Victim Assistance Specialist

This is specialized civilian professional and public contact work in the St. Petersburg Police Department. Employees in this position will be responsible for interviewing and assisting victims of serious crimes, including sexual battery, aggravated assault, spouse abuse and robbery to determine the victim’s needs. Duties include reviewing crime reports, contacting and interviewing victims, evaluating problems and needs, and determining what assistance can be provided through social services and government agencies; assisting victims by coordinating food, shelter and other necessary items; and transporting victims to court, hearings, dispositions, and other related events, while also offering support. Additional responsibilities involve providing crisis counseling to victims of crimes such as sexual battery and spouse abuse; referring victims of violent crimes to appropriate agencies for counseling; and assisting victims with the recovery of personal property and petitioning for restitution. Employees in this position are expected to prepare reports and maintain records related to the Victim Assistance Program; make public presentations on subjects related to the program; and may assist with planning, coordinating and developing related educational and informational materials. An employee in this classification must quickly learn departmental procedures, policies and practices used to carry out position responsibilities; work with limited supervision, using independent judgment, ingenuity and initiative; and must exercise a high degree of professional discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information or records.

Salary: $54,540 - $86,664

Close Date: 04-15-2026 (11:59 PM)

Minimum Qualifications. Applicants must:

• Possess a valid Bachelor’s Degree.

• Possess and maintain a valid Driver License.

• Be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Be able to remain calm and make objective decisions during extremely stressful situations.

• Have some prior experience providing counseling and/or support.

Desirable Qualifications. Preferred Applicants:

• Have previous law enforcement experience, especially related to victim assistance.

• Have prior experience with social work, rehabilitation counseling or a related area.

• Have considerable knowledge of the Tampa Bay area social services system and the local criminal justice system.

• Have considerable knowledge and understanding of crisis counseling techniques, counseling program administration, and criminal investigation techniques as they apply to victims of crimes.

Minimum Qualification: Applicants must meet selection standards for civilians working in the Police Department, including polygraph and background check. Please refer to the St. Petersburg Police Department Website for selection standards and screening process details:

Selection Standards: https://police.stpete.org/employmentTelecommunicator/documents/application-process-non-sworn.pdf

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

For purposes of employment, re-employment, promotion, transfer or demotion, the most qualified applicants will be selected to continue in the hiring process. At this point, any prior criminal records will be verified. A prior criminal record will not necessarily disqualify a selected applicant from employment.

The City of St. Petersburg is committed to a Drug Free Workplace and compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing rules. Applicants may be required to successfully complete pre-employment drug testing and/or medical exams.