Victim Assistance Coordinator - Police

City of Burlington NC•Burlington, NC

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is for an experienced professional who can support people during difficult times, build trust with victims, work confidently with law enforcement and community partners, and provide compassionate, practical support. The Burlington Police Department, a nationally accredited agency, is seeking an individual to serve as a direct point of support for victims and witnesses, working closely with detectives, patrol officers, courts, attorneys, and community organizations. This is a hands-on, community-facing role requiring compassion, sound judgment, and the ability to respond effectively to individuals experiencing crisis or trauma. While much of the work occurs during normal business hours, the candidate must be prepared to work in the community and respond outside of regular hours for major or serious incidents requiring victim assistance. The ideal candidate has several years of experience working directly with victims, individuals in crisis, or community members in need, and is comfortable working alongside law enforcement, courts, attorneys, and community partners. They should be compassionate, adaptable, and prepared to respond when serious or major incidents require victim support. This position reports directly to the Criminal Investigations Division Lieutenant or their representative.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED equivalency
Minimum of five years of experience involving direct public service, victim assistance, crisis response, law enforcement, emergency communications, social work, advocacy, community services, or a closely related field.
Experience should include regular interaction with individuals experiencing crisis, trauma, victimization, or other significant needs and require the use of sound judgment, discretion, and effective interpersonal communication.
Ability to communicate compassionately and effectively with victims, witnesses, families, and individuals experiencing crisis or trauma.
Working knowledge of the criminal justice process, victim rights, court procedures, and available victim services.
Knowledge of community-based resources and the ability to connect individuals with appropriate services based on their circumstances.
Ability to work effectively with detectives, patrol officers, prosecutors, attorneys, courts, advocacy organizations, social service providers, and other community partners.
Ability to independently handle sensitive situations, confidential information, and emotionally challenging interactions using sound professional judgment.
Ability to establish trust and maintain productive relationships with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances.
Strong listening, verbal, and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex processes in an understandable and supportive manner.
Ability and willingness to work in office, court, and community settings and respond outside normal working hours when serious incidents require victim assistance.
Ability to manage multiple cases, maintain accurate documentation, track follow-up needs, and protect confidential information.
Ability to effectively use computers, records systems, office software, and other technology necessary to document and coordinate services.
Valid NC Driver's License

Nice To Haves

An equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Serve as a direct point of support for victims and witnesses while working closely with detectives, patrol officers, courts, attorneys, and community organizations throughout the life of a case.
Respond to major or serious incidents when requested to provide immediate support, information, resources, and assistance to victims and families.
Meet with victims and families in the community, at the Police Department, courts, hospitals, or other appropriate locations based on individual needs.
Work closely with detectives and other law enforcement personnel throughout investigations to identify victim needs, provide updates, and coordinate services.
Build and maintain working partnerships with courts, prosecutors, attorneys, advocacy organizations, social service agencies, shelters, healthcare providers, and other community resources.
Provide trauma-informed support to individuals experiencing crisis, grief, violence, or other difficult circumstances while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Contact victims and witnesses to assess needs, provide updates on case status, and offer available services and community referrals.
Assist victims with court accompaniment, transportation, translation services, victim compensation filings, and follow-up on active and closed cases.
Make follow-up phone calls regarding court notifications, warrants served, and related documentation.
Review crime reports and domestic violence histories, draft reports, assign cases, and maintain related records and data systems.
Print, sort, scan, mail, and distribute reports and documents to the District Attorney’s Office, NCDPS, and other appropriate agencies.
Maintain Criminal Investigation Log Software and document follow-up information in RMS supplements.
Check and review data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established standards.
Attend trainings, community meetings, police events, and partner agency meetings.
Prepare training materials and provide victim assistance and log management training to staff, volunteers, and new personnel.
Assist with accreditation reporting and dissemination of department or program information, including confidential information when appropriate.
Operate standard office and computer equipment and perform related duties as assigned.