Victim Advocate

Description

Come join a team dedicated to making a positive impact in our community, where the well-being of our residents is always our top priority. We offer flexible scheduling options (based on position) and foster professional growth through comprehensive training programs and learning opportunities. Shape your future in a career that empowers you to make a difference and thrive in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.

Position Summary

The Victim Advocate assists the public and victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes by providing information, education, references, referrals, and support. The Victim Advocate has graduated from a standard high school, or equivalent. Prior paid or volunteer experience working with victims preferred. Bilingual language skills preferred.

Starting Pay: $23.40 - $25.56 per hour; additional pay depending on experience

Schedule: Typically a 4x10 shift; days/hours to be determined

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Benefits: Full Benefits; health, dental, and life insurance, paid time off and paid holidays, vision reimbursement plan

Retirement: Utah Retirement Systems, pension and/or 401(k)

Job Posting Close Date: May close any time after Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the public and victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes by phone and in person. Inform and educate victims about the dynamics of domestic violence, victim’s rights, protective orders, court procedures, and the resources available to them. Provide safety information and references and make referrals to other agencies for assistance. Provide any other relevant information.
• Review criminal cases and make primary and secondary contact with victims to provide crisis intervention and ongoing support. Assist victims by providing emotional support and accompanying them to court.
• Work directly with victims to explain protective orders, determine if a protective order is needed or wanted, and assist with the protective order process.
• Assist victims with requests for security/separation from the perpetrator and/or the perpetrator’s family members, including the provision of hotel rooms and apartment rental assistance, transportation of victims and their minor children to shelters, and the provision of groceries and meals, as necessary.
• Rotate with the other Victim Advocates in the office in handling the “24-hour crisis line” phone, including carrying the phone and being available to answer the phone at all times, taking the time to assist callers, and being available to respond, if necessary.
• Coordinate with the other Victim Advocates in the office to relay contact or information for follow-up, as needed.
• If requested, respond with police officers to the scenes of incidents. Interact with police officers and gather and analyze information from police officers, victims, and attorneys to ensure the proper preparation of documents. If requested, assist in taking photographs and in gathering other pertinent information or evidence concerning the case during investigation or criminal proceedings.
• Report child abuse and neglect whenever appropriate and mandated.
• Prepare case reports and submit them to the Victim Services Coordinator for follow-up. Update files to keep accurate records of all meetings, contact, and other interfacing between the Victim Advocate and the victim.
• Maintain composure when confronted with hostile, emotional, or angry people and tactfully answer routine questions from the City staff and public. When in doubt, defer to the Victim Services Coordinator or to the Legal Department Division Head.
• Operate various types of typical office equipment, including minimal office machine maintenance and computer software necessary to perform tasks such as copying, filing, preparing protective orders and victim impact statements, and recordkeeping.
• Assist in the completion of applications for financial assistance, including Crime Victim Reparations general or rental/relocation expenses.
• Maintain the general order and cleanliness of the work area and the assigned City vehicle. Maintain the proper decorum and work ethic of the Victim Services Office, the Prosecutor’s Office, and the Legal Department.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

Requirements

Able to maintain victim confidentialities and deal diplomatically with City employees, including police officers; other agencies; and the public. Able to provide emotional support to victims of crime. Able to exercise initiative and sound judgment to react resourcefully under varying pressures and conditions. Good organizational skills and the ability to accept supervision and direction, accept the decisions of police officers and/or their commanding officers, and keep accurate records. Able to react to change productively. Must possess a good driving record. Must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug screen.

Education and/or Experience

• Graduation from a standard senior high school, or equivalent.
• Must attend advocacy training within one year of hire, if they have not already done so.
• Prior paid or volunteer experience working with victims preferred.

Language Skills

• Able to read and write English at a high school level and be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Bilingual language skills preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Must possess a valid Utah driver’s license or the ability to obtain one.

Physical Demands

• Physical movement, sitting, talking, hearing, and close vision ability.
• Occasional operation of a motor vehicle to travel unaccompanied for the purpose of conducting City business.
• Able to type; converse on the phone; and perform light physical tasks, including the operation of office equipment and machinery and occasional light lifting of objects.

Work Environment

• Typical office and courtroom environments, including air conditioning, ultraviolet lighting, low noise level, and little or no exposure to hazards.
• May include activities outdoors, including travel to crime scenes and victims’ homes.
• Exposure to potential discomfort associated with computer keyboarding and constant monitoring of computer display screens.
• Occasional travel to locations inside and outside the limits of West Valley City and/or the State of Utah to conduct City business.
• Exposure to varying levels of stress due to human behavior and the demands of the position.

If you are reading this and hesitating to click "apply" because you do not check every box in the posting, we encourage you to go for it! A true passion and excitement for making an impact is just as important as work experience.

Salary : $23 - $26