Victim Advocate

*Position is part-time and includes weekends*

General Purpose

As part of the Victim Assistance Unit (VAU) within the Moab City Police Department (MCPD), Victim Advocates assist victims of crimes by providing information and making appropriate referrals, assisting victims in court processes, and providing on-scene support. Incumbents will also provide crisis intervention services and will liaison with law enforcement, prosecutors, and other agencies to assist victims in all crime categories. The Victim Advocate may also provide training and education to a variety of community groups and individuals.

This position requires a high degree of independent judgment, decision-making, and an exceptional ability to work with, and effectively communicate with, diverse populations in difficult situations.

Victim Advocates of the VAU are supervised by the VAU manager. The VAU provides victim advocate services for Moab City Police Department, Grand County Sheriff's Office, Grand County Attorney's office and the Children's Justice Center and occasionally assisting surrounding agencies as available and upon request.

Reporting Relationships

The Victim Advocate reports directly to the Detective Sergeant.

Supervision Exercised: N/A

Essential Functions

• Provides crisis intervention for victims of violent crimes.
• Provides need assessment from information obtained through client intake documentation, client interview and information gathered in the initial background histories. Evaluates needs and makes appropriate referrals for counseling, housing, shelter, legal assistance, and other services as needed.
• Assists victims in obtaining protective orders and stalking injunctions. Assists in filing victim reparation forms, victim/witness statements, medical release forms and other documentation pertinent to their case.
• Follows-up on all assigned cases. Reviews incident report to determine advocacy needs. Accesses court computer systems; state, county, and local law enforcement computer systems as available, research case histories on victims, criminal histories of offenders, and all other police related activity involving both parties.
• Attends weekly staff meetings to discuss problematic cases, identifies service gaps, develops safety plans for victims.
• Attends appropriate court proceedings to support the victim. Makes necessary arrangements for non-English speaking participants, accommodates hearing impaired and other disabilities. Monitors court activity. Informs victims and witnesses of court dates and any changes.
• Serves as a liaison for victims with law enforcement, prosecutors, and community resources.
• Manages assigned cases of victims and witnesses, including detailed documentation, and appropriate statistical database information.
• May be required to act as a trainer. May be required to attend national, state and local conferences regarding victim assistance.
• Effective interpersonal skills, to work with individuals in crisis situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Working knowledge of domestic violence issues, judicial processes, and resources for victims of crimes.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• High school graduate, and
• One (1) year related work experience, or
• An equivalent combination of training and experience

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Employees work under typical office conditions, and the noise level is usually quiet.

While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone: use hands repetitively to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; and lift up to 25 pounds.

While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve non-routine and complex office administrative problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks; work under intensive deadlines with frequent interruptions; and interact with City managers, staff, customers, the public and others encountered in the course of work.

Selection Guidelines

A formal application and résumé are required; finalists will interview with the appropriate hiring authority as designated by the city council. Applicants must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check, and upon employment, must possess a valid Utah driver's license.