Victims Advocate

The City of Laurel, MS is accepting applications for the position of Victim's Advocate, Police Department.

To provide advocacy, support, and coordination of services for victims of crime by assisting them through the criminal justice process, connecting them with resources, and supporting law enforcement and court operations.

The Victim's Advocate is a full-time, annually grant‑funded position in the Police Department. The immediate supervisor for this position is the Police Chief. The position is supervised on a weekly basis and has no supervisory authority.

The Advocate works regular hours most of the time, with some flexibility when required. Overtime may occur when the workload demands it. The role involves no shift work; the Advocate is always on call and accountable for monetary, fiscal, safety, and legal issues related to the work performed.

• Provides assistance to victims of domestic violence
• Responds to crime scenes to assist victims
• Provides support and information, and advocacy to victims and their families concerning court processes and available resources
• Attends all relevant court hearings and trials
• Assists the prosecuting attorney by providing criminal history information on offenders and supporting case preparation as appropriate
• Maintains a database of victim information
• Maintains accurate and confidential databases and client files containing victim information, case activity, and required program documentation
• Educates victims on the effects of crime and trauma, available services, and strategies to support physical, emotional, and psychological well‑being
• Provides ongoing follow‑up with victims after court proceedings, including case status updates, court outcomes, and available post‑court resources
• Provides referrals to appropriate community resources, including counseling, legal assistance, financial assistance, medical services, and emergency shelter, and conducts follow‑up as needed to ensure continuity of services
• Participates in public awareness activities related to victim services, crime prevention, and available community resources
• Provides training and informational support to law enforcement officers and court personnel regarding victim issues, trauma‑informed response, and available victim services
• Collaborates and serves as a liaison with community service providers and partner agencies to coordinate services and facilitate appropriate referrals for victims and their families
• Performs other duties as directed

• Certification: A valid MS driver's license is required for this position
• Education:
  
  A high school diploma or its equivalent is required for this position
• Coursework or education in social work, criminal justice, psychology, human services, or a related field is preferred
• Experience:
  
  No experience is necessary for this position; however, experience working with victims of crime, social services, criminal justice systems, or community‑based programs is preferred

Salary: $19.32 hourly / $40,185.60 annually

• Comprehensive health insurance (City‑paid premium)
• Life insurance (City‑paid premium)
• Participation in the Public Employee 'Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS)
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance options
• Optional dental and vision insurance
• Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and plan provisions and may change in accordance with City policy