Victim Advocate

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Western Slope Center for Children (d.b.a. "The Center for Children") is a nationally accredited, non-profit child advocacy center located in Grand Junction, CO. Child advocacy centers are specially designed as neutral, child-friendly environments where children can comfortably tell their story to a multidisciplinary team dedicated to their safety and protection.

The core services at the Center for Children include victim advocacy & support, forensic interviews, medical examinations, mental health treatment, and prevention education for community members.

MISSION STATEMENT

To promote healing and justice for children who are victims of violence and sexual abuse while striving to make the community safer through prevention, education, and advocacy.

POSITION

Victim Advocate (Full-Time)

Victim Advocates provide initial and ongoing services and support to victims of abuse/assault or witnesses to violence. Advocates achieve this through the provision of information, referral, and general advocacy services. The advocate continues ongoing support to the primary and secondary victims in a case from inception to final resolution.

BENEFITS

• Employer-paid training in victim advocacy & support skills and techniques
• Employer-paid health, dental, and group term life (vision offered at-cost)
• Supplemental health assistance for employee and family
• Retirement plan offering with employer match
• Paid time off, emergency medical leave, and free monthly half-day "recharge" break
• Paid holidays off (11 total)

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Victim Advocacy
   • Attend and complete initial minimum 24 hours of Victim Support and Advocacy training.
   • Attend and participate in ongoing training in the field of Victim Support and Advocacy.
   • Coordinate and/or provide for a comprehensive "constellation of services" for child victims and family members.
     • Administer and evaluate trauma screeners with caregivers as part of a crisis assessment and intervention response.
     • Assess child and family needs on a case-by-case basis, providing appropriate referrals in response, from case inception through resolution.
     • Attend child and family's forensic interview/medical exam, providing supportive services to the non-offending caregiver(s)/guardian(s) to include, but not be limited to:
       • Access & education regarding victim's rights and crime victim compensation;
       • Procurement of concrete services as needed;
       • Assist in facilitating transportation to interviews, medical exams, court appointments, and trauma treatment.
       • Provision of case status updates to family via ongoing follow up and court education & support as needed.
   • Maintain strict confidentiality standards, assisting the non-offending caregiver with the completion of information releases (ROIs) in circumstances where required.
   • Participate and present at monthly Case Review meetings.
   • Participate in and present at weekly case staffings regarding client referrals and/or needs.
   • Participate in coordinated case management meetings with other VA service providers.
   • Present community-based education regarding victim advocacy and/or Center services.
   • Research and identify new resources to support child and family needs as they arise.
   • Update relevant organization database(s) after each client interaction.
   • Additionally, this position provides victim advocacy & support services to adult victims of sexual assault seen through the agency.
2. General Duties
   • Assist in maintaining facility cleanliness and orderliness for all clients.
   • Assist in processing and storing donations in a timely fashion.
   • Ensure child/client safety and oversight during their visit to the facility.
   • Respond to community, client, and partner inquiries (calls, emails) and facility visits (doors).
   • Additionally, this position is responsible for the administration and tracking of the organization's Outcome Measurement System (OMS) surveying for client satisfaction.

This position listing is not meant to be a complete list of all duties for this position. The expectation of this position will be to perform all other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, sociology, criminal justice, or other applicable human services field of study; a combination of work experience and education may be considered.
• Completion of an Initial 24-hour Victim Advocacy training (can be completed upon hire).
• Ability to be flexible with work schedule as needed.
• Ability to be a team player who collaborates with individuals inside and outside the organization.
• Computer skills and experience with data entry systems.
• Initiative and the ability to stay on task.
• Interpersonal skills. (Excellent)
• Oral and written communication skills. (Excellent)
• Workplace professionalism.

SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS

• The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday during typical business hours.
• Opportunity for a flex schedule is available.
• This position may be required to perform rare weekend work in the event of an emergency.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Bilingual (Spanish).
• Experience with providing child abuse related education to children, youth, and adults.
• Knowledge of child abuse & neglect issues and child development.
• Knowledge of legal, social, and developmental aspects of working with children.
• Specialized training in victim advocacy.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Typical Physical Demands: Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time. May occasionally move objects of up to 50 pounds, use a step ladder, and kneel/bend under objects. Must have clear vision at 20 inches or less and able to focus on a screen for up to 8 hours. The ability to speak clearly and distinctly and hear conversations in-person, via phone, or web-based platforms are a must.

Typical Mental Demands: Must be able to work under time-sensitive demands while always providing outstanding service. The ability to evaluate needs and find innovation and creative solutions in a high stress, fast-paced environment. The ability to manage multiple projects often with conflicting deadlines and priorities.

Building Environment: The work environment of the organization is consistent with modern American offices. Employees should expect to encounter equipment and technology, furniture, and office environment consistent with this type of workplace.

All positions at the Center are based on Grant Funding, Donor-Procurement, and other typical non-profit revenue streams. This position's annual continued viability is contingent upon these revenue sources.

This position is supervised by the Executive Director.

PROCESS

The job posting will remain open for applications through August 13, 2026, or until filled.

Interested candidates should be prepared to go to training at the earliest convenience upon starting (paid for by agency). Next available training dates are August 27th-28th.

Serious applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references with their application. Phone interviews with suitable applicants can be scheduled within 2-3 business days of application submission.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $48,880.00 - 52,000 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8-hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Language:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Applicants will have to pass fingerprinting and background checks prior to hire.