Domestic Violence Counselor - Victim Advocate

City of Charlotte•Charlotte, NC

5d•$59,134 - $73,917•Onsite

About The Position

The Domestic Violence Victim Advocate provides support and assistance to victims of crime and their family members. This includes providing safety planning to victims, referring victims to other resources, and occasionally accompanying victims to court. Must be able to handle sensitive and confidential information. Must be able to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings, weekends, and serve in an on-call rotation.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, Human Services, Criminal Justice, or related field
Three (3) years of relevant experience
Have & maintain valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, Human Services, Criminal Justice, or related field
OR Master’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, Human Services, Criminal Justice, or related field
Extensive knowledge of intimate partner violence and related issues and a commitment to ending the cycle of violence.
Considerable knowledge of the criminal justice system to include Civil, District and Superior Court functions
Considerable knowledge of state and federal domestic violence laws and victim’s rights in respect to the laws
Considerable knowledge of available community counseling resources and programs.
Considerable knowledge of crisis intervention methods.
Knowledge of the dynamics of intimate partner violence.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with victims, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, other agencies, co-workers, and the public.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively both individually and as part of a team.
Superior organizational and time management skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Effective public speaking skills.
Ability to develop and maintain cooperative relationships with diverse individuals, organizations, and government agencies
Commitment to contributing toward a positive work culture
Must be computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Office applications
Ability to work flexible hours and a rotating on-call schedule.

Responsibilities

Conducting short-term crisis intervention and safety planning with domestic violence victims.
Contacting victims to help them assess their needs and assisting them in taking steps to avoid future assaults.
While conducting short-term crisis intervention with victims, being alert for previously undiscovered evidence and/or possible unreported incidents.
Educating victims about criminal justice system procedures and court proceedings and potentially educating them about relevant laws
Conducting home visits with law enforcement.
Making appropriate referrals to partner agencies.
Maintaining a working knowledge of available resources in the community.
Establish and maintain working relationships with the community, human and social service agencies to which victims may be referred, and with other agencies in the criminal justice system.
Attending court when necessary.
Documenting signs of continuing abuse or intimidation of victims and coordinating with unit detectives for appropriate police action.
Acting as a liaison between the unit, patrol officers, partner agencies, and the public.
Identifying and initiating problem solving projects.
Promptly responding to all forms of victim communication.
Participating as an active member of the unit while making positive suggestions for changes in operations or procedures to improve the quality of services provided to victims.
Engaging in domestic violence awareness events and facilitating training on domestic violence topics, both internally and externally.
Review completed cases by examining case records and reports. This will identify areas where the assigned unit can improve its services to victims and their family members.
Provide feedback and suggestions to other team members regarding case methodologies and procedures related to victim services.
Keep up with current trends and practices applicable to the area of assignment through continuing education (seminars, classes, meetings) and reading of applicable journals.
Perform all other duties assigned.