Brief Job Description:
The City of Chester is looking to hire qualified Victim Advocate Incumbents to support the daily operations of the Victim Assistance Program. Responsibilities include providing crisis intervention, victim advocacy, and support services to victims of crime or personal crises. Incumbent coordinates and works with law enforcement, the city prosecutor's office, the city court, outside agencies, and victims of crime. Must be able to hold a class 3 advance or class 1 LE certification
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Coordinates, develops, and evaluates day-to-day operations of the Victim Assistance Program
2. Provides crisis intervention, support, liaison, and referral assistance to crime victims and survivors of police emergencies.
3. Provides services after hours and at various locations (crime scenes, hospitals, homes, shelters)
4. Acts as liaison for crime victims and their families to the Surprise Police Department and City Prosecutor's Office
5. Prepares victims for their involvement with the criminal justice system; explains victim's rights, transports, and accompanies victims to court proceedings, assists victims in completing petitions for court orders.
6. Attended court to provide information to judges on behalf of victims.
7. Compiles and analyzes data and reviews related reports and correspondence related to the Victim Assistance Program
8. Conducts research to identify emerging needs, trends, and services related to Victim Assistance
9. Participates in the writing and administering of grants associated with victim assistance.
10. Generates and mails victim notification letters mandated by the Arizona Constitution and Statutes; provides necessary information to victims.
11. Assist Victims in filing compensation claims.
12. Documents, retains and manages case files.
13. Assists with training new officers, interns, volunteers, and other staff.
14. Work any post, assignment, or shift to support the 24-hour per day, 7-day-a-week operation. This includes nights, weekends, and holidays; and when the need arises, adjust their schedule to accomplish a mission or operational need.
15. Works mandatory overtime as required, on call 24/7
16. Cultivate inclusive and respectful working relationships that support a sense of belonging for all employees and community members.
17. Performs the essential functions as described in the physical demands and work environment sections below.
18. Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.
19. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level or as Chief directs
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
1. Using computers and related software applications
2. Using modern office equipment
3. Compile and analyze data.
4. Speak in public.
5. Conduct research
6. Interpret complex documents.
7. Identify emerging trends, needs, and services.
8. Ensure compliance with applicable internal and external program requirements.
9. Prepare a variety of reports.
10. Act professionally and effectively in crisis situations
11. Provide training to Officers, Interns, Volunteers and Staff
12. Maintain confidentiality.
13. Assess the consequences and outcomes of program initiatives.
14. Communicate and use interpersonal skills to interact with coworkers, supervisors, the general public, etc. to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Must be able to obtain a class 3 advance or class 1 LE certification through the SCCJA after hire.
Knowledge of:
1. Public outreach and public relations principles
Research methods
3. Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, ordinances, statutes, and regulations
4. Program management principles and techniques
5. Victims' Rights as stated in Arizona Constitution and Statutes
6. Local behavior health, social services, and other community referrals
7. Crisis intervention techniques and case management responsibilities
8. Report preparation methods
9. Grant contract administration practices
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Associate degree, social work, psychology, or a related field and with one year of victim assistance, law enforcement, crisis intervention, or related employment experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Additional education cannot be substituted for experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Possession and continued maintenance of a valid South Carolina Driver’s License, Class D, and a satisfactory driving record is required.
2. Must meet and maintain all Department and State training and education requirements for the position.
3. Must attend specialized schools or training related to the job requirements.
4. A willingness and ability to work flexible hours, any shift, holidays, and weekends and be available on call is required.
APPLICATION: Submit to City of Chester HR Department, Attention Marquita Fair, 100 West End Street, Chester, SC 29706.
The City of Chester is an EOE-H. Position is subject to the following background checks: Credit Check, Criminal History, Driving History, and Drug Test.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $40,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Evenings as needed
- Monday to Friday
- Nights as needed
- On call
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person