Govt. ACFS - Victim Advocate - Closes: 07-10-2026

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Victim Advocate is responsible for managing a multidisciplinary caseload consisting of victim advocacy, multi-agency liaison, community support coordination, and non-therapeutic counseling. The position is responsible for ensuring the client’s needs are met and for ensuring the client’s safety.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Provides in-home and in-office Crisis Counseling, assessment, case management, on-going non-therapeutic counseling, and coordination of multi-agency services.
• Provides resources, safety planning and advocacy to ensure the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional well being of victims of crime.
• Works on-call as a support for law enforcement personnel who need assistance with victims in crisis.
• Prepares victims to testify in criminal cases, assists with legal paperwork and advocates for victims in courtroom settings, both verbally and in writing.
• Works within Tribal, State, and Federal court systems to assist clients in understanding complex legal proceedings, advises victims of their rights and keeps informed of case developments.
• Provides emergency legal advocacy for victims in need of personal protection orders through completion of required legal forms and proper documentation.
• Documents service provisions and meets specific deadlines.
• Communicates with community and individuals through outreach programs and community education.
• Presents informational materials on victim issues to individuals, agencies and professional staff including law enforcement, social services and health services.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Continues professional development and invests time in staying current on the profession.

CONTACTS:

Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, customers, outside vendors/service providers, professional level employees including law enforcement, court personnel, federal criminal justice systems.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position light with frequent lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds. Physical factors include constant sitting, use of hearing, smell, near/midrange/far vision, depth perception, color/field of vision; frequent driving and typing; and occasional standing, walking, lifting/pushing/carrying/pulling, stooping and kneeling, reaching, manual handling and bending. Working conditions include occasional exposure to weather, extreme hot/cold, wet/humidity, and noise and air quality. Potential hazards include constant patient/client contact, computer use; frequent exposures to chemicals, insecticides/pesticides, infectious exposure; and occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, needles/syringes and equipment. Position has exposure to high risk and volatile situations.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, related fields of Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Political Science or five years demonstrated ability in related work experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

Experience: Minimum of one-year experience working in the social services field or with advocacy resource programs required in addition to above stated degree requirements.

Certification/License: Will be required to undergo and successfully pass a background check. Must maintain a good moral character standing. Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with annual license review and insurability standards. Must comply with the Sault Tribe’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy which may include random drug tests

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must maintain confidentiality. Must have advanced knowledge of dynamics of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and victimology. Must have advanced knowledge of Tribal, State, and Federal Codes, ordinances, and court procedures related to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and victimology. Must have advanced knowledge of crisis intervention techniques. Must have advanced knowledge of risk assessment strategies and techniques. Must have advanced knowledge of community resources providing assistance to families and individuals. Must have knowledge of basic principles of casework involving analysis of the physical, psychological, and social factors. Must have knowledge of human behavior and behavioral sciences; dynamics of interpersonal relationships and family dynamics. Must be able to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with supervisory personnel, coworkers, subordinates, the general public and State, Federal and Tribal agencies and staff. Must be able to work with minimal to no supervision. Must be able to work in high stress environment and handle difficult situations. Must be able to exercise independent discretion and judgment. Must be able to travel. Must have organizational skills and be able to plan, prioritize and manage workload to meet goals in a timely manner. Must have good project management skills; provide strong leadership, prioritize project tasks, meet project deadlines and effectively communicate with personnel, coworkers and the general public. Must have excellent communication skills and be able to communicate clearly in person, in writing, and by telephone and email. Position requires being on-call. Native American preferred.

This job description outlines the general scope and level of responsibilities associated with the position. It is not intended to be an employment contract, nor does it represent a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or requirements. The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians reserves the right to modify, add, reassign, or combine job duties or positions, in whole or in part, at any time.