Volunteer Victim Advocate

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MISSION: The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking.

TITLE OF POSITION: Volunteer Victim Advocate

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Life is forever changed after an impaired driving crash. Victims/survivors are often left bereaved, injured and financially devastated. With the emotional, financial and legal issues they face on a daily basis, victims/survivors need support to confront the challenges that lie ahead. Volunteer victim advocates are responsible for providing victim services to victims/survivors of impaired driving who may be in need of crisis intervention, emotional support, practical guidance, community referrals and support groups. Services are delivered in person, by telephone and in writing.

*All Volunteer Victim Advocates are required to complete the application process and attend the Victim Assistance Training Institute on July 7-8, 2017*

VOLUNTEER VICTIM ADVOCATE FUNCTIONS:

• Work closely with Volunteer Liaison and local MADD entities to receive cases, support and training.
• Provide effective and timely assistance to victims/survivors of impaired driving who contact MADD for services.
• Identify victims/survivors of impaired driving crashes by way of newspaper articles, police reports or other means. Send a MADD We Care Card to these victims/survivors as a primary means of contact.
• Assess victims/survivors’ needs for emotional support, information and referrals, implementing beneficial interventions based upon the assessment of needs.
• Provide both on-going risk management and emotional support to maintain a current assessment of victims/survivors’ coping and need for further referrals.
• Establish and utilize a network of community partners in the criminal justice, legal, medical and social service systems to facilitate assistance for victims/survivors.
• Collect and maintain community resource information, sharing this information with victims/survivors and other victim advocates.
• Accompany victims/survivors to justice proceedings as deemed appropriate.
• Provide advocacy to victims/survivors by assisting in the protection of victims/survivors’ rights, facilitating in the exercising of rights and providing education about the criminal and civil justice processes.
• Maintain accurate case records, statistical information and grant reports according to MADD and grant guidelines.
• Assist in the development, facilitation and implementation of appropriate victim/survivor programs.
• Other duties as requested.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Completion of the Beginning Victim Assistance Training Institute.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Sensitivity to the needs of victims/survivors of impaired driving.
• Ethical behavior and respect for confidentiality.
• Reliable transportation.
• Background check required

TIME COMMITMENT REQUIRED:

• Two day Victim Assistance Training Institute (July 7-8, 2017)
• Flexible based on victim/survivor need, schedule can be customized

LOCATION:

• MADD Victim/Survivors are located all over Colorado. We will work with you to connect you to those in your area.

CONTACT:

Rebecca Green, Programs Specialist and Volunteer Coordinator, 303.425.5902 x6855 or Rebecca.green@madd.org