Victim Advocate

Responsibilities

• Responds to hospitals, crime scenes, and other locations as requested by law enforcement personnel to assist primary and secondary victims with crisis needs and to provide emotional support.
• Assesses victims’ safety and other needs, informing them of available resources and acting as a liaison in obtaining services.
• Provides crisis intervention for victims.
• Assists victims of crime through the judicial process by providing information regarding the legal process and their rights, the investigation process, and resources such as shelter, treatment, education, legal assistance, and financial aid.
• Assesses and reviews crime reports and ensures victims are contacted within established time frames.
• Maintains cooperative relationships with those contacted during work activities; maintains confidentiality.
• Assists victims in preparing and filing protective orders, stalking injunctions, and other legal forms.
• Attends applicable court proceedings and coordinates transportation of witnesses and/or victims and their families as needed.
• Acts as liaison between the Police Department and local mental health agencies and hospitals, social and human services agencies, emergency service providers, civic and community groups, and court personnel regarding services provided to victims.
• Assists Lead Advocate with ongoing staff development and training of new staff/interns.
• Initiates, completes and maintains case records and documentation in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Assists in data collection regarding the performance of the Victim Response Team.
• Assists with the development and delivery of community programming and other internal/external training.
• Works on‑call in the team rotation with the other Victim Advocates.
• Performs other duties as apparent or assigned.

Knowledge of the criminal justice process and victims’ rights; knowledge of community resources available to victims for shelter, treatment, education, legal assistance, and financial aid; some knowledge of police methods, practices, and procedures; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions; ability to maintain and track data and records effectively;

ability to interpret information and prepare and present clear reports and program recommendations; ability to deal professionally, courteously and fairly with the public; ability to analyze situations and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances; ability to establish and maintain effective relationship with associates and the general public.

Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, psychology, sociology, criminal justice, or a related field with at least two to five years of experience in victim advocacy, social work, or criminal justice. Or a combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills to complete the essential functions and job responsibilities of this position.

Possession of a valid driver’s license in the State of North Carolina. Ability to participate in an on‑call rotation which includes weekends and holidays. Ability to work a rotating schedule which may include days, evenings, and nights. Ability to successfully pass a thorough background investigation conducive to the law‑enforcement profession. Prefer ability to read, write and speak Spanish.

Light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. Physical abilities that may be required: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, handling, hearing, kneeling, manual dexterity, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and/or walking. Work regularly requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions and exposure to blood borne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment;

work is generally in a moderately noisy location.

The Town of Huntersville is committed to providing equal opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), gender, national origin, religion, disability, military service or veteran status, genetic information or any other classification protected by applicable Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town of Huntersville will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with Human Resources staff.