Mayo Clinic Center for Safe and Healthy Children and Adolescents (MCCSHCA) is hiring a Victim Advocate to provide essential advocacy services within the Center. MCCSHCA coordinates investigative and intervention services to bring together representatives from multiple disciplines (including law enforcement, child protection, victim advocates, prosecution, mental health, and medical providers) to work collaboratively on behalf of children who have experienced or witnessed abuse, neglect, or other serious crimes. MCCSHCA is a child-focused and child-friendly center that helps children feel safe and secure during an emotional and confusing time.
• MCCSHCA provides a victim advocate to represent and give a voice to affected children and families. The victim advocate works to minimize child and family trauma and promote recovery throughout the child abuse investigation, court processes, and aftermath. The victim advocate conducts assessments of individual and cultural needs and helps ensure those needs are communicated to and addressed by the multidisciplinary team and other service providers. The victim advocate provides crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, and case management throughout the life of the case. The victim advocate accompanies children and families to legal proceedings when appropriate and assists in their preparation. The victim advocate is responsible for maintaining client documentation in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations.
• A love of dogs is a plus! Following successful completion of orientation, training requirements, and approximately six months of employment, this individual will serve as a backup handler for MCCSHCA’s Duo Dog, helping support a welcoming, comforting, and child-friendly environment for patients and families.
Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or other related field. Knowledge of state and federal statutes regarding victims' rights, domestic violence, criminal sexual conduct, and other crime areas. Ability to recruit, train, and supervise volunteers. Demonstrates ability to work individually as well as with the team. Preferred: Spanish speaking skills. Criminal background check every 5 years.