Job Description
Salary: $31.25 - $35.36 Hourly
Location : Hutto, TX
Job Type: Full Time
Department: Police
Opening Date: 10/16/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Position Overview Title: Victims Assistance Advocate
Department: Police Department
Status: Full-Time
FLSA: Non-Exempt
POSITION OVERVIEW Under general supervision of the Coordinator, the Victims Assistance Advocate develops and works with victim and/or witness assistance programs which support and defend the rights of crime victims and witnesses. The Victim Advocate works with community providers and remains current on Victim Services standards and best practices.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES - Collaborates with government and social service entities to improve community planning for victim services and reduce the impact of crime on the community.
- Evaluates public information, social media, education, training, and social service delivery programs to meet internal and external customer needs.
- Contacts victims of crime (e.g., of domestic violence, sexual assault, etc.) to provide safety planning, referrals to appropriate resources, information about the legal system, and the investigation process.
- Reviews and assesses crime reports taken by law enforcement for appropriate victim follow up.
- Documents victim contacts and maintains case records; meets with law enforcement to discuss case status and victim follow ups.
- Responds to telephone calls from victims, community members, and other agencies, accompany victims to court proceedings; establishes and maintains program partnerships with external agencies and organizations.
- Provides support to divisions of the department, such as Patrol and Criminal Investigations, while advocating for the victim's rights.
- Provides emotional support and crisis intervention for victims of crime; provides temporary care of juveniles due to law enforcement involvement.
- Assists with educating the public, community groups, and agencies on victimization, and Victim Services Programs.
- Assists during any clean-up operation conducted by this department involving the removal of personal property of the homeless to ensure the rights of the homeless are not violated.
- Assists in all aspects of the Victims Services Program including but not limited to intra-office coordination, service delivery, filing of Crime Victims' Compensation applications, and working with volunteers.
- Attends varies Multidisciplinary Team meetings with community partners.
- May accompany victims in court or medical accompaniment.
- Performs other duties as assigned or necessary.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES - Knowledge of Microsoft Office computer programs.
- Knowledge of Texas Crime Victims' Rights
- Knowledge of the criminal justice system, community social services and resources.
- Knowledge of laws and regulations related to victim services.
- Knowledge of Trauma Responses and Trauma Informed Care
- Skill in writing clear and concise reports.
- Skill in forming simple mathematical calculations.
- Skill in communicating clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and discretion in handling private information.
- Ability to make sound and timely decisions.
- Ability to use effective customer service techniques.
- Ability to maintain professionalism and uphold agency policies and standards.
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
- Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks.
- Ability to work non-traditional hours and adhere to the department call-out procedures.
- Ability to work in various environments, climates, conditions, and crime scene types.
- Ability to operate a variety of office equipment and law-enforcement equipment.
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSES, & EXPERIENCE - Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with major course work in social sciences or criminal justice preferred.
- Minimum of three (3) years of full-time work experience with a law enforcement Victim Services program, social service agency or related field
- Valid Class C Driver License.
- Must pass an extensive personal background check and be eligible and able to meet all requirements for compliance with CJIS.
CORE VALUES This position requires an individual to align with and maintain the standard as set by our organization's Core Values:
Integrity- Communicating honestly, being accountable, upholding moral principles, and supporting our organization's values
Collaboration- Showing teamwork is equally as cherished as individual achievements by celebrating positive outcomes together
Consistency- Producing an accomplished standard of work in the workplace
Servant leadership- Actively listening to exert a positive influence
Mutual respect- Valuing opportunity, unique contributions, and each other
Forward-thinking- Considering needs, listening to team members, and thinking innovatively
PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to balance, sit, stand, reach, walk, run, stoop, kneel, crouch, push, pull, lift, twist, demonstrate manual dexterity, grasp, talk, hear, and see. The employee is required to work regular shifts, stay alert during prolonged periods of stationary or repetitive activity and to remain calm during stressful or possibly life-threatening situations.
Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs.
DISCLAIMER The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
The City of Hutto provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
At the City of Hutto we are committed to a comprehensive benefit program that helps our employees stay healthy, feel secure, and maintain a work/life balance. We offer free medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability for employees, and the ability to purchase plans for family members. The City of Hutto also provides:
- 2:1 Retirement contributions at 7% to Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
- 14-Paid Holidays
- Bilingual and Misceallenous Certification Pay
- 3 Weeks Paid Vacation Per Year
- Education Reimbursement up to $2,500 per fiscal year
- Paid Sick leave
- Paid Parental leave
- Remote Work
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Flex & Compensatory Time
City of Hutto
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Work experience placement, Remote job, Flexible hours, Shift work,