Victim Advocate Assistance Coordinator

The current schedule for this position includes four 10-hour shifts, 7:00am-6:00pm (day off to be determined) as well as rotating on-call assignment.

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the City Prosecutor, to assist victims and witnesses of all crime categories: to assess needs, provide information, and make appropriate referrals and services; to act as a liaison for victims between law enforcement, prosecution, and other agencies; to recruit, train, and supervise volunteers; and to provide staff support related to assigned cases.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Exercises direct supervision over all Victim Advocates and volunteers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provide crisis interventions for victims of violent crimes; provide needs assessment from information obtained through client intake documentation, client interview, and information gathered in the initial background histories; evaluate needs and make appropriate referrals for counseling, housing, shelter, legal assistance, and other services as needed.
• Assist victim in obtaining protective orders; and assist in filing victim reparation forms, victim/witness statements, medical release forms and other documentation pertinent to cases.
• Follow up on all assigned cases.
• Attend appropriate court proceedings to support victims; make necessary arrangements for non-English speaking participants; accommodate hearing impaired and other disabilities, monitor court activity; inform victim/witness of court dates and any changes.
• Assist to recruit volunteers for the Victim Assistance Program; schedule volunteers' shifts and assignments.
• Supervise workload and schedule shifts and assignments.
• Develop and follow standard operating procedures for the Victim Advocate Program.
• Assist to develop and conduct volunteer training; develop incentives and recognition programs for volunteers; and develop forms and necessary documents to maintain volunteers' personnel records.
• Coordinate support efforts and information with local battered women shelters.
• Assist in managing assigned cases of victims and witnesses including detailed documentation and appropriate statistical database information
• Transport victims to court and attend domestic violence court as needed.
• Ensure that all grants and reports are submitted to the Utah Office for Victims of Crime; and that any required reports are submitted to City Administration and the City Council.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Equivalent to a high school diploma or GED.

Experience: Four (4) years of experience as a Victim Advocate or equivalent related social services position providing a variety of support services for victims of crimes.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid Utah Driver's License.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, Victim Assistance Program training course (40 hours) certificate within six months of employment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Utah Criminal Justice Information System (UCJIS) Certification through the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Domestic violence issues, judicial processes, and resources for victims of crimes.
• Office management principles.
• Principles of supervision and training.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including administrative and departmental policies and procedures.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computer equipment and applicable software programs.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Principles and practices of business letter writing.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Principles and techniques used in dealing with the public.
• Word processing methods, techniques and programs including spreadsheet and database applications.
• Safe driving principles and practices.

Skill with:

• Operating modern office equipment including computer equipment and software.
• Typing at minimum of 50 words per minute.
• Operating a motor vehicle safely.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations, including administrative and departmental policies and procedures.
• Read, understand, apply, and explain technical victim assistance policies and procedural requirements.
• Perform responsible and difficult work involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative.
• Work under limited supervision within a broad framework of standard policies and procedures.
• Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Respond to questions from the public and City personnel regarding policies and procedures.
• Work cooperatively with other departments, divisions, City officials, and outside agencies.
• Analyze situations carefully and adopt effective courses of action.
• Maintain confidential data and information.
• Independently prepare correspondence and memoranda.
• Assist to provide supervision and training to assigned staff.
• Plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines.
• Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with Victim Assistance Program employees, volunteers, and others contacted in the course of work.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work in a standard office environment which includes reaching, bending, sitting, standing, talking, hearing, and listening.
• Ability to travel to different sites and locations.
• Considerable exposure to stressful situations, including potentially hostile environments at times.
• May include non-traditional working hours, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled, and being "on call" for approximately one week out of every three-week period (and backing up other "on call" employees as needed).