Bethzaida Ortega
Victim Advocate
Millville,NJ
Summary
Compassionate Victim Specialist with 8+ years of serving and supporting victims and witnesses of crimes. Adept knowledge of victim rights, community resources and referral services. Supported and guided over 100's individuals through entire proceedings. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
7
7
Certification
Work History
Domestic Violence Liaison
Coalition Against Rape & Abuse
Cape May Court House, NJ
05.2019 - Current
- Served as a liaison between family members who have experienced domestic violence by helping them communicate effectively.
- Advised survivors on issues related to protection orders, child custody arrangements and immigration status.
- Maintained client records using an electronic database system, ensuring confidentiality and accuracy of data entered.
- Assessed risk factors associated with potential cases of abuse or neglect in order to develop appropriate interventions as Danger Assessment certified assessor.
- Participated in weekly team meetings with other advocates, case workers, supervisors from DCF and other organizations to discuss cases and share ideas.
- Participated in trainings related to best practices in working with survivors of domestic violence and.
- Provided crisis intervention, safety planning and advocacy services to victims of domestic violence.
- Provided education on topics related to domestic violence including power dynamics, healthy relationships and self-care.
- Developed individualized safety plans for each client based upon their specific needs and goals.
Residential Advocate
Center For Family Services
Vineland, NJ
04.2019 - Current
- Provided crisis counseling to callers in need of emotional support.
- Assisted survivors of sexual assault by helping them understand their options regarding reporting incidents or seeking medical attention.
- Developed safety plans and provided resources to those at risk for harm or abuse.
- Maintained accurate client records and documentation of all interactions.
- Responded quickly and appropriately during emergency situations by providing immediate assistance or referring callers to more specialized resources when necessary.
- Supported victims of domestic violence by providing them with information about available services and legal rights and options.
- Provided bilingual assistance to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and Human Trafficking crimes by providing emotional support, crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals for services.
Bilingual Court Advocate
Center For Family Services
Vineland, NJ
04.2016 - 04.2019
- Provided legal rights information to clients regarding court processes, procedures and outcomes.
- Advised victims on obtaining restraining orders against perpetrators of abuse.
- Collaborated with law enforcement personnel to ensure appropriate follow-up actions were taken in cases involving domestic violence.
- Provided court accompaniment for victims who had to testify in criminal trials related to their experiences with domestic abuse.
- Assisted survivors with filing police reports or other legal documents as necessary.
- Provided advocacy services for victims during hospital stays or court proceedings.
- Offered referrals to appropriate community resources based on individual needs.
- Used active listening skills and supportive diction to cultivate client rapport and open communication.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE05-2016
Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Strong Work Ethic
- Problem-Solving Abilities
- Effective Communication
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Emergency Response
- Crisis Intervention Training
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Organizational Skills
- Team Leadership
- Bilingual Spanish-English
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Accomplishments
Wilmington University Academic Dean's List Summer 2015/ Spring 2016
Certification
- Domestic Violence Specialist Certification
- Danger Assessment Certification
- 40 Hours Domestic Violence Response Team Advocate
- 40 Hours Certified Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate
- Bilingual in Spanish and English Highest Level
- Conflict Resolution/ Restorative Practices Training
- Foundations of Trauma & Resilience Certificate
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Domestic Violence Liaison
Coalition Against Rape & Abuse
05.2019 - Current
Residential Advocate
Center For Family Services
04.2019 - Current
Bilingual Court Advocate
Center For Family Services
04.2016 - 04.2019
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Wilmington University
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