Part Time Victim Advocate

Position Title:

Part Time Victim Advocate

As part of the Victim Advocate Program within the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD), and under the direction of the Victim Advocate Program Coordinator, Victim Advocates assist victims of violent crimes by providing information and making appropriate referrals, assisting victims in court processes, and providing on-scene support. Incumbents will also provide crisis intervention services and will liaison with law enforcement, prosecutors, and other agencies to assist victims of violent crime.

The Victim Advocate will also provide training and education to a variety of audiences.

This position requires a high-degree of independent judgment, decision-making, and an exceptional ability to work with, and effectively communicate with, diverse populations in difficult situations.

• Provides crisis interventions for victims of violent crimes.

• Provides need assessment from information obtained through client intake documentation, client interview and information gathered in the initial background histories. Evaluates needs and makes appropriate referrals for counseling, housing, shelter, legal assistance, and other services as needed.

• Assist victims in obtaining protective orders. Assists in filing victim reparation forms, victim/witness statements, medical release forms and other documentation pertinent to their case. Provides transportation to and from court hearings, shelters, and other appropriate services when necessary.

• Follows-up on all assigned cases assigned. Review incident report to determine advocacy needs. Access court computer systems; state, county and local police computer systems, researching case histories on victims, criminal histories of offenders, and all other police related activity involving both parties.

• Meets regularly with Victim Advocate Team to discuss problematic cases, updated department and program policies, identify service gaps, develop action plan.

• Attends appropriate court proceedings to support the victim. Makes necessary arrangements for non-English speaking participants, accommodates hearing impaired and other disabilities. Monitors court activity. Informs victim/witness of court dates and any changes.

• Serve as a liaison for victim with law enforcement and prosecutors.

• Coordinate efforts and information with over victim services providers and agencies.

• Manage assigned cases of victims and witnesses, including appropriate documentation, and detailed statistical data.

• May be required to act as a trainer. May be required to attend national, state and local conferences regarding victim assistance.

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Social or Behavioral Science and one (1) year related work experience OR graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate degree in Social or Behavioral Science and three (3) years related work experience. Experience and education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

• Effective interpersonal skills, to work with individuals in crisis situations.

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

• Working knowledge of victimology, trauma informed responses, judicial processes, and resources for victims of crimes.

• Must have valid driver license or driving privilege card, or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment.

• successfully pass all appropriate examinations as required by the Salt Lake City Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations.

• Considerable exposure to stressful situations, as a result of human behavior, in dealing with a variety of different types of individuals and community organizations.

• May be required to work non-traditional hours including evenings and weekends. In addition, work regularly scheduled shifts providing crisis intervention, handling crisis lines and other services.

• Exposure to potentially hostile environments.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an…