Experience Inc. Jobs

NORTHAMPTON PLEASE SEE WEBSITE FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION Family Service Advocate MAIN FUNCTIONS: Primarily responsible for the provision of information, support and advocacy services for child (under 18) victims, witnesses and survivors throughout the criminal justice process by ensuring the delivery of mandated rights enumerated in the Massachusetts Victim Bill of Rights. QUALIFICATIONS: Associate\'s or Bachelor\'s Degree in social services, criminal justice, early childhood education or related field; Excellent writing and communication skills and a desire to work with children and families; Access to a reliable vehicle and ability to travel within the district; Knowledge and experience in criminal justice system, direct victim services, or child protection strongly preferred; and Bilingual Spanish fluency a plus. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Offer direct services to child victims and witnesses and their families including crisis intervention, assessment and evaluation of needs for referrals, orientation of court procedures and accompaniment to court; Comply with the Victim Bill of Rights pursuant to M.G.L. c. 258B including notification of all court hearings, postponements and continuances; Provide information and assistance to victims and/or their parent/guardian regarding victim?s right to provide a Victim Impact Statement to the court; Maintain case files in a manner commensurate with office policy; Document all case activity; Maintain ongoing communication with Assistant District Attorneys on mutual child abuse cases regarding case status, victim concerns and input; Establish and maintain positive working relationships with outside service providers, other law enforcement agencies, Department of Children and Families (DCF) and court personnel for consultation and cooperation; Provide crisis assessment and intervention regarding child abuse, perform domestic violence screening and make appropriate referrals; Participate as a member of a multidisciplinary team (with DCF and law enforcement) for purposes of the forensic interviews of children, investigations, case reviews, and prosecution of child abuse cases, interacting with child victims and assessing family needs; Participate in Outreach, Interdisciplinary Professional training and Public Awareness Education as required; Coordinate advocacy for victims and families involved in the probable cause hearings or trials for sexually dangerous person commitment proceedings; Offer court coverage and support to the Victim Witness Assistance Unit as needed; Perform any other duties as required. SALARY: \$45,000 - \$50,000 plus medical and other employee benefits. BENEFITS: The NWDAO offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. The overall benefits available include: Paid Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave Time; Health, Dental and Vision Insurance through the Commonwealth\'s Group Insurance Commission; and a pre-tax Health Savings Account optional plan. In addition, the NWDAO provides employees the opportunity to elect Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Deferred Compensation Savings, Tuition Remission, along with other programs. NWDAO employees also participate in the Commonwealth\'s State Retirement Plan, which can become a defined benefit plan for those that both vest and subsequently retire from state service. The NWDAO provides the ability for new full-time employees to accrue two weeks of paid vacation leave per year, up to 5 personal days of leave per year (depending upon the quarter of the year that one\'s employment begins), 11 recognized state / federal paid holidays, and the opportunity to accrue up to 9.375 hours of paid sick leave per month.