Domestic Violence Victim Advocate

ABOUT THE ORLEANS PARISH DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE (OPDA):

Jason Rogers Williams took office as the Orleans Parish District Attorney on January 11, 2021, and is building a 21st century prosecutors' office with a team of the best and brightest from around the country and a mission of being as smart on crime as the office has historically been tough on crime. New Orleans has led the world in convictions and incarceration for decades, without any corresponding decrease in crime. OPDA is simultaneously increasing safety and delivering justice with a laser focus on serious offenses and a belief that every New Orleanian deserves the presumption of innocence.

Position Overview:

We are currently hiring Victim/Witness Assistance Coordinators to join our team, playing a crucial role in supporting victims of domestic violence within the criminal justice system. As a coordinator, you will serve as the main point of contact for victims and their families, providing comprehensive assistance from case inception through trial conclusion.

Qualifications:

· Licensed Counselor or Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Public Health, or a related mental health field required

· Experience in working with Domestic Violence survivors or within a trauma-related field

· Working knowledge of the criminal justice system

· Familiarity with domestic violence issues and related matters within the criminal justice system

· Bilingual candidates preferred

Responsibilities:

· Complete a 40-hour agency-provided training within the first two weeks of employment

· Provide trauma-informed direct services to domestic abuse victims, including support, advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, information, and referrals

· Handle emergency situations to ensure the safety of all clients

· Possess knowledge of community resources in the Greater New Orleans area for appropriate referrals

· Understand the process of obtaining Civil and Criminal Protective Orders, including filing with the Louisiana Protective Order Registry (LPOR), LAVNS registration, and CVR applications

· Explain court proceedings and notify victims/witnesses accordingly

· Prepare victims/witnesses for court proceedings and testimony when necessary

· Attend court sessions as required

· Coordinate meetings between victims/witnesses and prosecuting attorneys to determine case facts, prepare testimony, and discuss plea negotiations

· Document all client contacts and enter them into the client records database promptly

Applicants Must Have:

· A commitment to the organization's mission, vision, and values

· Knowledge of domestic violence issues and related matters within the criminal justice system

· Ability to work with diverse populations

· Sensitivity in interacting with traumatized populations and adept crisis management

· Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail for systematic case tracking and recordkeeping

Reports to:

Victim Witness Division Chief

Classification:

Full-time, exempt

EEO STATEMENT:

OPDA is an equal opportunity employer. The office values a diverse workforce and management reflective of the communities that it serves. OPDA adheres to a policy of making employment, promotion, and other personnel decisions without regard to race, culture, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, caregiver status, citizenship, age, or disability, or other legally protected status

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION:

OPDA is dedicated to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities, and talent that OPDA employees invest in their work represents a significant part of the office's culture, reputation, and achievement. OPDA embraces and encourages employees' differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make its employees unique.