Center for Victims: A Career with Purpose.
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.
Client Testimonials
“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?
Clinical Student Internship - Unpaid
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.
Updated 4-11-2024
Shelter Advocate - Full Time
CV is seeking a Shelter Advocate to join our team! The Shelter Advocate provides shelter coverage, completes client intakes and provides information and options counseling to victims of Domestic Violence. Provides shelter coverage during day, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts, including holidays.
Responsibilities:
- 24 Hour Shelter and Hotline Coverage
- Crisis Intervention
- Options counseling and safety planning to residents and callers
- Provide emotional support and mediation and on-going information
- Assessment and referrals to residents
- Facilitate resident support groups and meetings
- Completion of all necessary documentation and paperwork
- Mandated and supportive services to crime victims
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED. Prefer Associate’s degree in Human Services or related field and 1 to 2 years of experience
- Knowledge of crisis intervention strategies and conflict resolution.
- 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
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 4-11-2024
Counselor Advocate, Older Adult Support Specialist - Full Time
CV is seeking a Counselor Advocate-Older Adult Support Specialist to join our team! The Counselor Advocate-Older Adult Support Specialist is a member of CV’s Elder Response team providing enhanced services to elder abuse victims. This position works in collaboration with CV’s Elder Advocate and Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Protective Services in a joint Elder Victim Support Program. The program focuses on services to individuals 60 years of age and older who are victims of abuse, crime, neglect, exploitation, and/or abandonment. Intense care management intervention includes providing enhanced and specialized crisis counseling / individual counseling, case management, assessment, and follow-up services to clients and their family members/caregivers. Referrals for services stem from AAA as cases involve active Protective Services investigations. The Counselor Advocate, Older Adult Support Specialist supports and empowers victims in their personal decision making process. This position provides warm linkages to all other CV services as well as AAA and other appropriate service providers.
Responsibilities:
- Maintains a caseload stemming from AAA Protective Services’ consumers who will receive this intense level of case management and care. Caseload includes victims of crime and abuse age 60 and over and their family members/caregivers (hereafter referred to as “clients”).
- Provides enhanced and specialized crisis counseling, individual counseling, and safety planning to clients via phone, hospital, home, and office visits or other designated locations as needed.
- Through the provision of care/case management, helps clients identify strengths and needs to improve the long term safety of the client, assesses risks/strengths, and develops care/service plans in coordination with client and AAA staff,
- Educates clients with accurate information about the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems and processes and Victim Rights.
- Provides referral to CV’s Elder Advocate for accompaniment and advocacy services throughout all legal system processes.
- Provides psycho-educational information to clients and their families or caregivers on the impacts of violence and trauma in particular the intricacies of elder victimization.
- Provides individual and personal advocacy on behalf of clients throughout all relevant systems such as the medical, legal and court systems including issues that may impact clients’ safety and wellbeing.
- Utilizing case management standards and in collaboration with AAA staff, assesses the clients’ needs; identifies appropriate internal and external referrals, including longer-term follow-up services/resources.
- Assists in maintaining a database of community and AAA resources for elderly victims of crime; maintains contact with ancillary support programs including but not limited to the integrated network of DHS program offices (Drug & Alcohol, Behavioral Health) and other social service agencies.
- Ability to work with individuals and families to build relationships and provide case management
- Ability to serve as a liaison between clients, the criminal justice and juvenile justice systems and appropriate service providers
- Education and training to various systems professionals
- Mandated and supportive services to crime victims
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminology, or a related field or an Associate’s degree in the same fields with five years minimum related work
- Prior experience working with older adults.
- Able to serve as a liaison between clients, the criminal justice and juvenile justice systems and appropriate service providers.
- 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 4-11-2024
Counselor Advocate - Full Time
CV is seeking a Counselor Advocate to join our team! The Counselor Advocate supports and empowers victims and/or witnesses in their personal decision making process. In addition, their role is to provide education and assistance as to various systems that a client may encounter. This position may work in the adult, juvenile or magisterial district court systems, as assigned.
Responsibilities:
• Crisis intervention/counseling
• Legal and medical advocacy and accompaniment; includes on-call rotation
• Ability to work with individuals and families to build relationships and provide case management
• Ability to serve as a liaison between clients, the criminal justice and juvenile justice systems and appropriate service providers
• Education and training to various systems professionals
• Mandated and supportive services to crime victims
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminology, or a related field or an Associate’s degree in the same fields with five years minimum related work
• 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 4-11-2024