Sexual Violence Hispanic Outreach Specialist

City of Roanoke, Virginia•Roanoke, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Roanoke is seeking a Sexual Violence Hispanic Outreach Specialist (SVHOS) to work under the supervision of the Criminal Investigations Unit Special Victims Unit Sergeant. This is a non-sworn, grant-funded position, with funding and parameters provided by the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund (VSDVVF). The SVHOS works with victims of sexual violence and Hispanic victims of domestic violence to provide advocacy, information, and referrals. The role involves developing and delivering training and educational presentations on sexual and domestic violence within the Hispanic Community, conducting community outreach, and coordinating with community meetings and events. The SVHOS also serves as the Department's liaison to community groups serving victims of sexual and domestic violence. Fluency in Spanish (reading, writing, and speaking) is required. The position requires a four-year college degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or a similar field, OR some college with at least two years of work experience in a social support agency. A valid Virginia driver's permit is also required. The City of Roanoke is committed to diversity and inclusion.

Requirements

Ability to read and interpret documents such as police reports, court reports, as well as sexual violence laws, and be able to respond effectively to inquiries orally and in writing in English AND Spanish.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret and deal with an extensive variety of variables.
Ability to think logically.
Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university in psychology, sociology, social work or related field; three or more years work experience in a social support agency; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in Spanish (reading, writing, and speaking).

Responsibilities

Respond to reports of victims of sexual violence and reports of domestic violence with Hispanic victims.
Review assigned Incident Based Police Reports of Sexual Violence and Reports of Domestic Violence with Hispanic Victims.
Contact sexual violence victims and domestic violence victims of Hispanic heritage in person, by phone, e-mail, or U.S. mail to offer advocacy, assistance, resource material, case information, and referrals to local service providing agencies.
Prepare letters and mailings.
Serve as translator when needed and appropriate.
Contact support agencies to request and coordinate services for victims.
Assist victims with obtaining protective orders.
Offer counseling services contact information.
Assist distraught, angry, or upset victims and their friends and relatives.
Coordinate meetings with detectives on behalf of victims of sexual violence and domestic violence victims of Hispanic heritage to ensure safety when necessary.
Identify reports of potential interest to the citizens or police supervisors.
Enter information regarding sexual violence and domestic violence cases where the victim is of Hispanic heritage into Police Department software.
Thoroughly document all involvement with victims and witnesses throughout the investigation until the investigation is closed.
Assist investigators in developing responses to felony cases of sexual violence and/or domestic violence where the victim is of Hispanic heritage.
Coordinate responses with the Victim-Witness Coordinator of the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney.
Attend court with victim to observe/assist the Commonwealth Attorney.
Maintain VINELINK and Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) entries.
Build and maintain effective working partnerships with law enforcement personnel, City of Roanoke personnel, internal and external stakeholders, and partnering service agency personnel.
Complete other tasks or reports as required by the Chief of Police, Deputy Chiefs, Bureau Captains, or their designee as needed for the efficient operation of the Department.
Develop and present educational and training presentations focused on Sexual Violence and Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention for law enforcement and the community, emphasizing community outreach within the Hispanic community, according to the schedule set by the grant.
Seek out invitations and schedule SVHOS educational/training presentations for local businesses, organizations, and local service providing agencies.
Attend and participate in the monthly Roanoke Valley Violence Prevention Council meetings.
Attend community meetings coordinated by local businesses, civic organizations, and local service providing agencies.
Maintain knowledge of research or studies relating to the effective response to crimes of sexual violence and crimes of domestic violence within the Hispanic community.
Remain current and knowledgeable of victim’s rights, victim-centered practices, and trauma-informed approaches to working with victims of sexual violence and victims of domestic violence who are of Hispanic heritage.
Participate in Roanoke Police Department sponsored events and community events according to the schedule set by the grant.
Document all services rendered per department protocols and grant requirements.
Prepare documentation and quarterly reports for grant; enter information into the DCJS Online Grants Management system.
Prepare documentation for DCJS audits.
Maintain written co-operative agreements with grant partners.
Attend departmental meetings, briefings, and training as assigned.
Develop sexual assault and domestic violence brochures, forms, and literature in both English and Spanish languages.
Able to flex time 40-hour workweek in order to participate in RPD and community sponsored events and meetings.
Able to attend out-of-jurisdiction training events and conferences.