Family Violence Intervention Unit Victim Advocate

The City of Raleigh Police Department is seeking a Family Violence Intervention Unit Victim Advocate. This is non-sworn specialized administrative role with technical work in the counseling and service referral of victims and witnesses of crimes, particularly family violence crimes. Work involves responsibilities as the victim advocate for a variety of police related incidents. Work includes the coordination of activities for victim/witness contacts, follow-ups, scheduling, and counseling for victims and witnesses. Work includes extensive contact with the public, other departments and outside agencies. Work requires initiative and independent judgment. Work is reviewed through oral and written reports to supervisors.

About You:

You are a compassionate, resourceful, and professional advocate who is committed to supporting individuals and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. You excel at building trust with victims, providing crisis intervention, and connecting people with the resources they need to move forward. You communicate with empathy and confidence, balancing sensitivity with sound judgment while working in fast-paced, emotionally challenging situations. With experience in victim advocacy, counseling, social work, or a related field, you are skilled at collaborating with law enforcement, courts, and community service agencies to ensure victims receive comprehensive support. You are organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable preparing reports, maintaining accurate records, and managing multiple priorities. Most importantly, you are dedicated to serving the community with integrity, professionalism, and respect while helping victims navigate the criminal justice process and access the services that promote safety, healing, and recovery.

About Us:

The City of Raleigh is the second-largest city in North Carolina and remains one of the fastest growing areas in the country. Driven by a strong economy and outstanding quality of life, Raleigh is consistently ranked among the nation’s best places to live and operate a business. The “Capital City” The City of Raleigh is the second-largest city in North Carolina and remains one of the fastest growing areas in the country. Driven by a strong economy and outstanding quality of life, Raleigh is consistently ranked among the nation’s best places to live and operate a business. The “Capital City” offers many cultural and entertainment advantages of a large City without the traffic and other drawbacks. Wake County is one of the top ranked public-school districts in the state, has nine universities and institutions of higher education, and is home of the Research Triangle Park, which is North Carolina's premier global innovation center.

Note: Occasional weekend work may be required, but it is not a regular occurrence

Duties and Responsibilities

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Respond to major family violence calls for police service and assist officers and counselors in unusual or difficult situations
• Coordinates contact with victim/witnesses, conducts follow-up interviews, schedules and counsels victim/witnesses and performs outreach services
• Train and update counselors through regularly scheduled domestic violence meetings
• Acts as a liaison for the Department with victim/witness service agencies
• Provides victim/witnesses with information concerning judicial processes, service agencies and other community resources
• Assist victims in completing paperwork required by the courts (victim impact statement) and/or required in order to receive compensation
• Prepares written reports, memos, correspondence
• Provide staff support in researching and recommending alternate methods of providing family violence intervention services
• Assesses the needs of victims/witnesses
• Attends community meetings and develops presentations about victim assistance programs and services
• Performs related work as required: (i.e.: Assists victims in obtaining emergency food and/or shelter, provides or arranges for transportation to court for victims as needed, etc.)

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work or related work; 3 to 5 years experience in Victim Advocacy, Social Casework, Trauma Counseling or related work

OR

Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted

Licensing and Certifications

Valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire