Crime Victim Advocate; CVRCC

Position Summary

Provides holistic advocacy and support services to victims and survivors of crime. Works closely with other victim service agencies, law enforcement, courts, county and community groups, and faith‑based organizations residents to ensure victims of crimes understand their rights and are connected with the resources necessary to promote healing and resiliency after trauma.

Pay Grade: 45

Salary Commensurate with Experience and Education

• Two (2) years of experience in crisis intervention or counseling/case management/advocacy of which one (1) year must have been working with people impacted by trauma; AND
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, counseling, criminal justice or a closely related field; OR
• An equivalent combination of related education, and/or experience.
• PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.

• Provides advocacy and support services to victims and survivors of crime.
• Performs crisis intervention counseling and explains the resources, rights, and options available to victims of crime and their families.
• Conducts intake/assessment to identify client’s needs for referrals and other resources.
• Monitors each assigned case to ensure a comprehensive and holistic response to victimization and trauma.
• Coordinates and collaborates with partner agencies, including victim service agencies, law enforcement, courts, county and community groups, and faith‑based organizations.
• Explains the criminal justice process, attends court to support victims throughout the process and serve as a liaison to partner agency staff.
• Performs other related duties as required or directed.

• Ability to intervene effectively in crisis situations.
• Understanding of trauma and victimization and their impact on victims and their loved ones.
• Ability to effectively communicate in written form and orally, in a clear, concise manner, with staff, management, partner agencies, victims, and the general public.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of social work.
• Ability to deal tactfully with people from diverse backgrounds and situations.
• Ability to use good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, specifically Word, Excel, and Power Point.

• Must pass criminal background check.
• Must possess a valid Tennessee Driver's License or secure one by date of employment.
• Must have daily access to an operable automobile and meet County requirements for automobile insurance as of date of employment.
• Must be able to respond effectively to crisis situations.
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends as required.

This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.

All employees hired after September 1, 1986, must be residents of Shelby County and shall continue to reside in the County as a condition of their employment. The residency requirement shall not apply to certain public safety/civil service employees. This means exemption from this policy is in effect for the following departments and positions: (1) Sheriff Deputy Patrol Officers, Deputy Jailers and Dispatchers, employed by the Sheriff Department, (2) Correction Officers employed by the Division of Corrections, (3) Firefighters, Paramedics and Dispatchers employed by the Shelby County Fire Department.

The residency exemption for public safety/civil service employees does not include appointed positions with Sheriff’s Office, Division of Corrections or the Fire Department.