Family Violence Intervention Unit Victim Advocate

City of Raleigh North Carolina•Nc 27616, NC

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Raleigh Police Department is seeking a Family Violence Intervention Unit Victim Advocate. This is a non-sworn specialized administrative role involving technical work in the counseling and service referral of victims and witnesses of crimes, particularly family violence crimes. The role includes responsibilities as the victim advocate for a variety of police-related incidents, coordinating activities for victim/witness contacts, follow-ups, scheduling, and counseling. It requires extensive contact with the public, other departments, and outside agencies, as well as initiative and independent judgment. Work is reviewed through oral and written reports to supervisors. The ideal candidate is compassionate, resourceful, and professional, committed to supporting individuals and families during difficult times. They excel at building trust, providing crisis intervention, and connecting people with resources. Strong communication skills, empathy, confidence, sensitivity, and sound judgment are essential, especially when working in fast-paced, emotionally challenging situations. Experience in victim advocacy, counseling, social work, or a related field is required, along with the ability to collaborate with law enforcement, courts, and community service agencies. The candidate must be organized, detail-oriented, comfortable preparing reports, maintaining accurate records, and managing multiple priorities. Dedication to serving the community with integrity, professionalism, and respect is paramount, assisting victims in navigating the criminal justice process and accessing services for safety, healing, and recovery.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work or related work; 3 to 5 years experience in Victim Advocacy, Social Casework, Trauma Counseling or related work OR Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted
Valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire
Knowledge In: Rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the department
Knowledge In: Police principles, practices, methods, techniques, and procedures pertaining to domestic disputes and other family violence incidents
Knowledge In: Applicable state, federal, and local laws and ordinances
Knowledge In: Social work principles
Knowledge In: Victim/witness programs and service agencies
Knowledge In: Counseling and career development techniques
Skill In: Oral and written communications
Skill In: Computer skills and maintaining a file system
Skill In: Compiling statistics and information required for reporting and record keeping
Ability To: Understanding and executing oral and written directives and preparing clear and comprehensive written reports
Ability To: Dealing courteously but firmly with other employees and the general public
Ability To: Counseling and referring victims/witnesses to appropriate service agencies
Ability To: Analyzing difficult situations and to use sound judgment in decision making
Ability To: Expressing ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing
Ability To: Establishing and maintaining harmonious police public relations
Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
Work Environment: Work is typically performed in an office or similar indoor environment. Employees may occasionally work in an outdoor environment, street environment (near moving traffic) or using a vehicle.
Work Exposures: Employees may occasionally interact with Individuals who are hostile or irate and individuals with known violent backgrounds.

Responsibilities

Respond to major family violence calls for police service and assist officers and counselors in unusual or difficult situations
Coordinates contact with victim/witnesses, conducts follow-up interviews, schedules and counsels victim/witnesses and performs outreach services
Train and update counselors through regularly scheduled domestic violence meetings
Acts as a liaison for the Department with victim/witness service agencies
Provides victim/witnesses with information concerning judicial processes, service agencies and other community resources
Assist victims in completing paperwork required by the courts (victim impact statement) and/or required in order to receive compensation
Prepares written reports, memos, correspondence
Provide staff support in researching and recommending alternate methods of providing family violence intervention services
Assesses the needs of victims/witnesses
Attends community meetings and develops presentations about victim assistance programs and services
Assists victims in obtaining emergency food and/or shelter, provides or arranges for transportation to court for victims as needed