UNPAID Victim/Witness Intern

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Victim Services Unit Interns will be trained to offer emotional support and crisis intervention for victims, secondary victims, and witnesses. This will include victims and witnesses of VRA crimes, victims of circumstance, and for unattended deaths or suicides. They will provide information to victims regarding the steps in the criminal justice system, obtaining the status of arrested offenders, explaining victim rights, protective orders, bond conditions, financial assistance, provide agency referrals, aid in acquiring emergency shelter, and facilitate other immediate needs as necessary. Interns will spend a significant amount of time in case management, including data entry and creating reports. When necessary, interns may be asked to respond to the scene of an incident, the hospital, a law enforcement agency, or any other designated area to assist a victim/witness during an immediate crisis. This position is paid through the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA) and the individual will be considered a COVA employee, not employed through the City of Loveland. 

Timeline/Order of Events:

• Interview 
• Background Investigation
• Drug Screen
• Psychological Evaluation
• Polygraph
• Start Date

Available Intern Opportunities for a Victim/Witness Advocate

• Victim Advocate, Outreach: An individual interning in this capacity will contact victims via phone, email, or in person  to provide information and resources relevant to the Colorado Crime Victim Rights Act (VRA). 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all inclusive.

• Provide advocacy and immediate crisis intervention for victims.
• Assess immediate needs to make referrals to the appropriate resource for follow-up.
• Access case reports to determine VRA compliance and to obtain contact information for victims.
• Contact victims by phone, mail, or email to offer information, advocacy, and referrals related to their case.
• Inform victims/witnesses of their rights under the Colorado Crime Victims' Rights Act. 
• Act as a liaison between victims/witnesses and the criminal justice system including but not limited to police, courts, and the district attorney’s office.
• Provide information and assistance during bond hearings for the victim.
• Assist with VINE and ArrestWatch notifications.
• Respond to the scene of an incident, hospital, law enforcement agency, or any other designated area to assist a victim/witness.
• Complete necessary reports and document services rendered.
• Represent the Loveland Police Department in a positive and professional manner.
• Attend monthly team meetings

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to attend initial training (may involve evenings and weekends).
• Ability to work in emotional and stressful situations.
• Ability to be empathetic with victims of crime.
• Demonstrated inter-personal skills and self-motivation.

Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities: Reading and writing skills in the English language of sufficient level to accurately complete required reports and forms. Ability to maintain confidentiality when applicable and according to department directives. Ability and knowledge to effectively use office equipment including, but not limited to personal computer, copier, laptop computer, multi-line telephone, cell phone, word processing software, and Internet. Incumbents must successfully complete at a minimum, 40 hours of authorized training in victim advocacy.

Working Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee would encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Normal office environment which may have moderate levels of noise.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.

Conditional employment offers are contingent on the successful completion of an extensive criminal background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological examination, and drug screen. Interns must also be approved through COVA to become a COVA Employee. Those who are not able to become an employee with COVA but are successful in the background investigation process as previously stated are welcome to become an UNPAID volunteer with the victim Services unit. 

APPLICANTS WHO ARE UNSUCCESSFUL IN THE SELECTION PROCESS MAY APPLY FOR FUTURE OPENINGS.

The City of Loveland is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation. We encourage, value and respect diversity.

Beginning on 8/1/2023, The City of Loveland will begin participating in E-Verify. In accordance with E-Verify requirements, upon your date of hire the City of Loveland will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. E-Verify Notice of Participation. Learn more about your right to work. Visit E-Verify.gov for more information.