What are the responsibilities and job description for the Victim Advocate position at Woodland Park?
Job Description
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Reviews police/sheriff's deputies' case reports involving all crimes against persons committed within Teller County.
- Ascertain the needs of each victim and coordinate appropriate action. (Includes court accompaniment, providing referrals, adjudication information and follow up.)
- Produces appropriate correspondence, including supportive victimization material and sends packets to individuals who have been victimized in Teller County. (VRA information included when not provided by sworn personnel.)
- Includes self on call-out schedule for after-hour victim assistance. Working hours include on-call rotation of some nights, weekends, and occasional holidays.
- Assists with the production, distribution and documentation of an initial in-depth victim advocate training curriculum.
- Assists in the documentation of volunteer participation and completion of training.
- Updates the Teller DV Handbook, VRA pocket brochures, Survivor's Guide and VA Training and Reference Manual prior to each printing.
- Updates and amends the internal resource list for the VA's and Elder Outreach Program annually, as well as the lending library inventory as needed.
- Responsible for data entry on incoming cases including verification and follow up.
- Prepares material for training events and updates the annual activities calendar.
- Provides backup for the program coordinator and is responsible for office operations in her absence.
- Manages, collects and recycles cellular phones for the program's loaner component.
- Researches, organizes and orders educational materials for victims.
- Other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Reports to the Victim Advocate Coordinator.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
NA
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Minimum 21 years of age.
- Graduation from a high school or GED equivalent.
- Valid Colorado driver’s license with excellent driving record.
- Graduation from an accredited college paralegal or related program or bachelor’s degree preferred and experience preferred.
- Certification or credentialing as an advocate preferred.
- Advocacy experience is preferred.
- Possess or is willing to obtain a working knowledge of the Colorado Victim Rights Amendment.
- Working knowledge of computers and office software.
- Has a working knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
- Understands legal terminology, format and standard legal instruments relating to victim rights.
- Understands the criminal justice system and court procedure. Has a working knowledge of crisis intervention and counseling techniques. Skill in operation of listed tools and equipment.
- Ability to prepare accurate legal documents relating to victim rights.
- Ability to make simple mathematical calculations.
- Ability to effectively meet and deal with the public.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Ability to interview and obtain relevant information from persons in crisis.
- Ability to handle stressful situations.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with the public, co-workers, and supervisors.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a wide variety of people who may be in crisis or otherwise distraught.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Be willing to meet department Ethical Standards.
- Be able to effectively testify in court.
- All police employees are subject to recall to duty at any time.
- Victim Advocates on call at all times when not on vacation or excused by the supervisor.
- All employees may be required at all times to carry phones or pagers for this or other purposes.
- Successfully complete a criminal background check, polygraph, drug screening and be physically capable of complying with standard city/department policies and procedures
Physical Requirements
Telephone system; personal computer including word processing software; dictation equipment; copy machine; postage machine; fax machine; calculator; other routine office equipment; motor vehicle; general business software; and police records management software.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is often required to walk, sit, or use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must be able to operate a vehicle, talk on radios and telephones. Ability to stand/walk for 2-3 hours at a time.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus. Vision may be corrected.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is typical of a busy office, ranging from quiet to moderately noisy. The environment may include anywhere victims may be found including accident and crime scenes after they have been secured.
Selection Guidelines
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required. Background check, polygraph, drug test, medical examination.
The duties listed above 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 the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Benefits: Sick time accrual
EEO/AAE