Director of Advocates

Job Description

Division/Unit: Survivor Services Bureau (SSB)

Position Title: Director of Advocates

Civil Service Title: Community Coordinator

Salary Range: $88,000 - $92,000

Job Description:
The New York County District Attorney's Office (DANY) has an immediate opening for a Director of Advocates in the Survivor Services Bureau (SSB) at the downtown office. In this position the Director will work in collaboration with the Executive Directors and is responsible for ensuring SSB staff provide a full range of services to all victims of crime. These services may include short term crisis intervention, community referrals, relationship building with community-based organizations, 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:

• Work collaboratively with the Executive Director of Advocates to provide direction and supervision to SSB staff members and provides a full range of services to victims of crime in the Downtown Office.
• Assist SSB Leadership with special projects.
• Provide oversight of daily cases and assignments.
• Carry a small caseload as needed and provide crisis intervention and support.
• Collect statistics from staff and assist Executive Directors with quality control review of stats in preparation for quarterly review by Chiefs.
• Weekly supervision
• Manage staff schedule, institutional assignments, and ensure last minute changes are fully covered.
• Monitor staff professional development and the rotation of ongoing trainings, webinars and work closely with Executive Directors to identify staff compliance with trainings.
• Assist with staff interviewing, training, supervision, and program development.
• Inform victims of the wide range of services available to them through SSB.
• Explain the criminal justice system and provide case information.
• Assist SSB Leadership with special projects.
• Liaise with DANY staff and City agencies on behalf of crime victims.
• Assist in supervision of the office's stolen property release program.
• Perform related administrative duties as assigned.

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

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college and three (3) to five (5) years of relevant experience.

Preferred Requirements/Skills:

• Written and oral Spanish, or Mandarin and or Cantonese fluency a plus.
• ASL proficiency.
• Ability to work overtime and flexible hours including holidays, evenings, and weekends.
• Prior supervisory experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and/or human trafficking.
• Familiarity with the criminal justice system.
• 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, and assessment skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and adapt to changes in workflow.
• Ability to follow directions and apply proper policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Dependable team player who works collaboratively and cooperatively with staff in a team-oriented environment.
• Must be able to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, able to multi-task, and have a high concern for data accuracy.
• Ability to interact effectively with victims, witnesses, Assistant District Attorneys, law enforcement officers, and criminal justice personnel.

How to Apply:

• Apply with a Cover Letter and Resume.

Hours/Shift:

• Shifts could vary between, 9 am - 5 pm, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm, 10 am - 6 pm.
• The selected candidate must be available to work flexible hours, including weekends, as needed.

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.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
2. High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.

Public Svc Loan Forgiveness:

• 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/.

Residency Requirement:

• City Residency is not required for this position.

The New York County District Attorney's Office 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.

About Us

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 Division, Investigation Division, Special Victims Division, Pathways to Public Safety Division, and Appeals Division, which handles all the Office's matters in state and federal appellate courts.

Professional Staff members perform a variety of key functions for the Office, including supporting the five Divisions, as well as other prosecution support and office functions. Our Professional 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 delivering One Standard of Justice for All.

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