Victim Specialist

Victim Specialist

Category:
Other

Department:
Police Department

Locations:
Brockton, MA

Type:
Full-time

Position

About City of Brockton:

For nearly 200 years Brockton has retained its distinctive character as a complete community, and benefits from its role in the regional economy. It has excellent transportation access that links employment, employees, education, and services. While other communities in the Greater Boston area have become very expensive places to live or to conduct business, Brockton provides a high-quality alternative that is relatively affordable to all.

Brockton provides the benefits that arise from a culturally diverse population and the diversity of its employment base. This is a complete city - with its diverse places to work, study, shop, and live. The neighborhoods are compact, walkable, and endowed with a solid stock of housing. It has a remarkably varied and extensive network of open spaces, cultural and civic institutions.

To learn more about what the City has to offer please .

SALARY: $60,000

Please note the salary indicated is firm.

Bargaining Unit: N/A

REPORTS TO:

Works under the general supervision of the Community Engagement Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The primary goal of the Brockton Police Department's Victim Assistance Program is to assist victims in the immediate crime aftermath and to reduce the instance and/or level of secondary victimization associated with the court process. The victim specialist will aid in the prosecution of criminal cases by ensuring that crime victims and witnesses are provided with the entitlements and services mandated by the Massachusetts Victim Bill of Rights (M.G.L. c.

258B), along with those additional services specifically provided as a policy of the Brockton Police Department's Victim Assistance Program. The Victim Specialist will provide information, support, and advocacy services to victims, witnesses, and their families throughout the criminal justice process.

Explain to victims, witnesses, and family members the court process and their rights throughout that process;
Provide crisis intervention for victims, witnesses, and family members;
Gather and maintain statistical data for reporting purposes and program evaluation;
Accompany victims, witnesses, and family members to court and, when appropriate, work with the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office Victim Assistance Unit;
Provide written and verbal notification to victims and witnesses regarding arrests, arraignments, pre-trial conferences, motions, hearings, grand jury appearances, trials, defaults, dispositions, restitution hearings, sentencing, and appellate proceedings;
Assess and evaluate victim needs and assist with referrals for appropriate services including shelter, mental health counseling, peer support groups, emergency financial assistance, protection, and relocation;
Provide formal and informal education and training to criminal justice and community agencies regarding victim rights and victim witness services;
Participate in and/or facilitate community discussions;
Performs other duties as assigned by the Community Engagement Supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE:
Bachelor's degree in a social studies, social service, criminal justice or related field and one to three (1
- 3) years of victim advocacy experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Superior interpersonal and communication (both written and verbal) skills;
Ability to work effectively in a high-pressure environment with multiple deadlines without sacrificing quality;
Interest in and respect for the public sector and the work of the Brockton Police Department, along with a working knowledge of the criminal justice system;
The ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity regarding the information shared by victims, witnesses, and family members as well as that learned in the Brockton Police Department; A general knowledge of office practices and legal principles.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The employee performs work assignments in a municipal office setting subject to frequent interruptions. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but conditions are generally not unpleasant.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT:
Must have a valid Massachusetts Driver's License and a reliable vehicle. Multilingual skills highly recommended.

Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the City of Brockton, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The City of Brockton provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or…