Victim Advocate

West Valley City•West Valley City, UT

1d•$49,774 - $51,501

About The Position

The Victim Advocate assists members of the public and victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes by providing information, education, referrals, and support. The role includes crisis intervention, ongoing communication with victims, help with protective orders and financial assistance applications, and coordination with other advocates, law enforcement, attorneys, and community agencies. The position may involve responding to incident scenes and accompanying victims to court.

Requirements

Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent.
Must attend advocacy training within one year of hire if not already completed.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Possess a valid Utah driver’s license or be able to obtain one.
Maintain victim confidentiality and deal diplomatically with City employees, police officers, other agencies, and the public.
Ability to provide emotional support to victims of crime.
Ability to exercise initiative and sound judgment under varying pressures and conditions.
Good organizational skills; ability to accept supervision and direction, accept decisions of police officers or their commanding officers, and maintain accurate records.
Ability to react productively to change and work independently.
Good driving record.
Must pass a criminal background check and drug screen.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including movement, sitting, talking, hearing, close vision, typing, phone conversations, light physical tasks, and occasional light lifting.
Ability to occasionally operate a motor vehicle and travel unaccompanied for City business.

Nice To Haves

Prior paid or volunteer experience working with victims.
Bilingual language skills.

Responsibilities

Assist the public and victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes by phone and in person.
Inform and educate victims about domestic violence, victim rights, protective orders, court procedures, and available resources.
Provide safety information, references, referrals, and other relevant information.
Review criminal cases and contact victims to provide crisis intervention and ongoing support.
Provide emotional support and accompany victims to court.
Explain protective orders, determine whether victims need or want them, and assist with the protective order process.
Assist victims with requests for security or separation from perpetrators and their families, including arranging hotel rooms, rental assistance, transportation to shelters, groceries, and meals as necessary.
Rotate responsibility for the 24-hour crisis line, remain available to answer calls, assist callers, and respond when necessary.
Coordinate with other Victim Advocates to relay information and arrange follow-up.
When requested, respond with police officers to incident scenes and gather and analyze information from officers, victims, and attorneys to prepare documents.
When requested, assist with taking photographs and gathering relevant information or evidence during investigations or criminal proceedings.
Report child abuse and neglect when appropriate and required.
Prepare case reports for the Victim Services Coordinator and maintain accurate records of meetings, contacts, and other interactions with victims.
Remain composed with hostile, emotional, or angry individuals and tactfully answer routine questions from City staff and the public; refer uncertain matters to the Victim Services Coordinator or Legal Department Division Head.
Operate typical office equipment and software, perform minimal office-machine maintenance, and complete tasks such as copying, filing, preparing protective orders and victim impact statements, and recordkeeping.
Assist with applications for financial assistance, including Crime Victim Reparations and rental or relocation expenses.
Maintain the order and cleanliness of the work area and assigned City vehicle.
Maintain appropriate decorum and work ethic in the Victim Services Office, Prosecutor’s Office, and Legal Department.
Perform other duties as assigned.