AmeriCorps Victim Assistance Program Member

Focus Area:
Economic Opportunity

Description:

AmeriCorps Victim Assistance Program (AVAP) members provide crisis intervention, direct support services, and advocacy to individuals and families who have been impacted by domestic, sexual, and stalking violence addressing critical needs of communities throughout New Hampshire. Members receive training from experts in the field on crucial topics related to victim/survivor advocacy. As financial abuse presents a significant barrier to survivors in accessing safety, members integrate economic empowerment into their advocacy by providing financial literacy education and services.

AVAP is currently accepting applications for 2023-2024 service positions which will begin 9/4/2023 and end 9/3/2024. AVAP members are placed at crisis center and criminal justice-based host sites throughout the State of New Hampshire. Both full time (1700 hours) and half time (900 hours) positions are available.

By serving a year with AVAP, you have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of victim/survivors of domestic, sexual, and stalking violence. The experience and training you receive will not only help you make a difference in the field of victim/survivor services but will also allow you to make valuable connections within the profession, community, and with other socially conscious individuals.

Full time service includes a living stipend totaling $17,600. Half time Service includes living stipend of $9,328. An educational award of $ 6,895 for full time service and $3,447.50 for half time service, is also offered upon successful completion of service. This can be used to pay back qualified student loans or to pay for the cost of attending a qualified higher education institution. Health insurance and child care are also offered to full time members.

Start Date
 September 4, 2023

End Date
September 3, 2024

Location
New Hampshire

Position Responsibilities:

Crisis Center Advocate: -Provide financial literacy sessions (one-and-one & workshops) and referrals to services that will assist those seeking to address financial barriers and gain financial independence -Assist survivors in obtaining restraining orders and offering support and assistance at legal hearings -Provide confidential support to survivors of domestic, sexual, and stalking violence -Answer crisis hot line calls -Provide accompaniment to the hospital, police department, criminal proceedings, and social service agencies -Make contacts and/or referrals to social service agencies and other community resources -Participate in public outreach and education to community organizations, hospitals, etc. -Facilitate support groups and workshops for survivors Criminal Justice System Advocate: - Refer victims to local crisis centers and social service & community agencies - Educate the victim/witness about the criminal justice system - Provide information on victim’s compensation and assist survivors in the application process - Provide information on financial literacy and referrals to meet financial literacy needs - Inform the victim/witness of case status, procedure and hearing/trial dates - Support and assist victims in preparing victim impact statements - Provide information and referrals for financial assistance - Collaborating with community partners to offer financial literacy sessions and workshops in the community

Weekly Time Commitment

Length of Service
Full-Time (10-12 months), Part-Time (10-12 months)

Age Requirements
18+

Education Requirements
High school diploma / GED

Contact Information

Contact Name: Lindsey Franck
Website: https://www.nhcadsv.org/avap.html
Phone: 603-312-9492
Email: lindsey@nhcadsv.org

   

Organization Information

New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
https://www.nhcadsv.org/