"Victim Advocate"

Job Details

Victim Advocate

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title
Victim Advocate

Job Profile Title
Victim Advocate

Job Description Summary
This position reports to the Director of Special Services and provides advocacy and outreach to victims/survivors of crime, with a particular emphasis on victims/survivors of crime sensitive in nature, such as victims/survivors of sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, and stalking and harassment.

This position also assists all victims/survivors in navigating the criminal justice system by providing information and transportation to criminal proceedings and/or obtaining a protection from abuse order or a private criminal complaint; collaborates with Penn's resource centers and City agencies on behalf of the victim/survivor; provides options counseling and support in the decision-making process; provides transportation to those who require medical treatment as a result of crime, accident, or natural disaster; and provides safety presentations to members of the Penn community.

Critical to the role and public outreach is to coordinate the Leading with Empowerment, Assertiveness, and Defense (LEAD) program. This position will schedule and coordinate LEAD courses, in partnership with other certified instructors.

This position is categorized as essential personnel and serves on-call (24 hours/7 days) and will require some nights and weekends.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Provides options and expert level advocacy to victims/survivors of all crimes, regardless of the nature of the incident, in obtaining private criminal complaints, court and medical transportation; assists detectives with case management, and coordinates with the Philadelphia District Attorney's office
• Ascertains immediate needs and provides advocacy services to victims/survivors of domestic/dating violence, and stalking and harassment by providing options counseling, transportation to obtain a Protection from Abuse Order or Private Criminal Complaint and all subsequent court listings. Assists the victim/survivor in developing and implementing a safety plan.
• Develop, coordinate, and expand the LEAD (self-defense and empowerment) program for Penn affiliates.
• Collaborates with the University of Pennsylvania's resource and support centers, academic schools and centers, Human Resources, and the Employee Assistance Program.
• Provide safety education to the Penn Community, through presentations, special events, and consultations.
• Transports victims of rape and sexual assault to Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center (PSARC), Philadelphia Police Special Victim's Unit, and all subsequent court listings and medical follow-ups. Discusses and assists in developing and implementing a safety plan; collaborates with campus resources and community services to assist the victim/survivor with academic issues and emotional recovery; maintains confidentiality whenever possible.
• Serves as an active member on Penn's Critical Incident Stress Management Team; responds to the campus community in the wake of an incident that negatively impacts the institution or its constituents. Serves on the Philadelphia Crime Victim's Association and other committees as assigned.
• Reports to campus in the evening hours and on weekends in the event of a rape or sexual assault, a Penn affiliate sustaining serious bodily injury as a result of criminal victimization, accident, or natural disaster; ensures proper notifications are made to University officials; maintains confidentiality whenever possible.
• Pursues credentialing as a Certified Trauma Services Provider
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2 to 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Knowledge of criminal justice system (i.e. Philadelphia Courts)
• Must possess a valid driver's license

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Division of Public Safety

Pay Range
$26.44 - $31.25 Hourly Rate

Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.