Center for Victims (CV) is a dynamic and innovative agency that offers career building opportunities and advanced training on trauma informed interventions and corresponding strategies that foster resiliency and healing.  CV provides comprehensive clinical, educational, advocacy and supportive services to children, women, men, families and community members who have been impacted by crime, abuse and violence.  We provide preparation and accompaniment for victims and witnesses throughout all criminal court procedures and assistance with securing services specific to victims and witnesses of crime.  We also offer mediation and resolution services for many conflicts and disputes such as those that arise between neighbors, family members and landlords.  Come join our team! Gain valuable hands on experience, enjoy a competitive salary and benefit package and make a difference.  Start by checking out our employment opportunities below and send in your resume today!

Center for Victims (CV) provides comprehensive victim services to help individuals, families, and communities heal from trauma.  CV encourages individuals to apply who display initiative, a positive attitude and the willingness to thrive in a team centered, professional environment.

“I’ve been feeling angry lately and I haven’t been listening to my mom very well. It’s because I haven’t been coming here. When I come here, it sets me straight for the week and I feel better.” – 8 year old client to CV Therapist

“Thank you! In [REDACTED] I finally decided to press charges against my father for 11 years of sexual abuse. I didn’t know where to turn or what to do. I almost gave up. I called your center and spoke with a women who changed my life. She put me in contact with the d.a. office of Washington county and gave me the first step I needed to take on a very long journey. After 4 years of a unbearable legal process, I’m so happy to say that yesterday [REDACTED], my father made a guilty plea for aggravated sexual assault. Without the guidance and support of the woman I spoke with, I would have gave up hope and not felt the pride of a survivor. Thank you for all you do!” Female Client, Thank You Letter

“…We are very, very grateful for [our legal advocate] – she came to this sentencing on her vacation day! I can’t say enough good things about her…” Client, Thank you Email

“I want to thank you for being a strong, upfront honest woman with me. This brief moment here at the shelter, reminded me that you never know how strong you are until being strong is all you have left.” Female Shelter Client, Handwritten Thank You Letter

Whose life will you change for the better?

Center for Victims (CV) is growing! Have you recently earned a degree and are looking to gain skills, work experience and professional development? Are you a seasoned professional looking to make an even bigger impact?  We invite you to join us today!

POSITION: COMMUNITY OUTREACH & INTERVENTION SPECIALIST

CV is seeking a Community Outreach and Intervention Specialist to join our team! The Community Outreach & Intervention Specialist provides crisis counseling/intervention services following incidents of community/gun violence affecting individuals, entire family systems as well as the larger community. The position is responsible for coordinating intervention and support services for timely responses within the community. Provision of Intervention to individuals and groups coping with the immediate impacts of an incident of violence may occur within homes, schools, other community locations, CV offices, or via phone. Specific efforts focus on coordination of intervention strategies that allow individuals, families, and close personal networks to come together to process the event and better understand the impacts of trauma, complicated loss, and personal styles of grief as well as prepare for processes and proceedings within the criminal justice or other systems.

Responsibilities:

• Serves as the point person for coordination of CV services for cases assigned with DA’s Office, other CV staff working with the case, other allied professional support and law enforcement;
• Serves as a liaison with witness protection to assist in identification of witnesses’ needs and appropriate resources
• Coordinates weekly with CV’s call center, clinical and advocacy departments to determine families that need immediate triage services
• Provide triage, crisis counseling services to engage the extended family system in processing the impact of the incident of violence and to educate them on court and law enforcement systems
• Facilitates family conversations and psycho-education sessions for victims and witnesses of serious crime incidents
• Conducts follow up with victims, witnesses, and families before, during, and after court proceedings to ensure their needs are being met and to engage family and community members in aftercare and wellness services
• Provides education on trauma informed theory and interventions, conflict resolution and mediation as part of the support provided to family and community members

• Ability to work with individuals and families to build relationships and provide case management
• Ability to serve as a liaison between clients, criminal court systems and appropriate service providers

• Education and training to various systems professionals
• Mandated and supportive services to crime victims

Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree or extensive experience in victim services, criminal court and community crisis response
• An in-depth working knowledge of trauma informed theory and interventions, conflict resolution and mediation services
• MS Office proficiency, strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks while effectively meeting deadlines in a fast paced and evolving organization
• Oral and written communication skills, problem-solving skills, and the ability to interface professionally with internal and external groups
• Strong commitment to support the organization’s mission and the ability to work in a diverse atmosphere with sensitivity of cultural diversity and workplace harmony

CV offers the following benefit package for full time staff:

• Employee Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Paid Time Off Benefits
• 15 Paid Holidays
• Short Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Opportunity for employee reimbursements for mileage, parking and cell phone usage (position dependent)
• Opportunity to apply for PSLF Program (Paid Student Loan Forgiveness Program) for your work with a non-profit

If interested, please mail your resume and cover letter to: Human Resources Dept., Center for Victims, 3433 E. Carson St., Ste. 300, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 or send via email to: employment@centerforvictims.org.  CV is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, parent status, veteran status, political affiliation or other factor protected by law.  CV complies with the Affirmative Action requirements and the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodation for qualified employees with a disability.

Updated 9-4-2024

Center for Victims (CV) is currently seeking Clinical Student Internships for the upcoming fall and spring semester.  Internships are a mandatory two semesters and our unpaid unless otherwise noted.

Position: Clinical Student Internship-Unpaid

The Clinical Student Intern is responsible for comprehensive assessment and treatment of persons whose lives are disrupted by trauma and violence.  Activities include: assessment and treatment planning; individual, family, and group therapy; crisis counseling; case management; advocacy; and education.  The Clinical Student Intern provides treatment in the least restrictive environment possible, promotes client responsibility, family and significant other involvement as is safe and appropriate.  The Clinical Student Intern subscribes to a trauma informed model for treatment services.

Responsibilities:

• Collects client information through interviews and observation.
• Engages and counsels’ clients, individually and in group and family sessions.
• Provides support to client’s family/significant others, when appropriate, assisting them in understanding and supporting the client.
• Develops and implements treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge.
• Encourages clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, and helps them to develop insight regarding the impact of trauma and violence on themselves and their relationships.
• Continually evaluates and assesses client progress.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of counseling interventions and client progress in resolving identified problems and moving towards defined objectives.  Adapts/modifies interventions as necessary.
• Acts as client advocate in order to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
• Collaborates with other staff members to perform clinical assessments and develop treatment plans that maximize the possibilities for client success.
• Has strong knowledge of community mental health and additional resources. Makes appropriate referrals for clients or family members as needed.
• With client’s consent, meets with families, probation officers, police, and other interested parties in order to exchange necessary information that will further the treatment process.
• Monitors clients’ use of and changes in medications by asking client and coordinating care with appropriate systems.
• Prepares and maintains all required treatment records and reports and enters/updates records in CV’s client database.
• Maintains current knowledge related to new developments in the trauma field and engages in courses and training required to maintain licensure.
• Participates in ongoing clinical supervision and training as required by Clinical Supervisor.
• Provides crisis intervention services, including after-hours as a member of the crisis response team.
• Provides training and case consultation/coordination to CV staff and other allied professionals.
• Performs other VOCA eligible duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• In process of obtaining Master’s degree in psychology, social work, or other human service field required.  Degree must qualify for Licensure in the state of Pennsylvania to provide outpatient therapy.  Any individual who does not possess LCSW, LMFT, LPC or psychology licensure in the state of PA must achieve such licensure within a time frame established by CV.
• Psychology:  Knowledge of the impact of exposure to and experience of trauma and violence on human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
• Therapy and Counseling: Knowledge of current evidence based trauma treatment practices; Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of trauma related emotional and psychological difficulties; Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, ethnicity, and cultures.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Completion of mandatory victim assistance training including domestic violence, sexual assault/rape crisis, & other crimes and basic conflict resolution training – provided by the organization.
• Ability to commit to additional training hours as required.
• Ability to secure Act 33 and 34 (Child Abuse and Criminal History) and FBI clearances.
• Ability to secure additional clearances/testing that may be required by funding regulations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs; computer/database skills including ability to learn state, county, and CV’s various software programs.
• Ability to work closely with others in a team environment.
• Supportive of organization’s mission along with sensitivity of cultural diversity and workplace harmony.
• Ability to adhere to CV’s confidentiality policy along with respect to sensitive, confidential client data and adherence to all Federal, State and local statutes.
• Access to a personal cell phone for safety and immediate business communications.
• A readily available and reliable means of transportation.
• Self-directed with strong problem-solving abilities and flexibility to meet the needs of the program.

Working Conditions

• Work in a professional office environment.
• Work in CV’s various offices and in other community/public locations and sites as assigned.
• Ability to work designated hours.

This is an unpaid internship.  CV is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, parent status, veteran status, political affiliation or other factor protected by law.  CV complies with the Affirmative Action requirements and the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodation for qualified employees with a disability.

If interested, please mail your resume and cover letter to: Human Resources Dept., Center for Victims, 3433 E. Carson St., Ste. 300, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 or send via email to: employment@centerforvictims.org.

Updated 9-4-2024