Victim Advocate

PROGRAM SUMMARY

The Coalition for Community Safety and Justice (CCSJ) is a formal alliance of four prominent Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations — Chinese for Affirmative Action, Chinese Progressive Association, Chinatown Community Development Center, and Community Youth Center San Francisco.

Established to address the growing concerns of violence, racism, and xenophobia, CCSJ strengthens community safety through culturally competent, citywide strategies.

Core initiatives include:

• Coordinated wraparound support for AAPI victims and survivors of crime
• Development of a comprehensive community safety infrastructure
• Targeted outreach and incident response in Chinatown and high-need districts
• Restorative justice programs to foster racial solidarity and healing

CCSJ’s culturally responsive model combines crisis intervention, community empowerment, and systems change to promote long-term healing and equitable public safety.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Victim Advocate will provide comprehensive, holistic, and culturally competent support services to Asian and Pacific Islander (API) victims of crime and their families in San Francisco. This role is responsible for delivering a full range of services, including assistance with victim compensation claims, crisis intervention, regular follow-up and check-ins, and making appropriate referrals to community-based organizations and government agencies.

Additionally, the Victim Advocate will conduct culturally sensitive and appropriate support groups for victims of crime, facilitate community workshops, and lead cross-cultural training initiatives that promote healing and foster racial solidarity. The advocate will also attend community-based events to support outreach efforts and strengthen relationships with community partners.

Given the needs of the community served, the incumbent must demonstrate bilingual proficiency (Cantonese or Mandarin and English) to effectively communicate with clients, community members, and partner agencies, and to perform all work-related tasks accurately and efficiently. The Victim Advocate will also perform other related duties as required to ensure the overall well-being, healing, and recovery of individuals and families impacted by crime.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Support & Advocacy

• Serve as an advocate for API victims of crime to ensure their needs are identified, addressed, and supported throughout the healing and recovery process.
• Assist victims in completing applications and documentation, including but not limited to medical expense reimbursements, government benefits applications, lost income or wage claims, mental health services applications, and other necessary paperwork.
• Provide crisis intervention and emergency assistance by conducting risk assessments and making appropriate referrals to community resources, legal services, law enforcement, and other relevant agencies.
• Provide ongoing emotional support to victims through regular home visits, phone check-ins, and follow-up contacts.

Community Engagement & Outreach

• Conduct culturally sensitive support groups, storytelling groups, and personal safety workshops in both Chinese and English for victims of crime and members of the community as part of the community healing process.
• Participate actively in staff training, team meetings, community meetings, and outreach events as required.
• Support events, activities, and special projects that promote violence prevention, intervention, and reduction within the Asian and Pacific Islander community.

Collaboration & Coordination

• Work in collaboration with other CYC programs and community service providers to ensure coordinated and comprehensive support for victims and their families.
• Develop and maintain strong, cooperative relationships with law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, legal services, community-based organizations, collaborative agencies, and other service providers to deliver effective and culturally sensitive services.

Documentation & Reporting

• Carefully prepare and maintain accurate case documentation, including correspondence, progress reports, client encounters, and other related materials to ensure compliance with program requirements and grant reporting.
• Maintain and report program data and client service statistics, producing timely monthly reports for granting agencies and management.

Other Responsibilities

Perform other duties as assigned by management to support the mission and goals of the program.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field, or a minimum of two years of experience providing services to victims of crime.
• Experience working with San Francisco’s diverse communities and neighborhoods.
• Knowledge of community-based agencies and available resources in San Francisco.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, database management systems, and web browsers.
• Excellent oral and written communication abilities.
• Strong organizational, collaboration, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to lift or move at least 25 lbs.
• Bilingual proficiency in Cantonese or Mandarin and English is required.
• Valid California driver’s license and clean driving record; must meet insurance requirements for agency van usage.
• Ability to work some evenings, weekends, and outdoor activities
• Bilingual in English AND Cantonese/Mandarin