Crime Victim Advocate Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:

The Crime Victim Advocate is responsible for providing information and services to victims of crime. It is the liaison between the different courts, facilitates advocacy services, resources and support, and provides crisis intervention to victims of violent crimes. Reports directly to the Magna Executive Officer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Facilitates services, support, and crisis intervention for adult and juvenile victims/survivors of crimes such as domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, robbery, homicide, unattended death, assault, etc.; facilitates the professional interaction of advocates and victims through the investigative process and criminal justice system.
• Interviews, evaluates, and assesses victims of violent crimes to develop a treatment and safety plan using available community resources and appropriate treatment providers.
• Assist victims in locating and receiving special services and assistance, such as; medical, personal therapy, etc.
• Consults and coordinates with other public, private, and state agencies, to obtain/provide relevant client information to ensure coordination of services and facilitate an effective referral process to mental health providers for victims and their families.
• Facilitates and encourages self-reliance to help break cycles of abuse.
• Assist walk-in clients and proceed as necessary.
• Intervene with clients in crisis to stabilize situations and prevent harm to victims or others by utilizing appropriate, ethical crisis intervention techniques and appropriate clinical referrals.
• Consults with medical and clinical professionals to ensure multi-disciplinary assessment and treatment plans.
• Reviews and assess violent crime police reports assigned by precinct.
• Contact victims to provide information and referrals regarding available community resources, assistance in obtaining emergency shelter, court support, and Utah office for victims of crimes, etc.
• Serves as a liaison between the Unified Police Department, The Road Home, the YWCA, Family Justice Center, and other agencies for victim services, and performs case follow-up.
• Provide assistance to crime victims seeking restitution and provide alternate means for the victims to be compensated for damages incurred as a result of criminal behavior.
• Assist domestic violence clients in filing for protective orders; attend protective order hearings and other court hearings with clients as necessary.
• Be in contact with the different courts in which the victims deal with after a violent incident and be the liaison between the prosecutor, and clerks regarding protective orders and the prosecution of cases.
• Facilitates international victims/survivors of crimes in receiving appropriate documentation from law enforcement for Immigration relief applications.
• Monitor and gather statistical records and document involvement with every case. Keeps notes of involvement on cases handled.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, Social Work or experience in related field.
• Two years of experience performing the above duties OR an equivalent combination of related education and specific experience.
• Utah Victim Assistance Academy certificate is preferred or should be obtained within a year of hire.
• Preference may be given to candidates that are able to communicate verbally and in writing in Spanish but is not a requirement for this position.
• Must have a valid Utah driver license

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Skills/Abilities

• Maintain effective working relationships with victims, witnesses, advocates, supervisors and staff; clinicians, attorneys, state and local government agencies, and other service providers.
• Communicate effectively with individuals of various social, economic and ethnic backgrounds.
• Deal professionally with victims of violence.
• Advocate for victims' rights and related issues during the investigative process and with the Criminal justice System.
• Maintain confidentiality of victim information.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Operate basic office equipment, software programs, etc.
• Create statistical reports and meet grant reporting requirements.
• Respond during non-standard working hours to crisis intervention situations.

Knowledge

• Victimology Theories;
• Ethical crisis intervention techniques;
• Cycle of Violence, power and control models relating to victims and crimes;
• Adult Criminal Justice System and procedures;
• Juvenile Justice System and procedures;
• General psychology principles and concepts;
• General personality development theories;
• Community and state agencies which support crime victims;
• Statutes, ordinances, and court procedures for victim restitution programs;
• Immigration relief issues pertaining to victims of crimes, particularly U-Visas

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit for long periods of time.
• Drive to different locations and assist other precincts.
• Occasionally lift and move items up to 40 pounds.
• May be exposed to stress as a result of human behavior.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THIS POSITION

• This position requires being available for occasional callouts.
• This position may require advocate to work in different precincts within the Unified Police Department.
• This position requires passing a criminal background check, including a BCI check for non-user system access.