Job Description

The Office of the Victim Advocate (OVA) works on behalf of both victims and co-victims of crime, with an emphasis on addressing the pervasive and devastating effects of gun violence.  Such advocacy will include policy, practice, planning, training, and public education. The Office will also facilitate coordination between agencies that serve or otherwise regularly interact with victims and refer individuals to service providers as needed.

The Relocation Specialist will be tasked with building out the infrastructure to assist those impacted by gun violence who need assistance in relocating to safer circumstances. The Relocation Specialist will build partnerships to create the framework for our program, implement said program, and monitor its caseload. The Relocation Specialist will oversee responding to case referrals, implementing need-based responses for each client, and ensuring that services are rendered by partner agencies. In addition to various city agencies and community-based partners, the Relocation Specialist will work closely with the Office of Violence Prevention to administer services to those who have been impacted by gun violence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Development and promotion of sound strategy, policy, and practices regarding the relocation of those impacted by gun violence.
• Facilitate coordination on relocation issues within local government, across different levels of government, and with relevant non-governmental agencies.
• Identify the technical assistance and other support to agencies that serve or otherwise regularly interact with victims.
• Educate the public on relocation services when necessary.
• Keep a current inventory of resources and other assets for victims to assist in advising stakeholder agencies and in referring victims and co-victims in need.
• Serve as a liaison between the victim community and City government, including via the Office’s advisory board.

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to sensitively work with the victim community.
• Knowledge of the legal and funding landscapes relating to the victims’ rights and services.
• Knowledge of victims’ issues and leading models for policy and practice in victim services.
• Knowledge of relocation services and assets city-wide.
• Knowledge of all levels of government and ability to navigate effectively.
• Readiness to interact with a broad range of stakeholders, including senior government officials, civic leaders, and community members, across setting including hearings, press conferences, community meetings, and other public forums.
• Highly organized and capable of tracking files, content, and projects in a systematic manner
• Familiarity with, and understanding of, City of Philadelphia municipal operations and departments
• Ability to establish and foster relationships with cross-sector partners and to work as part of a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2-5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience developing and implementing policy and programs is required.
• Experience with strategic communications, community engagement, and constituent services is preferred.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: INTERESTED CANDIDATES MUST SUBMIT A COVER LETTER AND RESUME.

Salary Range: $50,000 - $55,000 

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available

*THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MUST BE A CITY OF PHILADELPHIA RESIDENT WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF HIRE

_PLEASE NOTE THAT EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA IS REQUIRING ALL NEW EMPLOYEES TO PRESENT PROOF OF VACCINATION AGAINST COVID-19. _

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx