Victim Advocate (Social Services Specialist II)

This position includes a signing bonus of $2,500 (full-time) for new county hires.

This is an exciting time to join Fairfax County Government as we shape racial and social equity policies in the county through the One Fairfax Policy. Using this framework, we intentionally consider equity when making policies or delivering programs and services. To learn more, we highly encourage you to watch the Becoming One Fairfax—An Introduction to Key Concepts video by clicking here and visit the One Fairfax webpage here. Plus, check out the Top 5 Reasons to Work with the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Division | Family Services.

ABOUT THIS POSITION As a member of the Division of Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) Advocacy Services Program, provides short-term case management, and in-person and telephone-based crisis intervention and safety planning options to survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking in need of support. Duties include:• Provides trauma informed, culturally sensitive, and survivor centered education on survivor rights, the dynamics of domestic violence, and the cycle of abuse.

• Provides advocacy services to include crisis intervention, emotional support and options counseling and safety planning.
• Supports survivors in navigating through complex court processes by explaining their rights and resources available to them.
• Provides court accompaniment, connects clients to pro-bono or low-cost legal resources, and offers emotional support during court hearings.
• Provides coverage for 24-hour crisis hotlines and after hours on-call support on a rotational basis and will participate in events held in the evenings and on weekends, as needed.
• Documents all work, maintains accurate records, and upholds confidentiality.
• Represents Domestic and Sexual Violence Services on county and community committees and workgroups.
• Maintains relationships with county and community service providers to ensure survivors receive current and accurate information.
• Participates in outreach events and may assist or help facilitate educational presentations.
• Other duties as assigned

The successful candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including strong listening abilities.
• Knowledge of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking issues, trends, dynamics, and interventions.
• Ability to organize information and manage workload in order to meet required deadlines.
• Possess the ability to demonstrate understanding, respect, and acceptance of diversity in all client and team interactions.
• Ability to make sound, trauma informed judgments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, partner agencies, and community organizations.
• Ability to use automated systems and county provided technology to perform job duties efficiently.
• Ability to assess safety, risk, and protective capacity and connect clients to appropriate resources as needed.
• Ability to demonstrate accountability, integrity, and professionalism.
• Ability to adhere to agency policies and ethical standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum of a bachelor's degree in a human services field OR minimum of a bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a human services area (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia). In order to be evaluated for positions in the Family Services Occupational Group, individuals who do not meet the degree requirement at the time of application for employment must be in their last semester of a degree program that will meet the requirements listed above. Contingent upon the area of assignment, some positions within this class may require specific certification(s) or experience prior to employment and/or the ability to acquire necessary certification(s) within a specified time period following employment. The certifications and preferred qualifications are identified in the position description and employment advertisement. CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED: Driver's license (required)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, child protective services registry and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer. BONUS ELIGIBILITY: Positions within this classification that are general merit may be eligible for a one-time hiring incentive bonus for new county employees only. This bonus program requires a signed payback agreement between the department and employee.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in social work or a related human services field
• Two (2) years of directly related professional experience in the social services or human services field.
• At least two (2) years of full-time equivalent experience working with victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking and/or human trafficking.
• At least three (3) years of experience working in the victim advocacy field.
• At least three (3) years working with court services and court systems.
• Experience working with a diverse multicultural population.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Ability to transport self to different worksites or locations, as needed. Ability to use automated technology to access, input, retrieve, and process information. Ability to lift up to 15 lbs. All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE: Panel interview; may include exercise. Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity. Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. [email protected] EEO/AA/TTY.