Position Details

The Other Violent Crime (OVC) Specialist will provide trauma informed, survivor centered comprehensive services to survivors of homicide and other violent crimes to individuals in the communities served with the leadership of the Survivor Services Supervisor. The OVC Specialist will participate in the SOHP on call rotation; have reliable transportation, and a flexible schedule to accommodate program and survivor needs.  

Position Hours: Primarily Monday-Friday (8am-4:30pm)

Comprehensive Benefits Offered

This position is located primarily in Davenport, IA

 COVID-19 Precautions: Employees & Clients health and wellbeing are at the upmost importance here at Family Resources. We follow recommended CDC guidelines by social distancing, temperature checks and COVID-19 screenings, frequent hand washing, disinfecting and sanitizing procedures in place and the requirement of wearing of facial coverings provided and required plus addition PPE available.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive, trauma informed, survivor centered services to survivors of homicide and other violent crimes. These services will consist of but are not limited to the following: legal advocacy, individual advocacy, information and referral, outreach and awareness, training, community collaboration, emergency client assistance and transportation, crisis response and crisis counseling, and systems advocacy.
• Provide information about the criminal justice process in its entirety including but not limited to the investigation, pre-trial procedures, trial and appeal, in person, by phone, or in writing.
• Provide support during legal processes including assistance with victim impact statements.
• Provide assistance in filing court/legal documents and victim compensation claims
• Provide referrals to community based victim service programs and other resources as appropriate
• Ensure free, voluntary, non-discriminatory, accessible services for all clients.
• Assist survivors with funeral arrangements of their deceased loved one.
• Assist with statements to the media.
• Provide individual and group counseling/crisis intervention.
• Provide personal and systems advocacy on behalf of the survivor/victims including housing, economic, medical and sheltering advocacy.
• Provide community organizing and collaborating with related professionals/agencies.
• Direct client assistance.
• Implement an effective outreach program for identified underserved populations within service areas assigned.
• Develop, implement and schedule educational presentations on homicide, trauma and related issues in the public sector including training for law enforcement, schools, and non-profit agencies.
• Assist with maintaining a library of information resources (books, pamphlets, articles, etc.) relevant to survivor understanding, recovery, and advocacy.
• Implement community awareness activities regarding survivors and their needs.
• Design, plan, and implement activities for survivors during Victims’ Rights Week.
• Participate in community relations/networking.
• Represent the program and agency positively in all public and community contacts.
• Provide immediate response to survivors as requested by law enforcement, medical professionals and other community partners
• Ensure follow-up communication for survivors as they are identified through victim-witness coordinators, law enforcement, the media, or other sources.
• Provide ongoing support to survivors through face-to-face contacts, cards, telephone calls, and other means.
• Provide crisis counseling for adult & child survivors of homicide, as well as other violent crimes.
• Advocate for victims within legal, medical, housing & social systems
• Facilitate support and action groups for victims
• Ensure all appropriate documentation of client contacts
• Actively participate in program and agency problem identification and resolution.
• Complete job-related paperwork and data entry in a timely and accurate manner.
• Proactively support the development and attainment of program and agency program goals.
• Proactively supports agency values.
• Follow agency policy on confidentiality.
• Keep Supervisor informed of relevant issues.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Experience: BA or BS. in Psychology, or a related behavioral science plus two years of supervised experience OR a BA in social work with 1-year of supervised experience OR six years of supervised child welfare experiences in residential care OR a combination of advanced education in the behavioral sciences and experience equal to six years.

Must have current proof of car insurance, able to pass driving background checks, and have reliable transportation.

Bilingual and/or bi-cultural applicants are highly encouraged to apply.

About Family Resources

At Family Resources, we believe in strengthening children, families, and individuals in our community - it's the passion that permeates everything we do. Family Resources has grown to become one of the state's largest agencies devoted to child welfare, juvenile justice, mental health, and survivor services. We recognize that these children, families, and individuals come to us from a variety of circumstances, which makes it important for us to reach them where they are right now.

Family Resources offers a comprehensive benefits package, excellent wages, and opportunities for growth & advancement!

Equal Opportunity Employer that thrives on Diversity!