Victim Advocate Specialist

City of Greeley•Greeley, CO

9h•$27 - $28

About The Position

Provides on-scene crisis intervention, advocacy, and assistance to victims, witnesses, and survivors of violent or non-violent crimes in the City of Greeley. The City also provides support for Ault, Eaton, Evans, Garden City, Greeley, Johnstown, Kersey, LaSalle, Milliken, Nunn, Platteville, Severance, and Windsor.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent.
(2) Two years of experience in victim advocacy.
OR Any combination of related education, experience, certifications and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job,
AND Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Knowledge of the State of Colorado criminal justice system.
Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and goals of the city of Greeley and the department.
Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of crisis intervention.
Skill in intervening in crises, assessing victims' needs and applying appropriate resources.
Skill in assisting victims in applying for restitution, victim compensation, and other financial assistance.
Skill in sensitivity to cultural diversity, race, gender, and other individual differences in the workforce and populations served.
Ability to establish boundaries on the job and with the community served to include being honest, ethical, and maintaining assigned roles and responsibilities.
Ability to comprehend and apply standards and guidelines of victim advocacy including the National Organization of Victim Assistance code of ethics and the Colorado State Constitution for Victims Rights.
Ability to interpret, understand, and apply applicable laws, statutes, ordinances, regulations, and policies.
Ability to prepare reports documenting casework.
Ability to use standard office equipment, computer equipment, and software, including word processing, database management, spreadsheet applications, and email.
Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.
Ability to provide factual case updates to victims in an accurate and timely manner.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, law enforcement agencies, courts, legal representatives, and the general public.
Ability to identify problems, determine accuracy and relevance of information, use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and make recommendations.
Knowledge of the business and organizational structure of Colorado municipalities.
Collaboration skills, including the ability to work with others from different areas and backgrounds to reach a common goal.
Computer skills, including the ability to utilize Microsoft Office programs (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) and learn and experiment with new software and systems.
Interpersonal skills, including the ability to facilitate interaction, communication, and teamwork between others.
Oral, written, and listening communication skills, including the ability to accurately interpret what others are saying and convey messages, information, concepts, and details accurately and clearly.
Organizational skills, including the ability to set and meet goals and deadlines, manage appointments, create schedules, coordinate, and facilitate meetings, and make decisions.
Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple concurrent and competing tasks and responsibilities, and adapt to changing priorities while maintaining personal effectiveness.
Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and stay on task when completing special projects and daily assignments.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and reliable professional judgment, as well as collaboratively with a team to achieve desired results.
Ability to maintain a strong work ethic, positive problem-solving attitude, and enthusiasm for the work performed.
Ability to self-start and take initiative in completing daily tasks and special projects.
Ability to focus on activities that have the greatest impact on meeting work commitments.
Ability to establish and maintain partnerships with a variety of internal and external constituencies.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ages.
Ability to navigate a complex political environment.
Customer service skills, including the ability to actively listen, address customer needs, defuse tense situations, and maintain an open, flexible, and friendly demeanor.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Reads and interprets police reports.
Provides initial and follow up contact with victims, victim's family members and/or witnesses.
Assists victims in understanding and coping with their situations and contacting pertinent parties such as friends, family, health care professionals, law enforcement officers, attorneys, and service providers.
Makes appropriate referrals to community-based resources / services to address any identified needs.
Provides emergency support services such as developing a safety plan or addressing immediate safety needs.
Acts as liaison between victims and witnesses, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, social service agencies, and offices of the courts.
Coordinates any necessary meetings and may attend with victims to provide necessary support.
Provides explanations of victim rights and factual updates of the investigation and criminal proceedings.
Assists victims or their families with victim compensation and financial assistance applications, appeals, restitution process, or civil remedies.
Maintains statistical data for grant reporting; prepares reports documenting casework.
Researches and compiles list of community resources available to victims.
Develops and maintains information packets for victims.
Provides training and guidance to volunteer victim advocates and victim advocate interns on policies, procedures, liability, and safety issues.
Assists volunteers with caseloads as needed.
Assists with recruitment, retention, and recognition of all volunteers.
Recruits volunteers for internal and external opportunities, including events, and using varied methods and techniques such as online, email, and in-person strategies.
Manages onboarding and placement opportunities for volunteers.
Assists with volunteer appreciation activities, recognition incentives, and retention programs.
Represents the City of Greeley on various boards, committees, and task forces.
This position will be required to do Victim Advocacy work in line with the VALE grant, such as responding to calls, case management, and referrals to support services.
Performs other duties as assigned.