Victim Advocate - Navigator

Position Information

The purpose of this classification is to assist victims and witnesses of violent crimes, sexual abuse and domestic crimes through the judicial process.

• Provides assistance to victims of crimes: contacts victim by phone, letter or field visits; completes intake forms; determines and evaluates victim experiences and needs; makes referrals and recommendations regarding counseling, safety needs and concerns, housing, food and other needs; explains and provides information and assistance regarding criminal justice processes, what to expect in their particular cases, victim's rights, victim notification of custody status changes and case information, temporary protective orders, bond conditions, compensation and restitution programs;
  
  individualized safety plans; remains in contact with the victim throughout their case and provides updates and support; and provides crisis intervention as needed.
• Evaluates cases and offers appropriate recommendations: reviews police reports, 911 calls, pictures, medical records, criminal histories, etc.; gathers additional information as needed; compiles and submits data on high risk defendants to appropriate law enforcement and judicial agencies; assesses cases and makes recommendations to prosecutors and investigators regarding case dispositions, victim's desires, defendant's criminal history, lethality factors, etc.; and refers cases as required by law to Department of Family and Children Services and Adult Protective Services.
• Assists as a liaison between the prosecution teams and the victims: schedules and attends field visits to meet with victims with prosecutors and investigators; collaborates with prosecutors to ensure the victims voices are heard throughout the pendency of the case; relays victim information and requests to the prosecutors; assists prosecutors and investigators with necessary follow‑up questions; communicates with the District Attorney's Office on cases pending which involve the same parties;
  
  assists with addressing transportation or safety issues; assists with preparing the victims to face and testify against their abuser in court; and advises prosecutors of any violations of bond, Temporary Protective Orders or potential escalation of danger to the victim.
• Attends court sessions and provides support to the victim during court proceedings: accompanies victims to all court proceedings; contacts victims should a court appearance be missed; and ensures all protective measures have been taken within the courtroom to maintain the victim's safety.
• Performs community outreach: participates in community-based initiatives; provides information and education on issues related to domestic violence, violent crimes, victim assistance and related issues to the public, law enforcement, and others; serves on a variety of committees and task forces; and builds and maintains relationships with community officers and community‑based advocates to coordinate services for mutual clients.
• Performs administrative duties in compliance with established local, state and federal laws: maintains victim information in case management system for statistical and communication purposes; prepares and sends various letters relating to the status of the case; prepares and submits various reports; and retrieves necessary documents for incident review.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field required; supplemented by one year of experience in social work, counseling, law enforcement or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Cobb County Government is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Visit Cobb County’s Employee Benefits page to learn more.