Victim Advocate

City of Moab•Moab, UT

About The Position

As part of the Victim Assistance Unit (VAU) within the Moab City Police Department (MCPD), Victim Advocates assist victims of crimes by providing information and making appropriate referrals, assisting victims in court processes, and providing on-scene support. Incumbents will also provide crisis intervention services and will liaison with law enforcement, prosecutors, and other agencies to assist victims in all crime categories. The Victim Advocate may also provide training and education to a variety of community groups and individuals. This position requires a high degree of independent judgment, decision-making, and an exceptional ability to work with, and effectively communicate with, diverse populations in difficult situations. Victim Advocates of the VAU are supervised by the VAU manager. The VAU provides victim advocate services for Moab City Police Department, Grand County Sheriff’s Office, Grand County Attorney’s office and the Children’s Justice Center and occasionally assisting surrounding agencies as available and upon request.

Requirements

High school graduate, and
One (1) year related work experience, or
An equivalent combination of training and experience

Responsibilities

Provides crisis intervention for victims of violent crimes.
Provides need assessment from information obtained through client intake documentation, client interview and information gathered in the initial background histories. Evaluates needs and makes appropriate referrals for counseling, housing, shelter, legal assistance, and other services as needed.
Assists victims in obtaining protective orders and stalking injunctions. Assists in filing victim reparation forms, victim/witness statements, medical release forms and other documentation pertinent to their case.
Follows-up on all assigned cases. Reviews incident report to determine advocacy needs. Accesses court computer systems; state, county, and local law enforcement computer systems as available, research case histories on victims, criminal histories of offenders, and all other police related activity involving both parties.
Attends weekly staff meetings to discuss problematic cases, identifies service gaps, develops safety plans for victims.
Attends appropriate court proceedings to support the victim. Makes necessary arrangements for non-English speaking participants, accommodates hearing impaired and other disabilities. Monitors court activity. Informs victims and witnesses of court dates and any changes.
Serves as a liaison for victims with law enforcement, prosecutors, and community resources.
Manages assigned cases of victims and witnesses, including detailed documentation, and appropriate statistical database information.
May be required to act as a trainer. May be required to attend national, state and local conferences regarding victim assistance.
Effective interpersonal skills, to work with individuals in crisis situations.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
Working knowledge of domestic violence issues, judicial processes, and resources for victims of crimes.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.