Volunteer Victim Advocate

Position: Volunteer Victim Advocate (Unpaid, 7 hours/week, One day per week)

Program: CIDNY Victim Assistance Program

Organization: Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York (CIDNY)

About Us:

The Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York (CIDNY) is committed to supporting individuals impacted by trauma, violence, and disability. We believe that lived experience and empathy are essential in providing meaningful assistance. This position will work at our Manhattan office, providing an excellent opportunity to build skills in advocacy, supportive counseling, case management, community outreach, and person-centered support.

The person working in this position will work at:

1010 Avenue Of The Americas, New York, NY 10018

We strongly encourage applicants with personal experience or connection to victim issues, and bilingual (English/Spanish) applicants are especially encouraged to apply.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a compassionate and empathetic Volunteer Victim Advocate to support clients referred by our staff counselors. This volunteer role provides a valuable service by offering emotional support, advocacy, and community outreach to individuals in need. The Volunteer Victim Advocate will collaborate with staff to ensure individuals receive empathetic, trauma-informed support, information, and referrals. This role also offers the chance to develop your skills in counseling, advocacy, case management, community engagement, and documentation.

This position offers a unique opportunity to be part of a committed team of disability advocates and professionals, gaining invaluable experience working with individuals with disabilities and survivors of crime, including but not limited to violent crime.

Responsibilities:

• Offer empathetic listening and support to individuals referred by CIDNY staff counselors.
• Provide information on victims’ rights, safety planning, and available community resources.
• Assist with community outreach activities, raising awareness about victim services and CIDNY programs.
• Communicate effectively with referring agencies and participate in outreach events and resource fairs.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate sensitivity to clients’ needs.
• Support staff in organizing and participating in outreach efforts as needed.
• Engage in training sessions and team meetings to stay informed of victim services and resources.
• Support case management activities, helping to coordinate program participants access to services and resources.
• Accurately document interactions and services provided using EMR systems.
• May accompany program participants to legal interviews and community resources.

Qualifications, Skills, and Competencies:

• Passion for helping others and advocating for victims of trauma and violence.
• Lived experience or personal connection to issues affecting crime victims or individuals with disabilities is encouraged.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (encouraged to apply).
• Empathy, active listening, and strong communication skills.
• Strong written communication skills and ability to document accurately.
• Comfort using EMR systems for documentation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to confidentiality and trauma-informed support.
• No prior formal experience required, but background in community outreach, peer support, or advocacy is a plus.

Time Commitment:

• 7 hours per week, on one designated day.

How to Apply

Please send a thoughtful cover

letter and resume to Eric Blazsek, Program Manager of Mental Health Services,

at eblazsek@cidny.org. Please use the job title as the email header. The cover letter should include your work history and other relevant life experience, and it should clarify what transferable skills you bring to the posted job description. No application will be considered without this cover letter.

Other Information

We conform to all laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, genetic information and testing, family and medical leave, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.