Victim Advocate

Orange County Sheriff's Office•Orlando, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Provides crisis intervention and follow-up services to primary and secondary victims of violent crimes, traumatic incidents, and/or natural disasters. Responds to crime and trauma scenes in coordination with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) and other law enforcement agencies to provide immediate crisis intervention. Assistance may include arranging emergency shelter, housing, or funeral services, and addressing other urgent needs. Accompany victims to legal proceedings, including trials and hearings, as necessary. Refers victims to appropriate community resources for long-term support, such as domestic violence shelters, support groups, mental health counselors, or victim service centers. May assist with facilitating bi-monthly support group meetings. Supports the Crime Prevention Academies by educating community members on safety issues and the functions of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Promotes victim service programs and related agency initiatives that align with the Sheriff’s goals and mission. Reviews and analyzes incident reports (e.g., from the Automated Report System [ARS] and Crystal Reports) to identify eligible victims and assist with applying for compensation through the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). Follows up on victim compensation claims and communicates with relevant detectives or law enforcement staff to support ongoing cases. Attends required training sessions and maintains involvement with relevant community organizations, committees, task forces, boards, coalitions, and partnerships. Provides training to law enforcement personnel and victim service providers; delivers public education and awareness presentations as needed. Conducts in-field training for new Victim Advocates and Foreign Notification Specialists. Maintains statistical records related to call-outs, types of victimization, and service trends; completes tasks related to grant compliance and reporting. Serves as a liaison with outside agencies, embassies, consulates, and agency detectives, as needed, to fulfill Department of State guidelines for foreign nationals who have been arrested, detained, or deceased. Provides crisis intervention services to tourists who are victims of traumatic incidents, including accompanying law enforcement to emergency hospital visits. Completes special projects and assignments as directed by supervisors. Depending on the location of assignment, may be required to perform one or more of the following in addition to regularly assigned duties: May be assigned a therapy dog and must follow all procedures outlined in Special Order 128.0. Basic understanding of trauma-informed care practices, demonstrated through formal training or direct experience providing support to victims in crisis situations. Ability to assist with or participate in the use of certified therapy animals during crisis response, outreach events, or follow-up services, in accordance with agency guidelines.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age.
Must be able to comprehend and communicate fluently in verbal and written English.
U.S. Citizen or possess a current permanent resident card.
Clean criminal history; any arrest history will be individually evaluated.
No illegal drug usage within the past year. Other drug usage will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) in psychology, sociology, criminal justice, social work or related field from an accredited four-year college or university OR an equivalent combination of education and experience, preferentially in in crisis intervention.
Four (4) years of direct experience for a Bachelor's Degree (in lieu of degree).
Must have valid Florida driver’s license.
Must attend and successfully complete the agency sponsored Law Enforcement Vehicle Operations (LEVO) Training if assignment includes driving agency vehicle.
Use of agency vehicle would require appropriate driving history and passing agency biennial driver’s physical exam.
Must have current Victim Service Practitioner Designation Certificate or be able to obtain certification within 6 months of employment.
Must be FCIC/NCIC and D.A.V.I.D. certified within six (6) months of accepting this position.
Must successfully complete the Victim Advocate’s 30 day on-call training immediately upon transfer or assignment.
Ability to present information clearly and respectfully to small or medium-sized groups (10 or more), using prepared materials and adhering to time constraints.
Ability to maintain professional and compassionate interactions with individuals from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to apply basic knowledge of legal and criminal justice system processes when working with law enforcement or other justice partners on victim-related matters.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently, including drafting clear and professional reports, case notes, and internal communications.
Ability to understand and follow guidance from agency policies, procedures, or state/federal regulations relevant to victim services.
Ability to assist in the preparation of standard correspondence, brief reports, or informational materials that meet basic organizational formatting and clarity requirements.

Nice To Haves

Preferably in crisis intervention.
Basic understanding of trauma-informed care practices, demonstrated through formal training or direct experience providing support to victims in crisis situations.

Responsibilities

Provides crisis intervention and follow-up services to primary and secondary victims of violent crimes, traumatic incidents, and/or natural disasters.
Responds to crime and trauma scenes in coordination with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) and other law enforcement agencies to provide immediate crisis intervention.
Assists victims by arranging emergency shelter, housing, or funeral services, and addressing other urgent needs.
Accompanies victims to legal proceedings, including trials and hearings, as necessary.
Refers victims to appropriate community resources for long-term support, such as domestic violence shelters, support groups, mental health counselors, or victim service centers.
May assist with facilitating bi-monthly support group meetings.
Supports the Crime Prevention Academies by educating community members on safety issues and the functions of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Promotes victim service programs and related agency initiatives that align with the Sheriff’s goals and mission.
Reviews and analyzes incident reports to identify eligible victims and assist with applying for compensation through the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).
Follows up on victim compensation claims and communicates with relevant detectives or law enforcement staff to support ongoing cases.
Attends required training sessions and maintains involvement with relevant community organizations, committees, task forces, boards, coalitions, and partnerships.
Provides training to law enforcement personnel and victim service providers; delivers public education and awareness presentations as needed.
Conducts in-field training for new Victim Advocates and Foreign Notification Specialists.
Maintains statistical records related to call-outs, types of victimization, and service trends; completes tasks related to grant compliance and reporting.
Serves as a liaison with outside agencies, embassies, consulates, and agency detectives, as needed, to fulfill Department of State guidelines for foreign nationals who have been arrested, detained, or deceased.
Provides crisis intervention services to tourists who are victims of traumatic incidents, including accompanying law enforcement to emergency hospital visits.
Completes special projects and assignments as directed by supervisors.
May be assigned a therapy dog and must follow all procedures outlined in Special Order 128.0.
Assists with or participates in the use of certified therapy animals during crisis response, outreach events, or follow-up services, in accordance with agency guidelines.