Victim Advocate Services Coordinator

The purpose of this position is to be a liaison between victims of serious crime and law enforcement agents with the Investigations Bureau or other officers. This position is based in Espanola, New Mexico.

THIS POSTING WILL BE USED TO CONDUCT ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL THIS VACANCY HAS BEEN FILLED.

This position is responsible for providing a broad range of social work services to and on behalf of crime victims in accordance with the conditions of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). This includes emergencies, crisis, and other short-term assistance services; provides crime victims with information on Department of Public Safety (DPS) investigation updates, available shelters, advocacy programs, financial assistance, and helping victims with submitting emergency funding applications. In addition, this position initiates appropriate referrals and coordinates direct services and transitions victims to available crime victim services through the courts. Lastly, the Victim Advocate Coordinator promotes and maintains their victim assistance services program in compliance with statutory requirements and grant program guidelines, including the Department of Public Safety policies and regulations.

The key responsibilities of the Victim Advocate Services Coordinator are to provide comprehensive direct services, including crises services to crime victims such as locating safe shelter, completing emergency funding applications, attendance at court proceedings, assisting with protection orders, short-term counseling, initiating appropriate referrals and coordinating direct services, including transitioning victims to available crime victim services through the courts. The Victim Advocate Services Coordinator serves as a liaison with crime victims and law enforcement officers, district attorneys, and other entities. This position participates in the delivery of and attendance at training as well as participates in appropriate multi-disciplinary task forces and maintains and reports case management and grant activity data.

The position serves the victims of crimes funded under the federal Victims of Crime Act.

The Ideal Candidate will have a Master of Social Work and have experience in working in a criminal justice environment. In addition, the Ideal Candidate would be bilingual in Spanish/English, with a high level of proficiency in English as well in as being proficient with computer skills and be able to work independently.

Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Sciences, Social Work or Counseling and two (2) years of experience in mental health and/or substance abuse counseling. Substitutions Apply. See Substitution Table below.

This position is designated a safety sensitive. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random drug and/or alcohol testing, in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations in relation to alcohol and/or drug testing. In addition, employment is subject to a pre-employment criminal background investigation in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations; and is conditional pending results.

In addition, the selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver's license, and a current Defensive Driving Certificate from the State of New Mexico; or pass and receive the Defensive Driving Course Certificate within six (6) months of date of hire.

Selected candidate must be able to work independently and possess the ability to complete assignments with competence, a high level of accuracy and with compassion for those being assisted; to include successful completion of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

On call hours required. Some night and weekend work may be required, as needed.

Executive Order 2021-057 requires all employees with the State of New Mexico to provide either proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a COVID-19 viral test every week.

The Public Health Order (on Vaccination) dated August 17, 2021, requires Congregate Care Facility Workers and Hospital Workers to be fully vaccinated.

If you have questions about whether these requirements apply to this specific position, contact the agency contact listed on this advertisement.

Links to the referenced Executive Order and Public Health Order can be found on the State Personnel Office website homepage: www.spo.state.nm.us

Work is performed in a law enforcement office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT), with extensive computer and phone usage and extended periods of sitting. Work is also performed in a community setting such as in the field from a state vehicle, with significant sitting, exposure to confidential and disturbing information. Some standing, bending, lifting and reaching may be required. Candidate must have the ability to work independently. Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.