Victim Advocate Bilingual Counselor

Job Title

Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center Counselor

This is responsible counseling work assisting rape, sexual violence/assault and crime victims for the Department of Community Support Services, Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center. An employee assigned to this classification contacts and assists victims of rape, sexual violence/assault and violent crimes through police interviews, medical examinations and criminal justice proceedings while utilizing bilingual skills in English and Spanish. Work is performed under the direction of a higher-level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports and observation of the results obtained.

Bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, sociology, psychology, women's/gender studies or a related field; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience. Applicants within six months of meeting the minimum education/experience requirement may be considered for trainee status. Must be bilingual in English and Spanish. Required to read, write and speak English and Spanish fluently. A Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7;
Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment. If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and /or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position.

Successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required. This is a grant funded position. Employees are eligible for benefits but have no guarantee of permanent employment.

This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work. Exudes a positive customer service focus. Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with the County's core values. Expedites victim's claims through public assistance programs, criminal justice activities and emergency intervention services. Coordinates necessary emergency services such as, food, clothing, shelter, transportation and medical needs, to eligible victims of rape, sexual violence/assault and crime.

Provides support to rape, sexual violence/assault and crime victims by physically accompanying them through the judicial process. Informs victims of F.S.960, Victim Assistance. Assists rape, sexual violence/assault and crime victims with preparing victim impact statements. Provides follow-up assistance, like information and referral to clients. Provides short-term counseling sessions with clients face to face and by telephone. Develops community education and media presentations to increase the public understanding and awareness of the problems and needs of rape, sexual violence/assault and crime victims.

Documents data on rape, sexual violence/assault and crime victims for statistical purposes. Encourages the reporting of crimes by the promotion of services available to rape, sexual violence/assault and crime victims. Provides information about rape, sexual violence/assault and crime victim's programs to law enforcement officers. Attends training to remain current of trends and skills required for effective job performance. Responsible for case status updates, opening and maintaining files, documenting statistics, planning program events for the public, answering telephone calls, acting as liaison with local agencies and assisting clients as much as possible.

Transports clients to related engagements on an as-needed basis. Drives a County and/or personal vehicle regularly to respond to crisis calls 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week; drives to offsite locations to conduct training and/or participate in outreach events. Provides outreach to rape, sexual violence/assault and crime victims on a 24-hour, on- call basis, at crime scenes, hospitals or wherever needed.

Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.

Considerable knowledge of the policies and procedures of victimology counseling and assistance programs. Considerable knowledge of community assistance programs and agencies for rape, sexual violence/assault and crime victims. Knowledge of the criminal justice system especially as it relates to rape, sexual violence/assault and crime victims. Ability to counsel rape, sexual violence/assault and crime victims effectively and determine routes for referral and assistance.

Ability to read, write, and speak effectively and fluently in both English and Spanish languages. Ability to relate and to react to the needs of clients. Ability to facilitate support groups…