Part Time Victim Advocate
About The Position
As part of the Victim Advocate Program within the Salt Lake City Police Department, the Victim Advocate works under the direction of the Victim Advocate Program Coordinator. The role assists victims of violent crimes by providing information, making appropriate referrals, helping victims navigate court processes, and providing on-scene support. The position also provides crisis intervention, serves as a liaison with law enforcement, prosecutors, and other agencies, and delivers training and education to a variety of audiences. The role requires a high degree of independent judgment and decision-making, along with the ability to work with and communicate effectively with diverse populations in difficult situations. Work involves considerable exposure to stressful situations and potentially hostile environments. The position may require non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, as well as regularly scheduled shifts providing crisis intervention, crisis-line coverage, and other services. Employment offers are contingent on successfully completing a criminal background check.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social or Behavioral Science and one year of related work experience, or an associate degree in Social or Behavioral Science and three years of related work experience; education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
- Effective interpersonal skills for working with individuals in crisis situations.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Working knowledge of victimology, trauma-informed responses, judicial processes, and resources for victims of crimes.
- Valid driver license or driving privilege card, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
- Successfully pass examinations required by the Salt Lake City Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations.
- Successfully complete a criminal background check.
Responsibilities
- Provide crisis intervention for victims of violent crimes.
- Assess needs using client intake documentation, interviews, and background information; evaluate needs and make referrals for counseling, housing, shelter, legal assistance, and other services.
- Assist victims in obtaining protective orders and completing victim reparation forms, victim/witness statements, medical release forms, and other case-related documents.
- Provide transportation to and from court hearings, shelters, and other appropriate services when necessary.
- Follow up on assigned cases and review incident reports to determine advocacy needs.
- Access court and state, county, and local police computer systems to research case histories, offender criminal histories, and other police-related activity involving the parties.
- Meet with the Victim Advocate Team to discuss problematic cases, policy updates, service gaps, and action plans.
- Attend court proceedings to support victims; arrange accommodations for non-English-speaking participants and people with hearing impairments or other disabilities; monitor court activity; and inform victims and witnesses of court dates and changes.
- Serve as a liaison between victims, law enforcement, and prosecutors.
- Coordinate efforts and information with other victim service providers and agencies.
- Manage assigned victim and witness cases, including documentation and detailed statistical data.
- May act as a trainer and attend national, state, and local conferences regarding victim assistance.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
