Victim Specialist (Grant Funded)

The Sheriff’s Office provides public safety at all times and therefore every position is deemed essential. All positions are in-person and not eligible for remote work. Every position is also subject to recall based on the needs of the Office to keep the community safe.  

Please be advised this position may close without advance notice, should we receive a sufficient number of applicants.

Assists victims of violent crime with short-term crisis intervention, ensuring the rights and needs of victims are addressed. Informs victims of case status, victim rights, and property return assistance; provides referrals and information for victims' compensation, counseling, and community resources. Provides transportation in crisis situations. Assists the Victim Services Unit (VSU) with daily operations and program development. This position is subject to grant funding.

• Assists violent crime victims on a 24-hour basis at crime scenes, hospitals, or wherever needed. Provides support, referrals, and information to victims including crime victims' rights and victim compensation information.
• Contacts victims on a follow-up basis to provide additional information, case status, and resource materials and referrals.
• Responds with deputies, detectives and/or deputy coroners to deliver death notification to next of kin.
• Transports victims or family members to the hospital, courthouse, safe housing, or other local community emergency services.
• Supervises, transports, and cares for children of victims and witnesses to allow the victims and witnesses to participate in the criminal justice process.
• Accompanies victims and witnesses to court for safety and support.
• Works closely with deputies and detectives to ensure victims' rights and needs are addressed.
• Prepares materials for distribution to victims.
• Assists the Victim Services Unit Supervisor with training department personnel and community members regarding crime victims' rights.
• Attends victim/law enforcement groups and coalitions on behalf of the Sheriff's Office as directed by the Victim Services Unit Supervisor.
• Assists victims with the timely return of property and items of evidence.
• Assists the Victim Services Unit Supervisor with grant and budgetary issues.
• Assists the Victim Services Unit Supervisor with volunteer development and volunteer maintenance, such as recruiting, training, and on-call schedules.
• Guides and assists program volunteers and interns in the absence of the Unit Supervisor
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of community and resource agencies.
• Ability to work under sometimes stressful conditions.
• Ability to work with victims/witnesses in crisis.
• Ability to prepare and analyze data and statistics, prepare statistical reports, and deliver clear, accurate information.
• Ability to work well with members of the community, law enforcement, court system and personnel from other resource agencies.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Working knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Must possess the ability to maintain strict client confidentiality.
• Must possess strong organizational skills and ability to multitask.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• One year of experience in advocacy, customer services, case management, or a related field.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Associate’s degree or higher.
• Previous experience in criminal justice or law enforcement.
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, including reading, writing, speaking, and translation.

Licenses/Certificates:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must obtain and maintain Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Compliance within six months of employment. 

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Must pass conditional post-offer background investigation, truth verification examination, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

Duties are performed indoors and outdoors at crime scenes and under stressful conditions. Exposure to unpleasant conditions at crime scenes; potential exposure to deceased bodies, body fluids, unpleasant sights, and sounds. Schedule varies with some evening and weekend assignments; on-call 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Call-out status.

Salary : $68,622 - $70,182