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 Drivers 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).

Required Experience:

IC