Special Victims Counselor at New York County District Attorney's Office in New York, New York

Job Description:

Job Description

Division/Unit: Survivor Services Bureau

Position Title: Special Victims Counselor

Civil Service Title: Community Associate

Salary Range: $65,058 - $65,058

Job Description:
The New York County District Attorney's Office (DANY) has an immediate opening in its Survivor Services Unit (SSB)for a Special Victims Counselor. This position will provide trauma-informed supportive services and conduct client engagement to survivors of sex violence, domestic violence, human trafficking, elder abuse and their families. In this position the Special Victims Counselor is responsible for providing counseling and therapeutic services to assist all crime victims, witnesses, and their families. These services may include short term counseling, crisis intervention, community referrals, orientation to the criminal justice system, case status updates, and court support. Services will be provided in all office locations, including the main Office downtown, the Harlem Office, and/or the Washington Heights Office.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct counseling/therapy sessions in either individual and/or group setting as well as mental health evaluation and concrete needs assessments to sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, and elder abuse victims and, witnesses.
• Additionally, the counselor will provide therapeutic support to all crime victims, witnesses and families impacted by crime prosecuted by the New York County District Attorney's Office.
• Direct engagement with all victims, witnesses, and their families including explaining the criminal justice system, connecting them with services, conducting outreach and follow up calls; maintaining on-going contact to ensure they are receiving support and services.
• Conduct crisis intervention interviews and needs assessments; assist with safety planning.
• Collaborate with outside agencies to assist all crime victims and facilitate referrals to appropriate agencies. Follow up contact with victims to monitor their connection to services.
• Assist with a range of direct services such as crime victim compensation applications, emergency shelter placements; partner with SSB Victim Service Advocates for additional concrete services.
• Victim support and court accompaniment throughout the criminal justice process.
• Attend meetings on behalf of the Survivor Services Bureau (SSB) when directed.
• Act as a liaison between victims, families, and Assistant District Attorneys.
• Introduce victims to the prosecutorial process and provide case status information.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Master's degree in social work and License.
• Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and License.
• New York State LMSW/LCSW or LMHC.

• Experience working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking and elder abuse.
• Familiarity with the crime victims and/or criminal justice system.
• Written and oral Spanish, or Mandarin, or Cantonese, or Korean, or French fluency.
• ASL proficiency.
• SIFI certified/eligible a plus.
• Ability to work overtime and flexible hours including holidays, evenings, and weekends.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of confidentiality and sensitivity to victim issues a must.
• Ability to handle high caseload and set priorities.
• Excellent engagement, crisis intervention, and assessment skills.
• Dependable team player who works collaboratively and cooperatively with staff in a team-oriented environment.

• Apply with a Cover Letter and Resume.

• Shifts could vary between, 9 am - 5 pm, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm, 10 am - 6 pm.
• Overtime may be required, including nights and weekends.

• 
  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.

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.

• 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 New York County District Attorney's Office serves and protects the People of New York through the fair administration of justice, without fear or favor. The Office's professional staff perform a variety of key functions, including supporting the Trial, Investigation, and Appeals Divisions, as well as other prosecution support and office functions. Our support staff receive a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, as well as unparalleled opportunities for professional development.

The New York County District Attorney's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and culturally responsive workforce. Given the diverse nature of our community, the ability to work with people of different backgrounds is critical. The Office seeks to have a staff that reflects the diversity of the community that we serve. To that end, all applicants will be considered without regard to actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, age, prior record of arrest; or any other basis prohibited by law. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.About the Team

The Professional Staff Recruitment Team at DANY supports the Office's initiatives to have a staff that reflects the diversity of the community that we serve. We seek employees that are interested in a career in the public sector and will support the Office's initiative of Moving Justice Forward.

For questions or inquiries, please contact Recruitment@dany.nyc.gov.