Volunteer Victim Advocate

BRIGHTON/COMMERCE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT VICTIM SERVICES UNIT VOLUNTEER/INTERN VICTIM ADVOCATE

NATURE OF WORK

Volunteers/Interns provide on‑scene contact with victims of violent crime and persons in need of assistance. They provide immediate crisis intervention, individual and family support, information about the criminal justice system, aid in acquiring emergency shelter and facilitate other immediate needs of victims. They provide ongoing case management by assisting victims/witnesses navigate the criminal justice process, access community resources/services, as well as support victims and their families to begin the healing process.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Each volunteer/intern is required to take a minimum of four 12‑hour shifts per month, including holidays. Volunteers/Interns must respond within 30 minutes of dispatch contact and be available by telephone or pager during the assigned shift. They must complete and turn in all required paperwork.

QUALIFICATIONS

Volunteers must:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Be able to undergo and pass a background investigation
• Be a holder of a valid Colorado driver's license with a good record
• Be compassionate and non‑judgmental with victims of crime
• Be able to maintain confidentiality
• Have strong interpersonal skills
• Have self‑motivation
• Be able to perform under emotional and adverse conditions
• Be able to respond to a variety of different locations
• Be willing to commit to at least 12 months

TRAINING AND EVALUATION

Volunteers/Interns must complete 40 hours of initial training provided by the Victim Services Unit. They must attend monthly in‑service training and may voluntarily attend workshops and seminars as opportunities arise. Evaluation of volunteers/interns is performed annually by the Victim Services Coordinator.

EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY UNIT

• Two‑way radio
• Reference manuals
• Maps

EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY VOLUNTEER

• In‑residence telephone or cell phone
• Reliable transportation
• Automobile liability insurance

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Volunteers/Interns receive general supervision from the Victim Services Coordinator and have frequent contact with police officers, detectives, department employees, individuals in other jurisdictions, individuals in supporting agencies, and the general public. They are expected to maintain a professional rapport with all contacts and are considered a representative of the police department.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in an office environment and in the field. Stress may be caused by contact with distraught subjects who are victims of various types of crimes.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Volunteers are required to respond to crisis calls in all weather conditions.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid driver's license with a safe driving record.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred