Volunteering

The vital work of The Crime Victims’ Center is made possible by people like you! If you are compassionate, empathetic, and willing to empower members in your community, becoming a volunteer at the CVC might be the perfect fit.  

To become a volunteer, you must: 

• Live in Chester County 

• Be at least 18 years old

• Submit a criminal background check and child abuse clearance

• Complete a comprehensive 40-hour training

VICTIM ADVOCACY
Assist staff after business hours to answer hotline calls and provide crisis support to victims. Provide accompaniment to hospitals or police stations. Represent CVC at community fairs and special events. A fulfilling opportunity for anyone hoping to gain hands-on experience!

VOLUNTEER TRAINING

Learn about the following topics:

• Sexual assault and victimization

• Crisis intervention

• Confidentiality

• Medical and legal procedures

• Effective hotline and communication skills

Plus a variety of other topics concerning advocacy.

To fill out a volunteer application, click here.

*Next Volunteer Training is

nights and weekend hours

beginning September 14th. 

For more information see flyer or contact Laura Obenski at LauraO@cvcofcc.org.

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Current Openings

Prevention/Education Specialist

Full Time

PURPOSE:

To conduct education and awareness programs for schools and as needed community groups; seminars and workshops for area professionals; the SAC training and other training activities. To assist the Community Outreach – Primary Prevention Supervisor in planning the subject matter for the programs.

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JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts education and awareness programs and professional in-service trainings.

• Assists in the development of all educational and training materials.

• Updates agency training materials to assure that they are accurate and current.

• Assist with orienting CVC’s Prevention/Education efforts toward primary prevention best practices.

• Assists in regular evaluation of educational efforts including collecting and analyzing program data from participants.

• Assists in facilitating volunteer activities and training in conjunction with other staff.

• Assists in developing and evaluating training materials for volunteers in conjunction with other staff and volunteer trainers.

• Provides direct services to victims and their families to include:

• Full time staff must provide hotline coverage on CVC’s sexual assault and other crimes hotlines;

• Crisis intervention;

• Supportive counseling;

• Advocacy/support in other systems;

• Referral to appropriate community resources.

• Assists with record-keeping and reporting systems.

• Acts as liaison to other systems and agencies.

• Assists the Community Outreach and Primary Prevention Supervisor in maintaining a library of books, audio, visual and other resource materials.

• Adheres to the policies and procedures of CVC which support the goals and mission of the agency and meet funding requirements.

• Performs all other duties as assigned by CEO and VP of Operations.

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EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

1. A minimum of an Associate’s Degree although Bachelor’s Degree Preferred in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Criminal Justice or a related field and one year of experience, or the equivalent of same.

2. Strong public speaking and training skills.

3. Strong organizational and communication (oral and written) skills.

4. Ability to assume responsibility and make decisions.

5. Skill in problem solving and crisis response.

6. Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with staff, volunteers, other agencies and the public with an emphasis on children.

7. Demonstrated sensitivity in responding to crime victims and their significant others.

8. Experience collecting and analyzing data is preferred.

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REQUIRED TRAINING/OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Within six months of appointment to the position, the Prevention Education Specialist must provide evidence of successful completion of the current SAC Training Program provided by this agency.

2. Must attend all training required by PCAR, PCCD or any other funder.

3. Must possess a current valid drivers license, have the use of an automobile during working hours.

4. Must show evidence of proper auto insurance coverage.

5. A Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance, PA Criminal History and FBI Clearance must be obtained upon employment.

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Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Joe Myers, P/E Supervisor, at JoeM@cvcofcc.org.​

Victim Advocate

Full Time

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides direct services to victims and their families, including but not restricted to the following: crisis response, supportive counseling, needs assessment, individual goal setting, development of service plans, advocacy, and accompaniment throughout medical, police and court procedures, at hospitals, district courts, courthouses, police stations, CVC offices, crime scenes, or any other place that is necessary.

2. VOCA funded responsibilities include providing direct services that address the emotional and physical needs of victims of crime and their families

3. Provides hotline coverage on CVC’s sexual assault and other crimes hotlines.

4. Develops and provides supportive service plans.

5. Works with the Direct Services Supervisor to identify clients for whom group and individual counseling is appropriate.

6. Provides supportive counseling for victims of sexual assault and other crimes and/or their significant others individually or in groups, as needed.

7. Adheres to the policies and procedures of CVC which support the goals and mission of the agency and meet funding requirements.

8. Provides appropriate referrals to community resources as needed.

9. Maintains accurate and legible records.

10. Assists with record keeping and reporting systems.

11. Acts as liaison to other systems and agencies.

12. Serves, when required, as a speaker in education/outreach programs.

13. Performs all other duties as assigned by Direct Services Supervisor, VP of Operations or CEO.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

1. A minimum of an Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree preferred, in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Criminal Justice, or a related field and one year of experience, or the equivalent of same.

2. Training in individual and group counseling and casework supervision.

3. Skill in supportive problem solving, advocacy and crisis intervention.

4. Ability to assume responsibility and make decisions.

5. Knowledge of community resources.

6. Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with staff, volunteers, other agencies and the general public.

7. Ability to express ideas both orally and in writing.        

REQUIRED TRAINING/OTHER REQUIREMENTS:         

1. Within six months of the appointment to the position, the Victim Advocate must provide evidence of successful completion of the current Sexual Assault Counselor Training Program provided by this agency.

2. Must attend other trainings as mandated by PCAR, PCCD or other funders.

3. Must possess a current valid driver’s license and have the use of an automobile during working hours and when on-call.  

4. Must show evidence of proper automobile insurance coverage.  

5. A Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance, PA Criminal History and FBI Clearance must be obtained upon employment.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to CVC’s VP of Operations, Brooke Hedderick at BrookeH@cvcofcc.org

Internships

Internships are available in all three of our main departments. 

DIRECT SERVICE

Work side-by-side with advocates to help victims through the legal process.

PREVENTION / EDUCATION

Present or create educational programs aimed to prevent violence.

COUNSELING

Collaborate with counselors to gain hands-on experience.

 
Contact Brooke at