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Victim Advocate
**Grant Funded - Limited Term Position**
GENERAL PURPOSE
A Victim Advocate is responsible for assisting victims in
dealing with the immediate and long-term impact of
victimization. This position will be subject to call-out to
assist in providing immediate crisis intervention to victims
and witnesses of crime.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This class can be distinguished from the Victim Notification
Advocate, which has responsibility for notifying victims of
court dates, and does not have overall program coordination
responsibility.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations
of the various types of work that may be performed. The
omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude
them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a
logical assignment to this class.
Provide crisis intervention, support and referrals to
victims and witnesses on scene; establish safety plans with
appropriate victims; assisting with locating and
establishing emergency shelter; and assisting with obtaining
Orders of Protection and Injunctions Against Harassment.
Provide all direct services to victims by making telephone
calls and scheduling meetings with victims and witnesses
during the case progression to answer questions regarding
their legal rights; giving updates on case status or
changes; providing notification of arrests, releases and
court dates; and addressing any new needs of the victim.
Assists walk-in victims or potential victims by providing
guidance and/or providing referrals to various services and
assisting with Order of Protections and Injunctions Against
Harassment.
Dispenses emergency funds by dispensing emergency vouchers
for lodging, transportation, or food as needed; arranging
for lock changes or repairs if needed; and arranging for bus
or airline travel when needed in extreme cases.
Provides non-emergency transportation by transporting
victims to shelters when needed; transporting victims to
medical exams and forensic interviews if needed; and
transporting victims to other appointments when no other
transportation is available.
Acts as a liaison between victim and other criminal and
judicial agencies such as law enforcement, prosecution, and
the judicial system. Makes referrals to other victim
advocacy services.
Escorts victims to court hearings, meetings with prosecutors
or defense attorneys for deposition, or to other meetings as
deemed necessary.
Maintains victim database by completing data entry of all
victim cases; updating data as services are provided; and
preparing written documents including case reports, memos,
and correspondence.
Assists with victims’ compensation and restitution by
assisting with completion of victim compensation
application; assisting with itemized bill gathering; and
sending correspondence to bill collectors on behalf of
victim explaining compensation fund.
Maintains referrals by maintaining working contacts with
social services organizations; developing and maintaining
contact with other professionals to provide services to
victims; and updating referrals resources.
Responsible for recruiting, screening, training, and
supervising volunteer advocates assigned to the program.
Makes presentations to community college classes, police
department recruits, and other community groups to increase
program awareness.
Researches, compiles, and analyzes statistical information
for the preparation of required program reports. Assists in
the development, preparation, and monitoring of program
grants and budgets.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
High School Diploma or G.E.D. supplemented by college
coursework or specialized training in a related area and one
year court-related clerical, law enforcement, or service
sector experience serving victim populations. Basic computer
skills including word processing; ability to analyze
situations accurately and develop effective courses of
action; establish and maintain cooperative working
relationships with those encountered in the course of the
work; and make presentations to groups. Valid Arizona
driver’s license. Successful completion of a City of Peoria
Police background investigation and polygraph examination is
required due to the confidential and sensitive nature of
information handled.
DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work,
or a related field. Bilingual (Spanish/English). One or more
years of experience involving direct contact with victims.
Knowledge of criminal, state and local laws; police reports;
criminal justice process; behavioral health, social services
and other community services and resources; effective
interviewing and counseling techniques; statistical analysis
techniques; grant policies and procedures; and cycle of
violence theory.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
The physical and mental demands described here are
representative of those that must be met by employees to
successfully perform the essential functions of this class.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals
with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this class, employees are
frequently required to sit; talk or hear, both in person and
by telephone; use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate
standard office equipment; operate a vehicle; and reach with
hands and arms. The employee may regularly be required to
walk or stand and to occasionally lift up to 10 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close
vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision, and
the ability to adjust focus.
Mental Demands:
While performing the duties of this class, employees are
regularly required to use written and oral communication
skills; read and interpret data, information, and documents;
analyze and solve complex problems; use math and
mathematical reasoning; perform work under changing,
intensive deadlines on multiple concurrent tasks; work with
constant interruptions; interact with program participants,
volunteers, community organization representatives, and the
public. The employee may occasionally come in contact with
dissatisfied or abusive individuals.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are
representative of those an employee encounters while
performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions. Position is
subject to both environmental conditions: Activities occur
both inside and outside. Position may be subject to
atmospheric conditions: Fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases,
or poor ventilation.
EXPECTED BEHAVIOR
The incumbent is expected to embrace, support, and promote
the City’s values, beliefs, and culture, with included but
are not limited to the following:
• High ethical standards
• Active participation in teamwork
• Strong safety principles and safety awareness
• Active participation in citywide activities
• Provide outstanding customer service to internal and
external customers
DURING THE SELECTION PROCESS, ANY APPLICANT REQUIRING
ACCOMMODATION FOR A DISABILITY SHOULD ADVISE THE HUMAN
RESOURCES DEPARTMENT.
City of Peoria Arizona an Equal Opportunity Employer
DURING THE SELECTION PROCESS, ANY
APPLICANT REQUIRING ACCOMMODATION FOR A DISABILITY SHOULD ADVISE THE HUMAN RESOURCES
DEPARTMENT.
Employment Hotline (Voice Only):
623-773-7105
Human Resources (Voice/TDD): 623-773-7100
EOE M/F/D/V
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
OPORTUNIDAD DE EMPLEO CON DERECHOS IGUALES
8401 West
Monroe St, Suite 110 - Peoria Arizona 85345 - (623) 773-7100
- Fax (623) 773-7149 |
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