Address
Form of work
SalaryPosition Information
Posting Title
Victim Services Counselor
Job Requisition Number
COA091342
Position Number
119391
Job Type
Full-Time
Division Name
Police Headquarters
Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:
- Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Mental Health Oriented Science or in a field related to the job, plus two (2) years experience in mental health crisis and trauma counseling.
Licenses or Certifications:
- Valid Class C Drivers License
Notes to Applicants
Position Overview: The Victim Services Counselor provides psychological, emotional, cognitive, and physical assessments of individuals of crime, trauma, or crisis situations; either on scene of the incident or at a later time when the person is located. Formulates and implements clinical intervention strategies until stabilization occurs. Provides support and assistance to victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice process serving as a liaison and advocate with law enforcement and other agencies. Delivers death notifications for all APD related cases as requested by the Travis County Medical Examiner’s office and other outside agencies across the country.
Prepares for and testifies in court as a fact witness or as an expert witness. Plans, develops, and conducts trainings, presentations, and educational sessions to law enforcement, other outside agencies and the community. Serves as the Crime Victim Liaison for the Austin Police Department, providing information about victim’s rights and Crime Victims’ Compensation to victims of crime and law enforcement personnel. Conducts media interviews in collaboration with the Public Information Office. Conducts debriefings, group counseling, and/or diffusing’s to law enforcement, other public safety agencies, other agencies, and the community after critical incidents, large scale events, and disasters. This position will be working specifically with victims and survivors who have experienced hate-motivated crimes, teen dating violence, financial crimes, and/or crimes against aging populations.
City of Austin Application:
A complete and detailed City of Austin employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications. For each position, please describe your specific experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications. Please be thorough in completing the employment application and list all experience and education that is relevant to this position. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience and education. Application must include job titles, job duties performed, full or part time status. Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment or computer software used.
A resume must be submitted to be considered for this position but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Please verify the employment history dates on your resume exactly match your online application.
To learn more about working with the City of Austin, click here to watch a short video!
To view the City of Austin Recruitment Video, please click here!
To learn more about working with the City of Austin, click here to watch a short video!
To view the City of Austin Recruitment Video, please click here!
CBI:
Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions. PleaseClick here to find more information.
Secondary Employment:
All Austin Police employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.
- APD must review all secondary employment.
- Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with APD, as well as current APD employees considering Secondary employment.
Benefits:
Working with the Austin Police Department provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click here to find more information.
Driving:
This position requires a valid Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
This position requires a valid Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
Pay Range
$27.16 – $32.87
Hours
Monday-Friday
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Job Close Date
04/02/2024
Type of Posting
External
Department
Police
Regular/Temporary
Regular
Grant Funded or Pooled Position
Grant Funded
Category
Professional
Location
Varies
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:
- Ability to effectively communicate in both English and Spanish
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
- Provides psychological, emotional, cognitive, and physical assessments of individuals of crime, trauma, or crisis situations; either on scene of the incident or at a later time when the person is located.
- Formulates and implements clinical intervention strategies until stabilization occurs.
- Provides support and assistance to victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice process serving as a liaison and advocate with law enforcement and other agencies.
- Delivers death notifications for all APD related cases as requested by the Travis County Medical Examiner’s office and other outside agencies across the country.
- Prepares for and testifies in court as a fact witness or as an expert witness.
- Plans, develops, and conducts trainings, presentations, and educational sessions to law enforcement, other outside agencies and the community.
- Serves as the Crime Victim Liaison for the Austin Police Department, providing information about victim’s rights and Crime Victims’ Compensation to victims of crime and law enforcement personnel.
- Conducts media interviews in collaboration with the Public Information Office.
- Compiles data and information for reports.
- Assists other public safety agencies.
- Conducts debriefings, group counseling, and/or diffusing’s to law enforcement, other public safety agencies, other agencies, and the community after critical incidents, large scale events, and disasters.
Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:
- None
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Knowledge of counseling, theoretical frameworks, and techniques.
- Knowledge of mental health issues, trauma, and victimology.
- Knowledge of Critical Incident Command.
- Knowledge of police operations and investigative procedures.
- Knowledge of Victim Assistance best practices.
- Skill in oral and written communications.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Skill in using computers and related software applications. Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
- Skill in planning and organizing.
- Skill in trauma and crisis counseling.
- Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities. Ability to train others.
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees, external agencies, and the public
Criminal Background Investigation
This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation.
EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within
the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.
