Victim/Survivor Assistance Navigator

Organization: Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit (Resiliency Center)

Reports To: Resiliency Center Director

Position Type: Full-Time / Exempt

Position Overview

The Victim/Survivor Assistance Navigator (VAN) plays a critical role in advancing the mission of the Resiliency Center by providing case management, guidance, and referrals to individuals and families affected by the Temple Israel attack. Working under the direct supervision of the Resiliency Center Director and in close collaboration with fellow Navigators, clinicians, the Communications & Outreach Coordinator, and the Administrative Assistant, this position ensures that survivors receive compassionate, trauma-informed, culturally responsive support and are connected to the full range of services needed to heal and rebuild. The ideal candidate is compassionate, resourceful, and dedicated to fostering healing and resilience in the aftermath of mass violence.

Principal Accountabilities

Case Management

• Create a welcoming, accessible, and culturally responsive environment for client interactions, both in person and virtually.
• Conduct intake and initial assessments to identify client needs, document findings, and match clients to appropriate services.
• Assess clients' immediate, short-term, and long-term needs; identify barriers to accessing services and problem-solve appropriate solutions.
• Apply mental health first aid skills, such as Psychological First Aid or Skills for Psychological Recovery, and provide referrals to behavioral or mental health providers as needed.
• Assist clients with identification and completion of forms linking them to services and public benefits.
• Assess clients' social support networks and help develop strategies to build personal resilience.
• Conduct client satisfaction surveys and document all client communications, referrals, and services provided to support program evaluation and grant compliance.

Resource Navigation

• Research, document, and maintain an up-to-date directory of local, state, and federal resources, including housing, transportation, food, health, behavioral health, legal aid, and social services.
• Provide "warm hand-offs" that personally connect clients to outside agencies and follow up as needed.
• Explain victims' core rights under applicable law, including rights to compensation, notification, protection, and participation in investigative and justice processes.
• Remain attentive to the needs of underserved or marginalized clients and partner with community-based organizations to reduce barriers to access.

Community Outreach & Engagement

• Support and help expand community partnerships that strengthen victim/survivor services, including relationships with local service providers, law enforcement, and justice officials.
• Represent the Center at community events, meetings, and forums as needed.
• Collaborate with the Communications & Outreach Coordinator on outreach events and community-facing initiatives.

Program Support

• Collect, track, and report data related to service usage and client outcomes.
• Provide data required for grant and funder reporting, in coordination with the Administrative Assistant.
• Summarize client satisfaction survey findings to support ongoing program evaluation and improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a related field required; master's degree preferred. Equivalent professional experience may be considered.

Experience: A minimum of three (3) years of prior experience in case management, victim advocacy, or crisis response preferred, ideally within a nonprofit, social services, or public health setting.

Minimum Competencies Skills

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills, particularly when working with individuals in crisis.
• Cultural humility and the ability to work respectfully with clients of diverse ages, cultures, faiths, abilities, and backgrounds.
• Ability to manage a caseload independently while collaborating effectively within a small team.
• Skilled in the provision of Psychological First Aid and basic victim advocacy.
• Familiarity with victims' rights under applicable law.
• Working knowledge of program evaluation and performance measurement principles.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and case management software.
• Bilingual proficiency relevant to the local community is a plus.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Schedule: Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional early morning, evening, or weekend hours.

Environment: Primarily office-based with frequent client interaction, requiring sensitivity, discretion, and professionalism.