Victim Assistance Advocate

Overview

The position provides crime victims with services designed to minimize the psychological and economic effects of victimization and assists victims through the criminal justice system and related work.

• Review inmate files to identify victims in need of victim assistance.
• Maintain the security of victims while at the Detention Center.
• Inform crime victims and family members of available services, legal rights, and protection; identify specific resources to meet victim needs and refer victims to appropriate services; schedule appointments; provide courtroom orientation and accompany victims to court as needed; provide court testimony; assist victims in filing compensation applications.
• Inform victims of detainee release from the Detention Center.
• Coordinate victim advocate services with court personnel, law enforcement and other agencies to maximize service effectiveness.
• Arrange transportation and or emergency housing for victims as needed.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date case files and Victim Services database.
• Receive and respond to inquiries, requests for assistance, concerns and complaints.
• Compile data and prepare administrative and statistical reports for the department, County and other agencies.
• Perform general administrative and clerical work: attend meetings, prepare reports and correspondence, establish and maintain files, copy and file documents, process mail, send and receive faxes, answer the telephone, enter and retrieve computer data.
• Attend training, workshops, seminars, conferences, and read professional literature to maintain knowledge of legislation affecting program operations.
• Remain on call 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
• Gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data or information and prescribe action based on such data.
• Provide information, guidance or assistance to people to facilitate task accomplishment; give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants.
• Operate machines, tools or equipment: computers, fax machines, copiers, telephones, office machinery (e.g., adding paper, changing toner).
• Use addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and calculate ratios, rates and percentages.
• Read journals, manuals and professional publications; speak informally to groups of co-workers, staff in other agencies, the general public, etc.; present training; compose reports and training materials with proper language, punctuation, grammar and style.

• A bachelor’s degree or four years of college education in social services, criminal justice or a closely related field.
• Valid state driver’s license.
• Possession or ability to obtain Victim Assistance Specialist Certification from the S.C. Standards and Certification Board.
• 1-2 years of relevant experience.
• Ability to guide others and make frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product.

Starting Salary: $17.86 per hour.

Richland County is an equal opportunity employer.