Position Summary
The Victim Advocate provides trauma-informed advocacy, emotional support, safety planning, and resource navigation for youth and families served through Project RISE: Youth Victim Support & Healing Initiative. Reporting to the Program Director, the Victim Advocate helps youth impacted by crime, violence, and trauma understand available supports, access victim-service resources, and navigate systems with dignity and care. The position also assists eligible victims and families with New York State victim compensation applications and works closely with the Case Manager to ensure coordinated referrals, follow-up, and continuity of support.
Essential Duties and Responsibilites
• Victim Advocacy & Emotional Support:
o Provide trauma-informed, youth-centered advocacy and emotional support to participants impacted by crime,
community violence, or related trauma.
o Assist participants and caregivers with identifying immediate needs, understanding available services, and
making informed decisions about next steps.
o Provide crisis support and safety planning within the scope of the role and coordinate with appropriate
professionals when higher-level intervention is needed.
o Promote participant dignity, choice, confidentiality, and culturally responsive support throughout service delivery.
• Victim Compensation & Resource Navigation:
o Provide information and hands-on assistance with New York State victim compensation applications, including
helping participants understand required documentation and application steps.
o Connect youth and families to appropriate victim-service, mental health, school-based, and community
resources based on identified needs.
o Coordinate referrals and warm handoffs with the Case Manager and community partners to reduce barriers and
improve follow-through.
o Follow up with participants and caregivers regarding referrals, compensation assistance, and unresolved service
needs.
• Documentation, Coordination & Outreach:
o Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential records of advocacy services, compensation assistance, referrals,
follow-up, and participant contacts.
o Communicate emerging participant needs, barriers, and safety concerns to the Program Director and Case
Manager in accordance with program protocols.
o Participate in staff meetings, case consultations, trainings, outreach activities, and community events related to
Project RISE.
o Support program data collection and performance reporting by documenting services and outcomes consistently and accurately.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Counseling, Sociology, or a related field preferred; relevant advocacy experience may be considered in place of a degree.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in victim advocacy, youth services, crisis support, family services, case management, or community-based human services preferred.
• Experience working with youth and families impacted by crime, violence, trauma, or systemic barriers strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, victim-centered advocacy, confidentiality, community resources, and culturally responsive service delivery.
• Strong communication, empathy, documentation, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain calm, respectful, and participant-centered when supporting individuals experiencing stress, crisis, or complex service needs.
Additional Requirements
• Must pass required background checks and meet all ROC ROYAL requirements for working with youth.
• Ability to travel locally between ROC ROYAL, school, partner, and community-based service locations as needed.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality and comply with ROC ROYAL policies related to participant privacy and sensitive information.
About ROC ROYAL INC
Equal Opportunity Employer
ROC ROYAL INC is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
ROC ROYAL INC | Strengthening Community, One Person, One Family at a Time
