JOIN OUR TEAM!

If you are passionate about providing trauma- and violence-informed, client-centered care and possess the skills to navigate complex systems, advocate for victims’ rights, and prioritize safety planning and risk assessment, we want to hear from you! 

CURRENT OPENING: Victim Advocate, Grey County

Victim Services Bruce Grey 

Victim Advocate – Full-time, Fixed-term Contract (40 hours/week, ending June 30, 2025) 

Victim Services Bruce Grey is seeking a compassionate and dedicated individual to join our team as a Victim Advocate. This critical role supports victims of crime and tragedy, ensuring they are empowered, informed, and connected to essential resources in their journey toward recovery. 

Position Details 

Location: Community-based role with travel throughout Bruce and Grey Counties. The primary office is in Owen Sound, with work required from satellite offices in Kincardine, Walkerton, Saugeen Shores, and other locations to meet the needs of victims and programs. 

Position Summary 

As a Victim Advocate, you will deliver client-centered, trauma and violence informed support, system-navigation and advocacy to individuals impacted by crime or tragedy. You will focus on emotional support, risk assessment & safety planning, and connecting victims to vital resources, ensuring they feel empowered and supported throughout their recovery and legal journey. 

Key Responsibilities 

Support Services 

  • Provide trauma & violence informed emotional & crisis support, and practical assistance. 
  • Educate victims about their rights and the legal system. 

Crisis Intervention and Safety Planning 

  • Respond to emergency calls, providing immediate support and de-escalation strategies. 
  • Develop and implement individualized safety plans, ensuring victims are protected. 
  • Refer victims to shelters, protective services, and specialized support as needed. 

System Navigation and Resource Coordination 

  • Act as a bridge between victims and community services, including medical, mental health, financial, housing, and other community resources. 
  • Guide victims through compensation programs and assist with necessary applications. 
  • Initiate referrals to High-Risk Coordination tables and support recommended outcomes. 

Advocacy and Case Management 

  • Serve as a liaison between victims and law enforcement, legal professionals, and other agencies. 
  • Advocate for victim rights, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs prioritized. 
  • Maintain accurate, confidential records, and monitor case progress to keep victims informed of updates. 

Community Education and Outreach 

  • Facilitate training and awareness initiatives for professionals and community members on victim rights and available support services. 
  • Engage in outreach activities to promote services and build collaborative networks. 

Qualifications 

Education and Training 

  • Degree or diploma in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a related field. 
  • Training in victimology, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, or victim advocacy is highly valued. 

Experience 

  • Experience in social services, counseling, gender-based violence, crisis intervention, or related areas is required.  
  • Familiarity with the criminal justice system and victims’ rights is essential.  
  • Experience in coaching and mentoring is preferred. 
  • Training in B-Safer or other risk assessment tool, ASIST or other mental health intervention program, Situation Table Training is an asset. 

Skills and Attributes 

  • Empathy and Compassion: A deep understanding of trauma and the ability to provide client-centered care. 
  • Risk Assessment and Safety Planning: Expertise in identifying risks and developing effective safety strategies. 
  • Advocacy and Negotiation: Strong skills in advocating for victims’ needs with various stakeholders. 
  • Cultural Competence: Sensitivity to diverse cultural and personal backgrounds. 
  • Organizational and Communication Skills: Effectiveness in multi-tasking while working in a high paced environment, managing cases, and communicating with victims and professionals. 
  • Emotional Resilience: Capacity to handle emotionally challenging situations while maintaining professionalism. 

Work Environment 

  • Community-focused, requiring travel. 
  • Participation in the On-Call Team rotation. 
  • Engages directly with victims in various settings, including courts, police stations, and community organizations. 

Victim Services Bruce Grey is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of victims of crime and tragedy. 

Application Deadline: January 26th, 2025 at 11:59pm. 

Please send Resume & Cover Letter to: director@victim-services.com 

Victim Services Bruce Grey is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. VSBG will make every effort to accommodate accessibility requests during the hiring process.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.