Victim Assistance Advocate

Richland County Government

About The Position

The purpose of the position is to provide crime victims with services designed to minimize the psychological and economical effects of victimization; to assist victims through the procedures of the criminal justice system, and to perform related work as required. The class works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision. Reviews inmate files to identify victims in need of victim assistance. Maintains the security of victims while at the Detention Center. Informs crime victims and their family members of services available; informs victims of their legal rights and ensuring their rights are protected; identifies specific resources to meet victim needs and refers victims to appropriate services; schedules appointments for victims; provides courtroom orientation and accompanies victims to court as needed; provides court testimony as required; assists victims in filing applications for compensation. Informs victims of detainee release from the Detention Center. Assists in coordinating victim advocate services with court personnel, law enforcement personnel and a variety of other individuals and agencies as necessary to maximize service effectiveness. Arranges for transportation and/or emergency housing for victims as needed. Maintains accurate and up-to-date case files and Victim Services database. Receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance, concerns and complaints in areas of responsibility. Compiles data for and prepares a variety of administrative and statistical reports as required by the department, County and/or other agencies. Performs general administrative / clerical work as required, including attending meetings, preparing reports and correspondence, establishing and maintaining files, copying and filing documents, processing mail, sending and receiving faxes, answering the telephone, entering and retrieving computer data, etc. Attends training, workshops, seminars, conferences, etc., and reads professional literature as necessary to enhance job knowledge and skills and to maintain awareness of current and changing legislation affecting program operations. Remains on call 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Requires gathering, organizing, analyzing, examining or evaluating data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information. Requires giving information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants. Requires handling or using machines, tools or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience, such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, telephones or similar equipment; may service office machines, including adding paper and changing toner.

Requirements

Requires a bachelor’s degree or education and training equivalent to four years of college education in social services, criminal justice, or a closely related field.
Must possess a valid state driver’s license.
Must possess or be able to obtain Victim Assistance Specialist Certification from the S.C. Standards and Certification Board.
Requires over one year and up to and including two years.

Responsibilities

Reviews inmate files to identify victims in need of victim assistance.
Maintains the security of victims while at the Detention Center.
Informs crime victims and their family members of services available; informs victims of their legal rights and ensuring their rights are protected; identifies specific resources to meet victim needs and refers victims to appropriate services; schedules appointments for victims; provides courtroom orientation and accompanies victims to court as needed; provides court testimony as required; assists victims in filing applications for compensation.
Informs victims of detainee release from the Detention Center.
Assists in coordinating victim advocate services with court personnel, law enforcement personnel and a variety of other individuals and agencies as necessary to maximize service effectiveness.
Arranges for transportation and/or emergency housing for victims as needed.
Maintains accurate and up-to-date case files and Victim Services database.
Receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance, concerns and complaints in areas of responsibility.
Compiles data for and prepares a variety of administrative and statistical reports as required by the department, County and/or other agencies.
Performs general administrative / clerical work as required, including attending meetings, preparing reports and correspondence, establishing and maintaining files, copying and filing documents, processing mail, sending and receiving faxes, answering the telephone, entering and retrieving computer data, etc.
Attends training, workshops, seminars, conferences, etc., and reads professional literature as necessary to enhance job knowledge and skills and to maintain awareness of current and changing legislation affecting program operations.
Remains on call 24 hours per day, seven days per week.