Victim Advocate

The Future Lives Here! Starting in April 2026, the City will join the Florida Retirement System (FRS). This means expanded retirement benefits and stronger financial security for our employees.

The Victim Advocate provides crisis intervention, emotional support, and advocacy services to victims and families affected by crime or traumatic incidents. This position serves as a liaison between victims, law enforcement, and community resources to ensure victims’ rights are upheld and that they receive timely and appropriate services. The Victim Advocate responds to crime scenes, provides follow-up support, and guides victims through the criminal justice process with a trauma‑informed and victim‑centered approach.

• Deputy Chief of Police
• Administrative Coordinator (Grants)

None

• Provides immediate crisis intervention, emotional support, and assistance to victims of crime or trauma, both at the scene and during follow‑up contact.
• Works collaboratively with law enforcement officers, detectives, and other first responders to assess victims’ needs and ensure appropriate services are provided.
• Assists victims and families in navigating the criminal justice system, including court accompaniment, case updates, and explanation of victims’ rights under Florida law.
• Coordinates emergency services, including shelter placement, transportation, medical care, counseling referrals, and other community‑based resources.
• Aids victims in completing applications for Victim Compensation and other support programs through the Office of the Attorney General.
• Develops individualized safety plans and provides education on risk reduction and available legal protections, including injunctions and restraining orders.
• Maintains regular follow‑up contact with victims to ensure ongoing support, service continuity, and case progress.
• Documents all case activities in accordance with department and grant requirements, maintaining confidentiality and accuracy of victim records.
• Establishes and maintains partnerships with community organizations to enhance available victim services and referral options.
• Participates in community outreach, public education, and training initiatives related to victim services, crime prevention, and trauma‑informed care.
• Attends required trainings to maintain compliance with Victim Services Practitioner Designation Certification and VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) standards.
• Participates in on‑call rotation and responds to emergencies after hours, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Performs other job‑related work as assigned or required.

All of the above information is intended to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. This description is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• Full‑time/Regular in‑person position.
• Standard workweek, which is forty (40) hours of work per week usually consisting of five (5) days of eight (8) hours per day. The workday may be varied for the efficient delivery of public service.
• Will be required to work other than the standard workweek on occasion, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Will be required to work occasional overtime or shift assignments, if applicable.

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a related field is required. Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Must have at least three (3) years of experience in crisis intervention, victim advocacy, or social services. Additional experience working in a law enforcement or victim‑centered setting is preferred.
• Must obtain Victim Services Practitioner Designation Certification from the Florida Attorney General’s Office within one (1) year of hire.
• Crisis Response or NOVA certification preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed practices, crisis response, and victims’ rights laws.
• Ability to provide empathetic and effective…