Victim Services Counselor

City of Austin • Austin, TX

1d • $28 - $34 • Onsite

About The Position

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

Purpose: Uses comprehensive knowledge to provide crisis and clinical counseling to individuals, couples, and families experiencing crime, trauma, or crisis situations in support of the Austin Police Department's Victim Services Counseling Program.

Requirements

• Knowledge of counseling, theoretical frameworks, and techniques.
• Knowledge of mental health issues, trauma, and victimology.
• Knowledge of Critical Incident Command.
• Knowledge of police operations and investigative procedures.
• Knowledge of Victim Assistance best practices.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Skill in trauma and crisis counseling.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees, external agencies, and the public.
• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Mental Health Oriented Science or in a field related to the job, plus two (2) years' experience in mental health crisis and trauma counseling.
• Valid Class C Drivers License

Nice To Haves

• Ability to effectively communicate in both English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Provides psychological, emotional, cognitive, and physical assessments of individuals of crime, trauma, or crisis situations; either on scene of the incident or at a later time when the person is located.
• Formulates and implements clinical intervention strategies until stabilization occurs.
• Provides support and assistance to victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice process serving as a liaison and advocate with law enforcement and other agencies.
• Delivers death notifications for all APD related cases as requested by the Travis County Medical Examiner’s office and other outside agencies across the country.
• Prepares for and testifies in court as a fact witness or as an expert witness.
• Plans, develops, and conducts trainings, presentations, and educational sessions to law enforcement, other outside agencies and the community.
• Serves as the Crime Victim Liaison for the Austin Police Department, providing information about victim’s rights and Crime Victims’ Compensation to victims of crime and law enforcement personnel.
• Conducts media interviews in collaboration with the Public Information Office.
• Compiles data and information for reports.
• Assists other public safety agencies.
• Conducts debriefings, group counseling, and/or diffusing’s to law enforcement, other public safety agencies, other agencies, and the community after critical incidents, large scale events, and disasters.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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