Victim Witness Caseworker #JR-01301

Victim Advocates work within the Police Department and help foster understanding and a positive view of Virginia Beach Law enforcement and encourage healthy, cooperative engagement with law enforcement officers and commonwealth attorneys during the investigative and prosecutorial process.

Functions include, but are not limited to:

• Providing trauma informed services to victims of crime throughout the city to include periodic on-scene crisis response.
• Following up in person or by phone with victims to provide information, needs assessment, accompaniment for case related meetings, and referrals to supportive services.
• Serving as a liaison between victims and emergency response personnel, employ crisis intervention strategies, provide emotional support and practical solutions for immediate needs, and possible accompaniment for medical care (such as forensic exams for sexual assault and/or strangulation) while on scene.
• Providing services to citizens during weekly or bi-weekly ride-along shifts with patrol officers as part of the regular work week.
• Maintaining cases that require court related counseling and coordinate the criminal court process with victims and witnesses to include interviews, court appearances, and crisis intervention (this reduces the apprehension level which will produce better testimony on the witness stand); responsible for explaining the role of victims and witnesses within the Criminal Justice System so that the highest possible number of individuals will come forward and give testimony in a courtroom during the prosecution of a felony; coordinate and assist prosecutors with all court appearances on assigned cases; and assist clients at all phases of contact within the criminal justice system.

As a City employee, you will enjoy a generous benefits package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, health, dental and vision insurance options, a wellness program, retirement, tuition reimbursement and more.

For benefit details, please visit: www.BenefitsAtTheBeach.com.

Hours: Hours are normally Monday-Friday, 0800-1630. However, Police Department Victim Advocates will provide on-scene support for victims of crime as needed during non-business hours according to a scheduled 24/7 on-call rotation.

Special Instructions/Requirements:

• Please complete the application in its entirety. The application is the primary required document used to screen qualifications and years of experience. A resume does not replace a completed application. Fields on the application left blank, including but not limited to job duties, dates of employment, and hours worked, may cause your application to be incomplete.
• The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug-free workplace.
• Successful completion of a police background investigation, including polygraph examination is required.
• CJIS/VCIN/NCIC certification is required, in addition to the successful completion of a background check, candidates must have U.S. citizenship or be a lawful resident of the United States and eligible for naturalization.
• Must have a current and valid driver's license and maintain city vehicle driver certification to operate city vehicles for the transportation of victims or to on-scene response. Police Department Victim Advocates will provide on-scene support for victims of crime as needed during non-business hours according to a scheduled 24/7 on-call rotation.
• All employees may be expected to work more hours than their normal scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

Preferences: In addition to the minimum requirements, the ideal candidate for this position will have experience listed in the preferences below. Candidates with the preferred experience should ensure the information is provided in the application.

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Social or Behavioral Science discipline
• Experience in a victim services program
• Experience providing support to victims of violent crimes
• Experience responding to trauma incidents
• National Advocate Credentialing Program certification

Disqualifiers: The following is a list of "disqualifiers" or concerns that could result in you not being selected for employment. Please consider these factors before applying. This is not an exhaustive listing.

Criminal History: Conviction of any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude (crimes contrary to justice, honesty, or good morals). Conviction of any Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor, excluding traffic violations which are discussed separately, or the Virginia State Law equivalent within the last 5 years.

Traffic Violations: Any conviction of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, refusal to take blood or breath test, eluding police, racing, or leaving the scene of an accident within the last 5 years.

Drugs: Any involvement in the sale of illegal drugs as an adult. Any illegal use or possession of any illegal drug, including but not limited to heroin, cocaine, hallucinogens, or any derivative thereof (except marijuana) within the last five years. Illegal possession of anabolic steroids within the last 36 months.

Additional requirements:

• DMV Transcript: Yes

• CDL: No

• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No

• CPS Check: No

• Physical: No

• Respirator: No

• Psychological Screening: No

• Polygraph: Yes

• At Will: No

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications: Requires a combination of higher education and/or experience equivalent to four (4) years in social work, criminal justice, or related field which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. May require a current and valid driver's license.

The City of Virginia Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer.