Victim Advocate

Largo•Largo, FL

4d•$55,640 - $89,024•Hybrid

About The Position

This specialized professional position is responsible for providing advocacy and support services to crime victims, including children and families who have experienced domestic violence and related crimes. This position ensures victims receive the community services available to them and develops partnerships to promote the long-term effectiveness of such services. Provides victim-centered education and training to officers as well as community-based organizations. Employees in this position work independently, using a high degree of initiative, tact, judgment, and discretion. Work is performed under general administrative direction.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, or a closely related field, and five (5) years of recent directly related professional experience in victim assistance, crisis intervention, social work, rehabilitation counseling, public and private community resource sharing or an equivalent combination of training and experience
Valid Driver's License
Knowledge of interviewing, counseling, crisis intervention strategies, and case management
Familiarity with community resources related to social service assistance, including personal counseling and financial assistance agencies
Knowledge of the criminal justice system, law enforcement administration, crime prevention, and laws pertaining to domestic violence
Highly developed communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; ability to establish effective relationships with crime victims, families, children, social service agencies, and the general public
Skilled in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data
Ability to work both independently and in close coordination with law enforcement officials
Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays on a flexible schedule, on a twenty-four hour per day "on call" basis
Ability to respond immediately and work effectively at violent and emotional crime scenes
sitting approximately four (4) hours per day, standing approximately two (2) hours per day, and walking approximately two (2) hours per day.
The work often requires: bending/stooping, climbing, crawling, fine manipulations, grasping, kneeling, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, lifting/carrying of objects weighing up to 15 pounds.
On rare occasions, the work requires lifting/carrying objects weighing up to 44 pounds.
Ability to understand what others are saying in normal conversation in person, on the telephone; ability to detect specific noises and hear the police radio; enough to understand court proceedings in person and on television.
Ability to communicate orally with others in person, on the telephone, and while giving formal presentations to groups.
Ability to see and read computer monitor screens, operate a vehicle, read fine print, and detect images on a court monitor.
Requires occasional driving and possession of a valid Florida Driver's License.
The work requires the ability to operate telephones, smartphones, tablets, photocopiers, printers, desktop and/or laptop computers, calculators, and all associated software.
It also requires proficiency with computer hardware and software programs, including word processing, spreadsheet and/or database applications, internet applications, and database management.
DRUG TESTING (Safety Sensitive)
FDLE AND CJSTC SECURITY CLEARANCE: As mandated by the FDLE, CJSTC, and the Largo Police Department, this position may be subject to additional security clearances due to access to the police department facility or police department's electronic data.

Responsibilities

Directs victim services, which includes crisis intervention, responding to scenes and domestic violence calls, and safety planning
Provides ongoing support to victims throughout the court process; coordinates and assists in civil and criminal court when necessary
Performs case management; reviews reports for quality assurance
Assists victims with filing crime compensation when applicable
Maintains current and working knowledge of current local, state, and federal laws regarding victim advocacy and domestic violence
Develops and maintains a listing of available resources to crime victims; collaborates with community-based organizations on community issues regarding victims' rights; assists with shelter placement when applicable
Consults and train officers regarding laws, victim-centered dynamics, and available resources
Operates Police Department vehicles in response to calls and provides transportation for victims and families
Utilizes the Police Department's Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS) and Pinellas County's Odyssey software for research
Serves as liaison to the Attorney General for victims' rights
Demonstrates an understanding and reflection of the City’s mission, vision, and values and a commitment to achieve organizational goals aligned with the City’s strategic plan
Champions a high-performance work culture that encourages and embraces new ideas, develops individuals and welcomes and encourages diverse perspectives
Articulates strategic and innovative thinking and provides clarity to deliver superior services
Approaches the job with enthusiasm and curiosity to promote a solutions-oriented work culture
Effectively manages assignments and priorities to ensure the fulfillment of projects, tasks, and responsibilities
Follows suggested procedures to ensure the highest standards of risk management, employee safety, and risk avoidance
Supports honest and transparent decision-making
Collaborates with all team members in a way that builds upon ideas and takes personal accountability and ownership of projects, roles, and assignments
Openly exhibits a positive attitude, in words and action, and encourages others to do the same
Performs related work as required.
As a condition of employment, City of Largo employees will be required to work as directed during an undeclared and/or a declared emergency. All employees are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the normal work location, and may include duties other than those specified in the official job description.