Allyson Scanlon
Victim Advocate
Morrisville,VT
Summary
Polished professional with a proven track record at Clarina Howard Nichols Center, Inc., excelling in crisis intervention and client advocacy. Expertly provides options & resources while building strong relationships, enhancing victim support services and empowering clients through education. Reliable team player known for adaptability and commitment to fostering a supportive, trauma-informed environment for youth navigating the criminal justice system.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Youth Advocate
Clarina Howard Nichols Center, Inc.
02.2012 - Current
- Collaborated with community organizations to provide comprehensive resources and referrals.
- Connected clients with necessary resources such as tutoring services or mental health counseling for holistic well-being enhancement.
- Played a vital role in shaping young minds through consistent encouragement, guidance, and advocacy on their behalf.
- Provided mentorship to young individuals, fostering positive relationships built on trust and open communication.
- Advocated on behalf of clients during meetings with school personnel and other stakeholders, ensuring proper representation of their needs.
- Developed and delivered educational workshops to support youth in understanding and navigating real-world experiences.
- Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
- Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
- Provided crisis intervention and emotional support to victims of crime.
- Coordinated referrals to community resources and legal services for clients.
- Collaborated with law enforcement and social service agencies to advocate for victim rights.
- Developed supportive relationships with clients by displaying empathy, active listening skills, and cultural sensitivity throughout all interactions.
- Contributed to organizational growth by actively participating in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities related to victim advocacy work.
- Enhanced communication between law enforcement, prosecutors, and victims by acting as a liaison to ensure information was accurately conveyed.
- Advocated on behalf of clients to secure restitution payments, alleviating financial burdens associated with crime-related expenses.
- Enhanced organizational reputation by maintaining professional conduct when representing the agency at meetings, conferences, or public events.
- Increased victim satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing timely updates on case progress.
- Maintained accurate client records and ensured confidentiality of sensitive information, adhering to strict data protection policies and procedures.
- Supported successful prosecution of cases by preparing victims for court appearances, including trial testimony preparation.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive safety plans for at-risk individuals.
- Strengthened community partnerships by regularly networking with regional service providers, fostering collaboration in serving crime victims more effectively.
- Empowered clients through education on legal rights and options, increasing their understanding of the judicial process and ability to make informed decisions.
- Promoted community awareness of available victim services through public speaking engagements and educational presentations.
- Reduced victim anxiety during court proceedings by providing accompaniment and explaining legal processes in understandable terms.
- Served as a valuable resource for law enforcement officers by providing information on victim assistance programs and services available in the community.
- Educated clients and families on mental health, wellness and recovery topics.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History
Saint Michael's College
Colchester, VT05-2007
Skills
- Crisis intervention
- Client advocacy
- Resource navigation
- Multidisciplinary teamwork
- Victim support services
- Trauma-informed care
- Relationship building
- Problem-solving
- Reliability
- Task prioritization
- Interpersonal communication
- Professionalism
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Youth Advocate
Clarina Howard Nichols Center, Inc.
02.2012 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - History
Saint Michael's College