Victim Advocate

City of West Jordan•West Jordan, UT

1d•$24 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the City Attorney’s Office, this role performs a variety of victim services duties. The Victim Advocate assists victims and witnesses of all crime categories while ensuring grant compliance. This position assesses needs, provides information, and makes appropriate referrals and services. The Advocate acts as a liaison for victims between law enforcement, prosecution, and other agencies, provides statistical reports of services provided, and offers staff support related to assigned cases.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
One year of experience as a Victim Advocate or equivalent related social services position providing a variety of support services for victims of crimes.
Valid Utah Driver’s License.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, Victim Assistance Program training course (40 hours) certificate within six months of employment.
Ability to obtain and maintain Utah Criminal Justice Information System (UCJIS) Certification through the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI).
Knowledge of domestic violence issues, judicial processes, and resources for victims of crimes.
Knowledge of crisis intervention methods, and causes and treatment of abuse.
Knowledge of victims’ rights and advocacy techniques.
Knowledge of principles and procedures of record keeping.
Knowledge of principles and techniques used in dealing with the public.
Knowledge of interviewing and intervention techniques.
Knowledge of needs and problems of people from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
Knowledge of community resources and community organizations.
Knowledge of principles of protective services administration.
Knowledge of telephone, office, and online etiquette.
Knowledge of current technology and trends in the profession.
Knowledge of word processing methods, techniques, and programs including spreadsheet and database applications.
Knowledge of safe driving principles and practices.
Skill with operating modern office equipment including computer equipment and software.
Skill with operating a motor vehicle safely.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing in the English language, as well as with a variety of individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Ability to function calmly in stressful situations, which require a high degree of sensitivity and diplomacy.
Ability to understand and comply with grants, grant job description limitations, grant job requirements, and grant reporting obligations.
Ability to assist in the recruitment and development of volunteers.
Ability to prepare accurate reports and case summaries; and maintain records and documentation.
Ability to assess the victim’s immediate needs and ensure customer’s receipt of needed services through personal service or making appropriate referral.
Ability to provide prompt, efficient, and responsive service.
Ability to exercise appropriate judgment in answering questions and releasing information; analyze and project consequences of decisions and/or recommendations.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with management, employees, employee representatives and the public representing diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Ability to understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
Ability to maintain confidential data and information.

Responsibilities

Provide crisis intervention for victims of violent crimes.
Provide needs assessment from information obtained through client intake documentation, client interview, and information gathered in the initial background histories.
Evaluate needs and make appropriate referrals for counseling, housing, shelter, legal assistance, and other services as needed.
Provide 24-hour on-call crisis intervention on assigned dates or when needed.
Provide emergency assistance by conducting immediate needs assessment and making referrals to appropriate resources.
Assist victims in obtaining protective orders.
Assist in filing victim reparation forms, victim/witness statements, medical release forms, and other documentation pertinent to cases.
Attend appropriate court proceedings to support victims.
Make necessary arrangements for non-English speaking participants.
Accommodate hearing impaired and other disabilities.
Monitor court activity.
Inform victim/witness of court dates and any case scheduling changes.
Manage assigned cases of victims and witnesses including detailed documentation and appropriate statistical database information.
Perform follow-up on all assigned cases.
Act as an advocate for victims to ensure their needs are addressed within the community and criminal justice system.
Provide emotional support and encouragement to victims and witnesses as the case moves through the criminal justice system, including providing support during court proceedings.
Provide courteous, high quality customer service to members of the public by personally responding to requests for service or appropriate referral.
Participate, develop, or attend community outreach programs to increase awareness of domestic violence and offer services.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.