Job Description

NYC Civilian Complaint Review Board

The Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) receives and investigates approximately 5,000 complaints each year. The largest civilian oversight agency in the United States, the CCRB is an independent, non- police agency. It is empowered to investigate, make findings and recommend action on complaints against New York City police officers that allege the use of excessive Force, Abuse of authority, Discourtesy and/or Offensive language. In February 2018, the Board adopted a resolution directing staff to begin investigating certain allegations of sexual misconduct and develop a plan to investigate allegations of criminal sexual misconduct. As a result of this initiative the CCRB has been focused on how to best help civilians who may be experiencing psychological trauma related to negative police interactions.

Civilian Assistance Unit (CAU)

The Civilian Assistance Unit (CAU) will aid civilian clients who reportedly experienced trauma following a police encounter. Timely and specific assistance is provided for all civilian clients who have reported sexual assault or other types of serious police misconduct during the investigation and trial processes. Our civilian clients are provided advocacy and support to assist them with navigating through the complex legal system upon following filing a complaint with CCRB. The (CAU) will use a trauma-informed and victim-centered approach to provide on-going support to civilians (victims/witnesses of police misconduct) with various social issues they might experience.

The CAU Advocate will report directly to the Director of Civilian Assistance Unit. In this role they will act as a liaison to connect vulnerable and under-represented populations with requested social and psychological support services. As a liaison to support services in the City, the CAU Advocate will assist clients to stay connected with CCRB staff, connect them to City-wide services they may not be aware of or that are under-utilized.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

o Assist civilian clients in recovering from the physical, emotional, and financial impact of trauma

o Conducts psychosocial assessment and determines needs of civilian clients

o Provides resources, referrals, and assistance with victim's compensation, burial assistance, housing/relocation, clothing, food, transportation, medical services, counseling, mentoring, or other appropriate services

o Provide support and assistance to civilian clients navigating CCRB process

o Respond to inquiries and requests; explains the Victim Bill of Rights and judicial processes

o Notify civilian clients of status changes in case proceedings, such as hearing dates, case status and outcomes, and other pertinent information

o Uses phone, email, written correspondence, and in-person meetings to make contact and follow-up with civilian clients

o Accompany civilian clients to investigator and attorney interviews as needed to provide support and guidance

o Communicate with Administrative Prosecution Unit (APU), Investigators, community service providers, volunteers, interns, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work, activities and resolve problems; discuss cases; advocate and communicate on behalf of victim's rights, needs, and concerns

o Process a variety of documentation associated with agency/unit operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures

o Prepare and/or complete various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including victim's compensation packet, and advocacy reports; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of unit reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records

o Perform other related duties as required

Minimum Qual Requirements:

• BA degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology or a related field required;

a minimum of two years (2) of applicable experience working with survivors of trauma, such as crime or abuse; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Proficient in MS Suite (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qual and Skills:

• Foreign language proficiency a plus

Essential Skills:

• Active listening

• Social perceptiveness

• Ability to multi-task, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines

• A collegial, flexible and adaptable approach to work is required

Additional Information

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM

The federal government provides student loan forgiveness through its Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) to all qualifying public service employees. Working with the CCRB qualifies you as a public service employee and you may be able to take advantage of this program while working full-time and meeting the program’s other requirements. Please visit the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program website at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service to view the eligibility requirements.