through the arts, regardless of financial means. Join our mission-driven team committed to creating safer communities by mediating conflicts and preventing violence. We prioritize inclusivity, empowerment, and personal growth, providing a supportive environment where you can make a meaningful impact. Position Overview We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Victim Services Advocate to join our team. The ideal candidate will support and empower families and victims of violence as they recover from physical and emotional trauma. Our goal is to assist our clients with skills, services, and opportunities that promote healing and resilience. This role involves working closely with other victim service providers to ensure seamless support for our clients. Key Responsibilities Incident Response : • Respond to incidents of community violence, including non-fatal and fatal shootings, in designated areas. • Receive notifications through various means (outreach workers, police, etc.) and respond on-site or via phone. • Visit crime scenes, victims' homes, hospitals, and other healthcare settings as needed. Immediate Support & Advocacy : • Provide immediate support at hospitals, medical examiner's offices, and during funeral planning. • Assess crisis levels and refer clients to appropriate counseling services. Trauma-Informed Support : • Offer trauma-informed care and develop case plans based on individual victim needs. • Navigate public agency processes for victim compensation, emergency financial assistance, and more. Community Integration : • Connect families to mental health services, trauma-informed youth programs, employment support, and more. • Facilitate interactions with police to ensure families receive updates on cases. Support Groups & Court Assistance : • Conduct regular weekly support groups for victims and their families. • Provide assistance during court visits or trials. Case Management : • Maintain a caseload of up to 25 participants, ensuring all have completed intake forms. Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field; master's degree preferred. • Minimum of 2 years of experience in victim service provision, including crisis intervention and trauma-informed care. • Strong understanding of community resources and ability to navigate public and private service systems. • Experience working with victims of violence, with a deep understanding of trauma dynamics. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working with diverse populations in high-stress situations. • Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with strong organizational and time management skills. • Willingness to work flexible hours and be on-call for emergencies. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement : At ART Inc we are committed to providing a fair and welcoming environment for everyone that enters our building, works in our employment, or participates in our programs within the parameters of the law. Mental and Physical Requirements : Physical effort is light, with lifting or carrying limited to 25 pounds intermittently as well as walking up and down stairs. Occasionally, there is pressure associated with project or activity deadlines. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by violence and become part of a community dedicated to healing and empowerment