Lead Program Manager jobs in Akron, OH

Job Description

Posting/Revision Date: 11.30.24

External Job Description Title: Case Manager - County Courthouse

Actual Job Description Title: Victim Advocate

FLSA Status: Non-exempt, overtime & flextime eligible

Job Type: Full Time

Compensation: Hourly pay rate

Day Schedule: Monday - Friday

Shift Schedule: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

On-Call Requirements: Yes

Reporting to: Supervisor of Advocacy Services at the Domestic Relations Courthouse

The number of direct reports: 0

Flexibility: The ability to adjust shift schedule & work location is subject to the daily schedule

VICTIM ADVOCATE

About Us:

As one of the first victim services agencies in the United States, Victim Assistance Program (VAP) is committed to building upon the foundation established by our founder in 1972. We are continually evolving, advancing, and seeking innovative ways to assist victims of crime and trauma. If you are passionate about using your skills to help create a world where all victims are supported and healed, we invite you to consider joining our team.

Is Being a Victim Advocate Right for You?

Our team of 20 Victim Advocates provides free, nonclinical, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate services to individuals, families, and communities impacted by crisis, violence, or tragedy. We ensure that victims of all crimes and traumas, regardless of age, sex, race, socioeconomic status, religious belief, or language proficiency, have access to 24/7/365 immediate crisis intervention and advocacy. Services are provided through phone, chat, text, or in-person support, helping them navigate the aftermath of victimization and trauma.

Position: Victim Advocate

Victim Assistance Program, the leading expert in crisis intervention for victims of crime and trauma in Northeast Ohio, seeks dedicated candidates to join our valued team of Victim Advocates. We are looking for compassionate individuals who are passionate about helping those in need and capable of working independently and collaboratively to help clients achieve their goals. This role includes on-call responsibilities in the field, so flexibility and resilience are essential for success.

Taking Care of Our Team

While the rewards of being a Victim Advocate are significant, the work can also be challenging. We recognize the toll this vital work can take on our staff and prioritize mental health and well-being. Our organization fosters an environment of open communication, transparency, and solid supervisory support. We provide the tools and resources you need to succeed and are deeply committed to your professional and personal development.

We believe in investing in our culture, shared values, and the growth of each team member. Funding permitting, we offer opportunities for employees to attend out-of-state conferences, cover job-required licensures, host staff outings, and engage in activities that foster a positive work environment.

Our leadership team, with 50 years of combined experience in victim advocacy and non-profit management, provides evidence-based and best-practice training opportunities. We have nationally certified instructors who offer approved training, allowing staff to pursue National Advocate Credentialing through the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) or obtain certification in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention through the Crisis Prevention Institute. As an approved Continuing Education broker for the State of Ohio's Counselor, Social Work, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board, we provide ongoing training to help staff obtain, maintain, and advance professional certifications.

Our leadership team promotes resiliency, offers flexibility when scheduling permits, and supports a healthy work-life balance. We believe that when our employees are well-supported, the victims we serve receive the highest level of care—and that is our ultimate goal.

Key Responsibilities

Crisis Intervention

Respond 24/7/365 to the needs of victims via our hotline, at crime scenes, local hospitals, or office locations throughout the county

• Arrive on-scene within 30 minutes to provide immediate crisis intervention
• Assess and address the immediate needs of clients
• Utilize the NOVA model of crisis intervention
• Provide information and referrals once crisis intervention is complete
• Debrief with on-call supervisors after complex cases and provide follow-up support as needed
  
  
  

Advocacy

• Help clients navigate the municipal and County Court of Common Pleas systems
• Conduct intake assessments to better understand client needs
• Maintain knowledge of local resources and refer clients to appropriate external services
• Educate clients on their rights and assist them in applying or waiving their rights as victims of crime
• Coordinate services with local law enforcement and court personnel
• Provide criminal justice education and public records information to victims
• Attend court hearings and client meetings, offering advocacy and emotional support
• Empower clients to set and pursue their own goals
  
  
  

Administrative

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation and electronic case files
• Build and maintain professional relationships with Summit County law enforcement and local hospital staff
• Disseminate client rights and victim outcome surveys to assess program success
  
  
  

Benefits

Our facilities include an education and training space, a trauma-free room, and a fully equipped staff kitchen. We also offer a generous benefits package to full-time employees, including:

• PTO - Combined Sick, Personal, Vacation - Provided upfront, no waiting period, 40 hours of rollover permitted annually
• 160 hours of annual paid time off (PTO) for employees with on-call responsibilities OR
• 120 hours of annual (PTO) for employees without on-call responsibilities
• 13 paid federal holidays for all full-time employees
• 1 paid birthday holiday for all full-time employees
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for all full-time employees
• Medical: SummCare, VAP contributes 80% of the employee's annual premium
• Dental & Vision: Unum, VAP contributes 0% of the employee's annual premium
• Pet insurance for all full-time employee
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all full & part-time employees and family members
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel for all full & part-time employees
• Significant bereavement leave for all full-time employees
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer-matching contributions for all full & part-time employees (90 day waiting period)
  
  

Requirements

Victim Assistance Program is committed to equipping our employees with the tools for success. We ask that you bring the following qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field (preferred)
• Residency within 25 miles of VAP’s main office
• Ability to pass a state and federal background check throughout employment
• A valid driver’s license, current auto insurance, and reliable transportation throughout employment
• A desire to learn, grow, and use your skills to provide exceptional services to clients
  
  
  

Things to Consider Before Applying

At Victim Assistance Program, we want prospective employees to be fully aware of this work's potential physical and psychological impacts. As a Victim Advocate, you may be exposed to distressing sights, sounds, and situations, such as crime scenes, photos of abuse, and recordings of violent incidents. Additionally, some situations may involve potential physical risks from victims or aggressors.