Victim Advocacy - Victim Advocate Liaison

City of Abilene•Abilene, TX

4d•$57,191 - $68,630•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, this role provides crisis intervention and support services to crime victims, their guardians, and close relatives of deceased victims as prescribed by state law. The position also offers support and guidance to members of the Department, responds to after-hours emergency cases, assists with grant paperwork, and educates the community about victim rights and services.

Requirements

An Associate’s degree or equivalent college hours is required.
A valid current Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
Knowledge of victim advocacy, crisis intervention, and resources available for crime victims.
Knowledge of state and local laws related to crime victims, legal terminology, court practices, and the criminal justice system.
Knowledge of principles and techniques of building rapport and effective interviewing.
Knowledge of the difference between a private EAP concern and one that warrants Police Administration’s review.
Skill to accurately document and organize records.
Skill to communicate professionally both orally and in writing.
Skill to manage high stress situations and think critically to problem solve and resolve issues.
Skill to present information clearly and concisely in public settings.
Skill to provide psychological and emotional support to reduce stress.
Skill to balance law enforcement investigative needs with the needs of victims or witnesses.
Ability to demonstrate flexibility and adapt to change with a positive attitude and manage significant emotional stress.
Ability to respectfully interact with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
Ability to interview victims and obtain relevant information.
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and handle sensitive situations and information appropriately.
Ability to utilize office equipment, computer, and software applications.
Ability to work independently, follow written and verbal instructions, and manage time.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
Ability to follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Ability to perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Nice To Haves

Three (3) years of social service experience and work with victims is preferred.
A Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal or a related degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensure that crime victims, guardians of a victim, or close relatives of a deceased victim are afforded the rights granted to them by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
Provide crisis intervention, ongoing support services, and hospital and court accompaniment to victims in a compassionate and ethical manner, including responding after-hours for emergency cases.
Notify victims of case status, criminal proceedings, court hearings, trials, and case dispositions; educate victims regarding the legal process and their rights, assist with crime victim compensation applications and protective orders, conduct needs assessments, and make appropriate community resource referrals.
Engage in ongoing training as it relates to victim advocacy, interviewing, community resources, criminal justice, and vicarious trauma. Apply current research relevant to job duties.
Participate in and facilitate interagency meetings and develop a strong liaison with law enforcement and social service agencies.
Maintain accurate and confidential records, collect statistical data, compile reports, and educate the Department, social service agencies, and the community about victim rights and available services.
Provide technical guidance and training to volunteers and ensure quality service provision and accurate record-keeping for the program.
Support police department employees by providing general advocacy, as requested, and make referrals to needed resources while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Operate a City vehicle to travel to various events, meetings and victim contacts.
Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.