Victim Advocate

Salary : $53,726.40 Annually
Location : Aubrey, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202400019
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 09/24/2024
Description
Under general supervision, the Victim Advocate is responsible for providing assistance to persons who are victims of crime. The incumbent ensures the rights and needs of victims are recognized and met. Assists staff with investigations and further developing case histories and evidence. Provides immediate crisis-counseling services and identifies and contacts other social service agencies as appropriate.
Examples of Duties

• Conducts outreach to victims of violent crimes; provides crisis intervention, criminal justice assistance, and other resources both in person and over the phone.
• Assists with Protective Orders, Emergency Protective Orders, Texas Crime Victim's Compensation, and victim statements.
• Assists victims of family violence with obtaining safe shelter.
• Notifies Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services when children or the elderly have been abused or endangered.
• Communicates with detectives, patrol officers, County Court personnel, and probation/parole officers as needed.
• Reviews and screens all crime reports for crimes against persons offenses to determine appropriate assistance as required.
• Accompanies victims to court proceedings, testifies in courts; documents all contact made with or on behalf of crime victims.
• Responds to on scene incidents to provide victims with crisis intervention and aid in the investigation.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with professional groups, organizations and the general public.
• Trains and supervises volunteers and master's level interns.
• Provides ongoing support and case management to victims throughout and beyond the adjudication of a case as needed.
• Provides Officer training and delivers community presentations.
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential.

Other Important Duties:

• May be required to work some evenings and overtime.
• Travels to attend meetings, conferences, and training.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or as become apparent.

Typical Qualifications
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, criminal background, and MVR check.
• Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling or related field.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in victim's assistance or crisis intervention program.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

• Texas Driver's license with a driving record that meets City guidelines.

PREFERENCES:

• Certification as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), or Crime Victim Advocate.

• Bilingual in English & Spanish.

ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
Abilities in the following:

• to demonstrate a high level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency.
• to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability, especially during times of change.
• to work in a team environment; contribute as a team member and treat co-workers, subordinates, and customers with respect.
• must be punctual and attend work regularly.
• proficient in Microsoft Office (including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access), and software applicable to the area of assignment, specifically Adobe Creative Suites (Photoshop, InDesign).
• to analyze problems, make objective decisions, and execute them effectively without prompting.
• to take empowered action to solve routine problems within policy guidelines and to seek creative solutions to non-routine challenges.
• to communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, subordinates, and people to whom service is provided.
• to follow instructions, safety practices, and standard operating procedures in performing assigned tasks.
• to identify and implement process improvements.

Knowledge in the following:
Social Service agencies and the scope of their service. Federal, State, and local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances regarding victim assistance including the crime victim compensation program and victim's rights; justice system including operating procedures; crisis intervention and crisis counseling techniques and procedures for crime victims and their families; dynamics of family violence, sexual assault, and common crisis reactions; interviewing techniques for child abuse victims; standard office practices, procedures, equipment, and software.
Skills in the following:
Evaluating the needs of victims and witnesses; recognizing the signs of child abuse and neglect; providing effective crisis counseling services to family units; identifying and providing alternatives for social service needs; working effectively in stressful situations and exhibiting appropriate judgement in assessing needs; communicating effectively verbally and in writing; establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with others; maintaining confidentiality of all information and records; developing and presenting training materials and information for various groups; supervising and training interns and volunteers; learning and understanding the administrative directives, standard operating procedures, and training bulletins of the Aubrey Police Department.
Supplemental Information
WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed in an office setting.
• May be subject to repetitive motion such as typing, data entry, and vision to monitor.
• May be subject to occasional bending, reaching, kneeling, and lifting such as retrieving or replacing files and records, stocking office supplies, or informational packets.
• May be exposed to hostile or angry citizens and defendants.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds.

We offer a complete benefits package:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits (100% of basic employee-only coverage paid for by the City)
• City-provided HSA contribution (if enrolled in the HDHP)
• Flexible spending accounts
• City-provided disability benefits
• City-provided life insurance
• Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) pension (7% with a 2:1 city match)
• Mission Square 457 Plan with pre-tax
• 11 paid holidays
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Longevity Pay

The City of Aubrey is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, mental or physical disability, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability.
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How many years of experience do you have with victim's assistance or crisis intervention?
Required Question