Tribal Victim Services Coordinator

SUMMARY:

The Tribal Victim Services Coordinator serves as the Program Director for the Tribal Victim Services Program and provides direct advocacy services to victims of crime within the Grand Traverse Band service area. The TVS Coordinator is responsible for delivering trauma-informed, culturally responsive services to Native American victims of crime residing within the six-county service area. This position performs program implementation, grant compliance, data reporting, community outreach, and multidisciplinary collaboration with Tribal, local, state, and Federal agencies. The TVSC Program Director ensures victims receive comprehensive advocacy and support while strengthening coordinated responses to crime victims and improving access to services with the Tribal community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide direct advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, and case management services to Native American victims of crime residing within the six-county service area and victims of crimes occurring within GTB jurisdiction.
• Serve as Program Director for the Tribal Victim Services Program, overseeing daily program operations, program development, and service delivery.
• Respond to crisis situations and assess immediate safety needs of victims, coordinating appropriate emergency and long-term support services.
• Provide trauma-informed guidance to victims navigating Tribal, local, state, and Federal criminal justice systems.
• Develop, implement and maintain program policies and procedures consistent with victim advocacy best practices and Tribal values.
• Maintain detailed client case files, program documentation, and service records while ensuring strict adherence to confidentiality standards.
• Collect, analyze and report program data including victim services statistics, outcomes and performance measures as required by grant funding sources.
• Prepare and submit timely program reports and documentation required by funding agencies and Tribal administration.
• Discuss available options with victims, explain potential outcomes, and assist victims in making informed decisions regarding their safety and legal rights.
• Conduct home visits and community-based outreach to ensure victims can safely access services and resources.
• Assist victims in accessing available resources including financial assistance, restitution, housing services, counseling, medical care, and legal advocacy.
• Provide transportation and accompany victims to court proceedings, medical appointments, and other necessary services when appropriate.
• Assist victims with legal documentation including personal protection orders, victim compensation applications, and other legal forms.
• Coordinate and maintain collaborative relationships with Tribal departments, law enforcement agencies, courts, social service providers, and community organizations.
• Participate in coordinated community response, multidisciplinary teams and victim advocacy committees' efforts addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and other violent crimes affecting the community.
• Provide outreach and referrals to non-tribal agencies serving victims within the service area.
• Represent the Tribal Victim Services Program at local, state and national meetings, conferences, and trainings related to victim advocacy and Tribal victim services.
• Assist in identifying funding opportunities and support grant development efforts to sustain and expand victim services programming.
• Evaluate program effectiveness through service data, client feedback, and community input to improve services and identify service gaps.
• Perform other duties as required.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work independently while exercising initiative, sound judgement, and professional discretion.
• Maintain a professional attitude when dealing with highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Must be able to handle and/or redirect potentially hostile clients, family members, and/or other inappropriate adversarial situations.
• Must maintain appropriate boundaries with clients and families.
• Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action. Use judgment and emotional intelligence in identifying and selecting appropriate procedures to use.
• Must be able to work in high stress environment and maintain objectivity.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement, attorneys, judges, court personnel, social service providers, and community partners.
• Work effectively under pressure and respond appropriately in crisis situations.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Work effectively with individuals of diverse ages, races, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and practices within Tribal, local, state, and Federal court systems.
• Knowledge of victim's rights, judicial processes, and community resources available for victims of crime
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care practices and culturally responsive services delivery.
• Complete and maintain certification through victim advocacy training programs as required by grant.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or Social and Behavioral Sciences. *
• Equivalent combination of education and work experience in the field of victim advocacy
• Graduation/certification from the Michigan Victim Assistance

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS:

• Local travel within the six county service areas is frequently required
• Must have a valid Michigan driver's license and insurable by GTB insurance

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide supervision, guidance, and training to volunteer advocates or caseworkers assisting victims.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED:

Ability to operate an automobile in the course of assigned duties. Use of computer systems, including reporting software. Frequent use of telephone, printer, and other office equipment.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to drive a car
• Must be able to travel throughout the six-county service area
• Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS:

Analyze complex situations and determine appropriate resources for victims. Apply laws and policies to specific situations. Make decisions during high-stress or crisis situations. Maintain professional composure while working with individuals experiencing trauma.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Frequent exposure to stressful situations as a result of assisting victims of crime.
• On-call responsibilities for crisis response may be required, including evenings and weekends.
• Exposure to potentially hostile environments
• Working outside of the office 75% of the time

COMMENTS

Native American Preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a criminal history background check with no felonies or serious misdemeanors and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Must have a valid driver's license and be able to be insured with the Tribe. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. * Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.

Current Openings for Tribal Victim Services Coordinator Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians