Soloh Partners Inc
Job Description
The client receives and investigates approximately 5,000 complaints each year. The largest civilian oversight agency in the United States, the client is an independent, nonpolice agency. It is empowered to investigate, make findings and recommend action on complaints against New York City police officers that allege the use of excessive Force, Abuse of authority, Discourtesy and/or Offensive language. In February 2018, the Board adopted a resolution directing staff to begin investigating certain allegations of sexual misconduct and develop a plan to investigate allegations of criminal sexual misconduct. As a result of this initiative the client has been focused on how to best help civilians who may be experiencing psychological trauma related to negative police interactions.
Civilian Assistance Unit (CAU) The Unit will aid those who reportedly experienced trauma following a police encounter, with specific assistance provided for those who have reported sexual assault or other types of serious police misconduct during the investigation and trial processes. Civilians will be provided advocacy and support to assist them navigating through the complex legal system which may be encountered following filing a complaint with the client. Civilian Assistance Unit will use a trauma‑informed and victim‑centered approach to provide ongoing support to civilians (victims/witnesses of police misconduct) with various social issues they might experience.
CAU Advocate will act as an important point of contact to connect vulnerable populations with needed social and psychological support services. As a liaison to support services in the City, CAU Advocate will help civilians to stay connected with the client, connect them to City‑wide services they may not be aware of or that are under‑utilized.
Tasks and Responsibilities
Assists civilians in recovering from the physical, emotional, and financial impact of trauma
Conducts psychosocial assessment and determines needs of civilians
Provides resources, referrals, and assistance with victim's compensation, burial assistance, housing/relocation, clothing, food, transportation, medical services, counseling, mentoring, or other appropriate services
Provides support and assistance to civilians navigating the client process
Responds to inquiries and requests; explains the Victim Bill of Rights and judicial processes
Notifies civilians of any status changes in case proceedings, such as hearing dates, case status and outcomes, and other pertinent information
Uses phone, email, written correspondence, and in‑person meetings to make contact and follow‑up with civilians
Accompanies civilians to investigator and attorney interviews as needed to provide support and guidance
Communicates with Administrative Prosecution Unit, Investigators, community service providers, volunteers, interns, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work, activities and resolve problems; discusses cases; advocates and communicates on behalf of victim's rights, needs, and concerns
Processes a variety of documentation associated with agency/unit operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures
Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including victim's compensation packet, and advocacy reports; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of unit reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records
Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e‑mail, or other software
Operates general office or other equipment and supplies as necessary to complete essential functions; performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Qual Requirements A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
Preferred Qual and Skills
Bachelors degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology or a related field required; a minimum of two years of experience working with survivors of trauma, such as crime or abuse; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Foreign language proficiency a plus.
Essential Skills
Proficient in MS Suite.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
Ability to multi‑task, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
A collegial, flexible and adaptable approach to work is required.
*This position is a grant‑funded one‑year contract with the possibility of extension.
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Civilian Assistance Unit (CAU) The Unit will aid those who reportedly experienced trauma following a police encounter, with specific assistance provided for those who have reported sexual assault or other types of serious police misconduct during the investigation and trial processes. Civilians will be provided advocacy and support to assist them navigating through the complex legal system which may be encountered following filing a complaint with the client. Civilian Assistance Unit will use a trauma‑informed and victim‑centered approach to provide ongoing support to civilians (victims/witnesses of police misconduct) with various social issues they might experience.
CAU Advocate will act as an important point of contact to connect vulnerable populations with needed social and psychological support services. As a liaison to support services in the City, CAU Advocate will help civilians to stay connected with the client, connect them to City‑wide services they may not be aware of or that are under‑utilized.
Tasks and Responsibilities
Assists civilians in recovering from the physical, emotional, and financial impact of trauma
Conducts psychosocial assessment and determines needs of civilians
Provides resources, referrals, and assistance with victim's compensation, burial assistance, housing/relocation, clothing, food, transportation, medical services, counseling, mentoring, or other appropriate services
Provides support and assistance to civilians navigating the client process
Responds to inquiries and requests; explains the Victim Bill of Rights and judicial processes
Notifies civilians of any status changes in case proceedings, such as hearing dates, case status and outcomes, and other pertinent information
Uses phone, email, written correspondence, and in‑person meetings to make contact and follow‑up with civilians
Accompanies civilians to investigator and attorney interviews as needed to provide support and guidance
Communicates with Administrative Prosecution Unit, Investigators, community service providers, volunteers, interns, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work, activities and resolve problems; discusses cases; advocates and communicates on behalf of victim's rights, needs, and concerns
Processes a variety of documentation associated with agency/unit operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures
Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including victim's compensation packet, and advocacy reports; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of unit reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records
Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e‑mail, or other software
Operates general office or other equipment and supplies as necessary to complete essential functions; performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Qual Requirements A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
Preferred Qual and Skills
Bachelors degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology or a related field required; a minimum of two years of experience working with survivors of trauma, such as crime or abuse; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Foreign language proficiency a plus.
Essential Skills
Proficient in MS Suite.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
Ability to multi‑task, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
A collegial, flexible and adaptable approach to work is required.
*This position is a grant‑funded one‑year contract with the possibility of extension.
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