Victims Assistance Director

* The Victims Assistance Director is a grant funded position; therefore, the duration of this position is subject to the guidelines outlined in the grant.

SUMMARY

Assist Native American victims of crime residing in the six-county service area and any victims of crime that occurs on Grand Traverse Band land with support and advocacy through the criminal justice systems (Tribal, local, state or Federal), access needs and locate appropriate services and follow up with victims for post-crisis needs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 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 Academy.
• Must have a valid Michigan Driver's License and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist Native American victims of crime residing in the six-county service area and any victims of crime that occurs on Grand Traverse Band land.
• Respond to crisis situations and access immediate needs of victims.
• Develop and maintain client files and monthly statistical data.
• Discuss problems with the victims and advise victims of options available and explain the consequences of those choices.
• Provide frequent home visits.
• Locate needed social services both inside and outside the Band whether there is criminal prosecution or not.
• Inform victims of their rights.
• Match victims with resources: financial and restitution as well as other direct services.
• Provide transportation and attendance with victims in court and to needed services.
• Assist victims in filling out and filing personal protection orders.
• Provide out-reach services to non-Indian agencies for victim referrals.
• Access victims' post-crisis needs, make appropriate referrals, and provide transportation to referral sources.
• Coordinate and network with Tribal and non-Tribal criminal justice agencies, social service agencies and other crime victim and advocacy programs.
• Attend meetings related to crime victims in all six counties in service area as well as required national, state and local conferences and meetings regarding victim assistance.
• Performs other duties as required.
• Participate on local victim advocacy committees to accomplish outreach and referral services.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Work independently; follow through on given assignments and exercise initiative and good judgment.
• Maintain professional attitude and demeanor regarding highly critical issues involving confidentiality and discretion.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement, attorneys, judges, court staff, other agencies and the public.
• Work under pressure in crisis situations and with sensitive issues.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Work with persons of diverse ages, races, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds etc.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and practices, Tribal, local, state, and Federal laws.
• Knowledge of victim issues, judicial processes and community resources for victims of crime.

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 Academy.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

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

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervise and train volunteer caseworkers that will assist victims and monitor the criminal justice system.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

Ability to operate an automobile in the course of assigned duties. Occasional use of computer, printer and fax machine. Frequent use of telephone.

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

Sort through complex issues and direct victims to needed resources; apply laws to specific situations. Access situations and make decisions in stressful/crisis situations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Considerable exposure to stressful situations, as a result of human behavior, in dealing with a variety of different types of individuals and community organizations.
• On-call for crisis situations and may be required to work non-traditional hours 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 through motion with Tribal Council approval. * Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.

Current Openings for Victims Assistance Director Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians