Victim/Witness Advocate

A position at Boston Police Department

The Victim/Witness Advocate (VWA) will be hired to work with the Homicide Unit of the Boston Police Department (BPD) in providing appropriate services and referrals to surviving families of homicide victims and to witnesses in homicide investigations.

Hours: Full-time

Resumes due by June 30

The Victim/Witness Advocate (VWA) will be hired to work with the Homicide Unit of the Boston Police Department (BPD) in providing appropriate services and referrals to surviving families of homicide victims and to witnesses in homicide investigations. The VWA will act as a BPD liaison to non-profit and governmental agencies; victim rights organizations, and community groups in the Boston area on issues concerning homicides and gang violence.

This VWA will be responsible for:

Crisis Intervention and Referrals: provides assistance in assessment and evaluation of homicide survivor and witness needs, and assistance with referrals for appropriate services including shelter placement, mental health counseling, peer support groups, emergency financial assistance, protection, and relocation.

Victim of Violent Crime Compensation: provides assistance with filing a claim of compensation through the Attorney General’s Victim Compensation Division.

Notification Services: provides notification of investigative changes in status, including but not limited to the eventual arrest of the offender(s).

Transition to Governmental Agencies: provides transition to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office (SCDAO) in the event of an arrest and prosecution. The VWA will act as a liaison to the House of Corrections Victim Services Unit, the Department of Correction Victim Services Unit, and the Criminal History Systems Board for information on offender status.

Safety Planning: works to secure safe living arrangements for homicide witnesses and survivors of homicide who are intimidated and forced to go into hiding, particularly in gang-related murders. This assistance includes but is not limited to interceding with local housing authorities and coordinating with the BPD Homicide investigators to increase safety measures.

Data Collection and Reporting: documents and reports out cases assigned and resources made available.

In addition, the Advocate will be required to perform 3 hours per month overtime attending or participating in community meetings and events

Reports to Lt. Detective Robert Merner, Commander of Homicide Unit
 
Qualifications:

Applicants must have at least two (2) to five (5) years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in advocating for victims of crime, working with victims, diverse populations, and social issues affecting victims and their families. Applicants must possess strong skills and demonstrated ability in crisis management, problem solving and communication. It is strongly preferred that applicants possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Compensation:
$65,000 in straight salary per year, conditioned on continued grant funding.

Funded through employment contract – therefore no employment benefits. Will be responsible for own health insurance, etc.

Please note, will be subject to drug test and background check, per policy of Boston Police Department.

Interested parties should also send resumes to:

Aliza Rodriguez
Director of Community Affairs
Boston Police Department
Office of the Police Commissioner
One Schroeder Plaza
Boston, MA 02120
Phone: 617-343-6314
Fax: 617-343-5003
Email: RodriguezAl.bpd@cityofboston.gov