MMIP / Federal Victim Advocate

MMIP / Federal Victim Advocate: The advocate serves families and survivors in Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) cases and victims of crimes prosecuted in the federal system. The position works primarily on federal cases and also carries a general caseload of victims of all crimes and crises through the Flagstaff office. Services include but are not limited to crisis response, family/individual support services and support groups, shelter placement, case management, court accompaniment, and education in the dynamics of safety planning.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Counseling or a closely related field; and/or one (1) year of victim advocacy work experience under professional supervision; or an equivalent combination of education and experiences.

Training Requirements:

This position is based in Flagstaff, AZ. A minimum 6-week training in Flagstaff is required. Additional training on the Navajo Nation is required for 2-3 weeks after the training in Flagstaff. Lodging is provided for the training on the Navajo Nation. Additional training specific to MMIP cases and the federal court process is also provided.

Special Requirements:

• A favorable background investigation
• Possess a valid state driver's license
• A 3-month probationary contract for training purposes followed by a contract that extends to December 31st of the year and can be renewed yearly with a positive outcome on an evaluation and the grant renewal.

Tasks

MMIP Advocacy:

• Serve as the primary advocate for families of missing and murdered Indigenous persons, providing ongoing support from the initial report through investigation, prosecution, and beyond
• Assist families with missing person reports and act as a liaison between families and tribal, state, and federal law enforcement so families receive regular case updates
• Provide grief, crisis, and culturally appropriate support to families, and refer them to traditional, behavioral health, and community resources
• Help families with practical needs that arise in MMIP cases, such as victim compensation applications, funeral and travel assistance, and coordination of searches or community awareness efforts
• Participate in MMIP task forces, multidisciplinary teams, and community outreach and education as assigned

Federal Victim Advocacy:

• Serve as the primary advocate for victims and families in cases investigated and prosecuted in the federal system
• Explain the federal court process and victims' rights, and keep clients informed of hearings, case status, and outcomes
• Accompany clients to federal court hearings, interviews, and meetings with investigators and prosecutors
• Coordinate with federal agency victim specialists, the U.S. Attorney's Office victim-witness staff, and tribal and local law enforcement and prosecutors
• Assist clients with victim impact statements, restitution requests, and victim compensation claims

General Advocacy (Flagstaff office):

• Maintain client case history records and prepare reports
• Interview clients, assessing their situations, capabilities, and problems to determine what services are required to meet their needs
• Serve as liaison between clients, homes, schools, family services, courts, protective services, and other contacts to help clients face problems
• Address legal issues, assist with hearings, and provide updated court information to clients to assist in their interaction with their case
• Develop and review service plans in consultation with clients and perform follow-ups assessing the quantity and quality of services provided
• Arrange for medical, psychiatric, or other tests that may be required by clients
• Refer clients to community resources for services
• Provide, find, or arrange for support services for clients
• Collect supplementary information needed to assist the client
• Assist advocates with needs as they arise
• Respond and react to crisis response and/or walk-in client needs
• Participate in community meetings and programs as assigned
• Expect travel up to 50% of the week, including travel to the Navajo Nation and to federal court

Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, and techniques of victim advocacy
• Knowledge of the Tribal codes, court systems, and their applications
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, the federal criminal justice process, federal crime victims' rights, and how jurisdiction works among tribal, state, and federal authorities
• Knowledge of the issues surrounding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons and their impact on families and communities
• Knowledge of Navajo traditional customs
• Skilled in communicating effectively in both Navajo and English languages
• Skilled in applying professional knowledge, techniques, and judgment in the work situation
• Skilled in interacting with clients from various cultural, economic, and spiritual backgrounds
• Skilled in supporting families through grief, trauma, and long-running or unresolved cases
• Willing and able to learn how to use the electronic case management database
• Work effectively with tribal, state, and federal Law Enforcement officials, prosecutors, and other professionals
• Ability to objectively evaluate client needs in a non-judgmental role
• Ability to coordinate with local and community resources to ensure access to necessary services

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Can you pass a background clearance?
• This position follows the Navajo Preference requirements. Can you provide a Certificate of Indian Blood if offered the position?

Language: Navajo (Preferred)

License/Certification: Driver's License (Preferred)

Willingness to travel: 50% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person, Flagstaff, AZ