Victim Services Counselor

City of Arlington

23h • $61,734 - $77,167

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Victim Services Counselor provides crisis intervention and other services to victims of violent crimes. The role also works with community volunteers to provide immediate and follow-up services to victims.

The position reviews police reports to assess service needs, provides counseling in person or by telephone, maintains case documentation, and assists victims with paperwork. It may also involve training and supervising volunteers and interns, transporting victims, consulting with patrol officers, and working outdoors occasionally. Coverage may include holidays and management of the on-call phone.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• One year of experience in crisis intervention, critical incident work, and/or victim services.
• Valid Texas Operator's License, Class C, with a good driving record.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention and counseling theory, including intervention with traumatic grief.
• Knowledge of state laws concerning victims of violent crime, including victims’ rights and law enforcement responsibilities.
• Knowledge of domestic violence, victimology, and the criminal justice system.
• Knowledge of mental health diagnoses and intervention with adults and children, substance abuse, and issues affecting people with disabilities.
• Knowledge of community social services and resources, including resources available to victims.
• Knowledge of supervisory and management techniques and theories.
• Skills in needs assessment, case management, communication, statistical data collection and compilation, and crisis intervention in highly stressful situations.
• Ability to work independently, participate in multidisciplinary teams, and maintain professional boundaries when working with people in crisis.
• Ability to receive detailed oral information and make fine discriminations in sound.
• Ability to operate office equipment, including a PC, telephone, fax machine, laptop, portable radio, and copier.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle with the general public in all conditions.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including carrying, seeing, sorting, writing, and climbing stairs; ability to work outdoors occasionally.
• Successful completion of required criminal background check, polygraph, drug screening, and CJIS background check.

Nice To Haves

• Professional license in social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy.
• Mental health license preferred, such as LCSW, LPC, LMFT, LMSW, or related licensure.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention and crisis counseling theory.
• Knowledge of laws regarding victims of crime.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention and crisis counseling to victims of violent crime, in person or by telephone.
• Review and assess police reports and determine the appropriate level of service.
• Maintain case notes and documentation, enter data, and assist victims with paperwork at scenes and in the office.
• Develop alternative solutions, evaluate courses of action, and formulate recommendations for decisions.
• Train and supervise volunteers and interns.
• Transport victims to shelters and court appearances.
• Consult with patrol officers.
• Work flexibly to provide operational coverage, including working holidays and managing the on-call phone.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level