Victim Advocate

SUMMARY

Under direction of the City Attorney's Office, performs a variety of victim services duties; assists victims and witnesses of all crime categories while ensuring grant compliance; assess needs, provide information, and makes appropriate referrals and services; acts as a liaison for victims between law enforcement, prosecution, and other agencies; provides statistical reports of services provided; and to provide staff support related to assigned cases.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provide crisis intervention for victims of violent crimes; provide needs assessment from information obtained through client intake documentation, client interview, and information gathered in the initial background histories; evaluate needs and make appropriate referrals for counseling, housing, shelter, legal assistance, and other services as needed.
• Provide 24-hour on-call crisis intervention on assigned dates or when needed. Provide emergency assistance by conducting immediate needs assessment and making referrals appropriate resources.
• Assist victims in obtaining protective orders; assist in filing victim reparation forms, victim/witness statements, medical release forms, and other documentation pertinent to cases.
• Attend appropriate court proceedings to support victims; make necessary arrangements for non-English speaking participants; accommodate hearing impaired and other disabilities; monitor court activity; inform victim/witness of court dates and any case scheduling changes.
• Manage assigned cases of victims and witnesses including detailed documentation and appropriate statistical database information and perform follow-up on all assigned cases.
• Acts as an advocate for victims to ensure their needs are addressed within the community and criminal justice system.
• Provide emotional support and encouragement to victims and witnesses as the case moves through the criminal justice system, including providing support during court proceedings.
• Provide courteous, high quality customer service to members of the public by personally responding to requests for service or appropriate referral.
• Participate, develop, or attend community outreach programs to increase awareness of domestic violence and offer services.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High school diploma or GED.

Experience: One year of experience as a Victim Advocate or equivalent related social services position providing a variety of support services for victims of crimes.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid Utah Driver's License
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, Victim Assistance Program training course (40 hours) certificate within six months of employment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Utah Criminal Justice Information System (UCJIS) Certification through the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Domestic violence issues, judicial processes, and resources for victims of crimes.
• Crisis intervention methods, and causes and treatment of abuse
• Victims' rights and advocacy techniques.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Principles and techniques used in dealing with the public.
• Interviewing and intervention techniques.
• Needs and problems of people from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Community resources and community organizations.
• Principles of protective services administration.
• Telephone, office, and online etiquette.
• Current technology and trends in the profession.
• Word processing methods, techniques, and programs including spreadsheet and database applications.
• Safe driving principles and practices.

Skill with:

• Operating modern office equipment including computer equipment and software.
• Operating a motor vehicle safely.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing in the English language, as well as with a variety of individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Function calmly in stressful situations, which require a high degree of sensitivity and diplomacy.
• Understand and comply with grants, grant job description limitations, grant job requirements, and grant reporting obligations.
• Assist in the recruitment and development of volunteers.
• Prepare accurate reports and case summaries; and maintain records and documentation.
• Assess the victim's immediate needs and ensure customer's receipt of needed services through personal service or making appropriate referral.
• Provide prompt, efficient, and responsive service.
• Exercise appropriate judgment in answering questions and releasing information; analyze and project consequences of decisions and/or recommendations.
• Establish effective working relationships with management, employees, employee representatives and the public representing diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Maintain confidential data and information.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to work in a standard office environment which includes reaching, bending, sitting, standing, talking, hearing, and listening. Ability to travel to different sites and locations. Considerable exposure to stressful situations, including potentially hostile environments at times. Job involves some non-traditional working hours, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled, and being "on call" for approximately one week out of every three-week period (and backing up other "on call" employees as needed).