Domestic Violence Advocate

Date of Posting: Thursday, November 14, 2024

Department: Lynn Police Department
Job Title: 
Domestic Violence Advocate
Work hours: 
37.5 hours per week, flexible schedule set at the
discretion of the Chief.

Salary
$50,000 plus benefits (Initial contract through September 30, 2026)

OVERVIEW
The Domestic Violence Advocate will provide crisis intervention and safety planning services to victims, educate victims about their rights, help victims navigate the court system, and link victims to community services. The Domestic Violence Advocate will also participate in outreach and community education initiatives to reach underserved populations, including migrant community members. Serving as a liaison between victims of domestic violence and the many systems in place to serve them, the Domestic Violence Advocate will ensure that victims have access to clear information so they can make decisions that are best for them, reclaim their power and live lives free of fear.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Follow up with victims of domestic violence identified as part of police response
• Provide crisis intervention and safety planning
• Ensure that victims of domestic violence are educated about the rights available to them.
• Provide victims with information about how the court process works
• Prepares victims for their involvement with the criminal justice system; accompany victims to court proceedings
• Assist victims with completion of protective service orders
• Serve as a liaison between victims, courts, attorneys and community services organizations
• Assess and evaluate victim needs and link victims to food, housing, financial and emotional support resources available through local community service organizations.
• Participate in community meetings with local service providers
• Collaborate with the District Attorney’s office to assist in case preparation and victim services program development.
• Collaborate with HAWC to implement outreach and education events in order to reach migrant victims of domestic violence
• Assist in the creation of educational materials
• Compile statistical data quarterly to evaluate program impact
• Perform other duties as requested

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
• Familiarity with current state and federal laws regarding domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.
• Must work well with diverse populations including persons of varied gender identity expression, sexual preference, racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Bilingual/bicultural applicants strongly encouraged to apply.
• Must respect and maintain confidentiality regarding information shared by victims, witnesses, family members and law enforcement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work well in high pressure environment
• Must successfully pass a full background check
• Valid driver’s license preferred, with clean driving record

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology or a related field preferred.
• Three years of victim assistance, law enforcement, crisis intervention or related employment experience preferred
• Outreach and community education efforts will be focused on reaching members of the migrant community. For this reason, preference will be given to candidates who are fluent in both English and Spanish

SUPERVISION
• This position reports to the Lynn Police Department Domestic Violence/ Sexual Assault Unit Officer In Charge for supervision and support at the direction of the Captain in charge of the Criminal Investigation Division

How To Apply
A completed application, including cover letter, can be submitted via:

- Email ([email protected])
- Regular Post
- In-Person at the Personnel Department, Room 307 in Lynn City Hall

If submitting via e-mail, please include the “JOB TITLE” in the subject line. Application review will begin the week of November 27th.

Job Title: "Domestic Violence Advocate"

CLOSING DATE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED (Priority deadline: Wednesday, November 27TH, 2024)

* When applicants are substantially similar in terms of qualifications, preference will be given to candidates who have resided in the City of Lynn for a continuous twelve-month period prior to the date of posting.

The City of Lynn is an Equal Opportunity Employer!
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If you have any questions about the application process or need assistance, please call (781) 586-4000 or email us at [email protected].