Job Description
General Crime Victim Service Advocate
Our Mission: Cornerstone’s continuum of service helps to create communities where individuals and families are safe and children thrive. We advocate, educate and lead the way to social change
. Summary of Cornerstone Cornerstone is a $5.5 million organization that provides comprehensive services for individuals and families in the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking or general crime. Our offices are located in Bloomington, Brooklyn Center and Minneapolis. Learn more at .
Diversity and Inclusion: We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments, programs, and worksites.
BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community are strongly encouraged to apply. Salary range: $19-21.65/hour Hours: This is a six months temporary position which may require flexible scheduling at times to support participants s chedules and needs. Occasional evening and weekend work may occur as assigned by the supervisor. This position may be required to provide additional coverage during a local disaster or major public awareness events.
Job Summary: The General Crime Victim (GCVS) Advocate position provides trauma informed, survivor-centered, culturally responsive services to victims of general crime. Advocacy responsibilities include providing participants with information on victim rights, restitution, reparations, and emergency funds. This position assists with distributing emergency victim assistance funds and the Harassment Restraining Orders (HRO) process. The GCVS position advocates and supports the victim within the civil/criminal justice process inclusive of law enforcement, victim witness coordinators/advocates, prosecutors, professionals/providers and other systems based on their self-defined needs.
Experience/Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or human service-related field or equivalent experience in a social services field. Two or more years of experience providing direct crisis response services to victims.
• Broad knowledge of resources, human services, and other systems which interface with victims of a crime with an emphasis on serving diverse, marginalized and/or underrepresented populations.
• Understanding of trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive care practices with a focus on the impact for individuals and communities affected by personal crimes.
• General understanding of crime victim’s rights, civil remedies, and the criminal justice systems with the understanding additional training will be provided.
• Good written and interpersonal skills with the ability to work with victim/survivors, concerned persons, and community partners in a friendly, cooperative, and professional manner.
• Preferred 40-hour sexual assault certification or the ability to complete training within 6 months of hire.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and other related forms of technology.
• Valid driver’s license, automobile insurance and reliable vehicle (Valid Driver’s License and auto insurance must be on file with HR).
Essential Functions: • Maintains professionalism while providing survivor-centered support, advocacy, information, and safety planning for victims/survivors (v/s) through in-person, phone and email contact.
• Provides information to v/s on crime victim rights and the availability of financial assistance through restitution, crime victim reparations and emergency funds.
• Processes Emergency Victim Assistance (EVA) requests per program policies and eligibility.
• Provides guidance and assistance in filing of Harassment Restraining Orders, reparations claim forms, and elderly vulnerable adult reports.
• Provides resources, information, and advocacy specific to participants’ needs including but not limited to legal resources, criminal justice process, civil protective orders, U-visa applications, etc.
• Advocates and refers victims to, housing, safety, and security issues; creditors; property repair; and in obtaining assistance from other non-traditional resources/services.
• Maintains a high-level working relationship with referral partners inclusive of social services, other agencies, vendors interacting with v/s, civil/criminal justice, medical personnel, and others.
• Works collaboratively across all internal programs at Cornerstone with a strong cross referral partnership with the Day One Program.
• Stays apprised of GCVS and agency activities, policies and protocol changes, updates, and general information by reviewing CAS Connect/TEAMS staff pages and emails.
• Participates in the training and mentoring of new staff, volunteers and/or students as assigned.
• Assures data entry is completed accurately in Apricot database, EVA processing paperwork/tracking, and other methods of collection as assigned.
• Properly documents all critical incidents: child protection reports, emergency response calls, and participant injury/concerns. Completes other documentation as assigned by supervisor.
• Maintains strict confidentiality according to applicable to the law and Cornerstone’s policies.
• Conducts outreach and training efforts on crime victimization issues and services available to victims to community service groups, civic organizations, law enforcement, special populations, professional organizations, schools, etc.
• Any other duties as assigned by supervisor that support overall program services and services to survivors/victims.
Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities and those who may be Deaf/Hard of Hearing, to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee is frequently required to use manual dexterity for use of objects, tools, or controls as well as visual acuity. The employee is required to stand, walk; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. The employee should always request assistance if any object needs to be lifted and the employee feels that their capabilities are such that the specific item to be lifted is beyond the employee’s abilities. No employee should attempt to lift more than what is comfortable for them.
Visit our career page at: EEO Statement: Cornerstone strives for a fully inclusive work environment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, veteran, disability, age, marital or, familial, and/or with regard to public assistance or any other characteristic. We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.
Job Tags
Temporary work, Casual work, Work at office, Local area, Flexible hours, Afternoon shift,