Victim Advocacy - Victim Advocate Liaison

Job Title

Under general supervision, provide crisis intervention and support services to crime victims, guardians of victims, and close relatives of deceased victims as prescribed by state law and provide support and guidance to members of the Department. Respond to after-hour emergency cases, assist with grant paperwork, and educate the community about victim rights and services.

This position exercises no supervision.

Ensure that crime victims, guardians of a victim, or close relatives of a deceased victim are afforded the rights granted to them by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

Provide crisis intervention, ongoing support services, and hospital and court accompaniment to victims in a compassionate and ethical manner, including responding after-hours for emergency cases.

Notify victims of case status, criminal proceedings, court hearings, trials, and case dispositions; educate victims regarding the legal process and their rights, assist with crime victim compensation applications and protective orders, conduct needs assessments, and make appropriate community resource referrals.

Engage in ongoing training as it relates to victim advocacy, interviewing, community resources, criminal justice, and vicarious trauma. Apply current research relevant to job duties.

Participate in and facilitate interagency meetings and develop a strong liaison with law enforcement and social service agencies.

Maintain accurate and confidential records, collect statistical data, compile reports, and educate the Department, social service agencies, and the community about victim rights and available services.

Provide technical guidance and training to volunteers and ensure quality service provision and accurate record-keeping for the program.

Support police department employees by providing general advocacy, as requested, and make referrals to needed resources while maintaining strict confidentiality.

Operate a City vehicle to travel to various events, meetings and victim contacts.

Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge of:

Victim advocacy, crisis intervention, and resources available for crime victims.

State and local laws related to crime victims, legal terminology, court practices, and the criminal justice system.

Principles and techniques of building rapport and effective interviewing.

Difference between a private EAP concern and one that warrants Police Administration's review.

Skill to:

Accurately document and organize records.

Communicate professionally both orally and in writing.

Manage high stress situations and think critically to problem solve and resolve issues.

Present information clearly and concisely in public settings.

Provide psychological and emotional support to reduce stress.

Balance law enforcement investigative needs with the needs of victims or witnesses.

Ability to :

Demonstrate flexibility and adapt to change with a positive attitude and manage significant emotional stress.

Respectfully interact with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.

Interview victims and obtain relevant information. Maintain a high level of confidentiality and handle sensitive situations and information appropriately.

Utilize office equipment, computer, and software applications.

Work independently, follow written and verbal instructions, and manage time.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division's mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Experience:

Three (3) years of social service experience and work with victims is preferred.

Education/Training:

An Associate's degree or equivalent college hours is required.

A Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, criminal or a related degree is preferred.

License or Certificate:

A valid current Texas driver's license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

Physical, mental, and emotional health are vital for success in a work environment with daily exposure to trauma, intense grief, and crime.

Ability to work in a standard office environment.

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

With or without accommodation, the "X" indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

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