Variable Victim Advocate

The City of Lakewood is dedicated to upholding City values to include : Performance Excellence, Leadership, Respect and Collaboration. Best fit candidates will demonstrate innovation, customer service, dedication, passion and engagement. All people, citizens and employees, will be treated with respect, relevance, and importance.

This role is on call to work the hours of 10 pm to 7 am on Sunday and Monday. The on call pay rate is $3.00 / hour , unless called in to work. The on duty pay rate will be $28.16 - $39.39 / hour dependent upon qualifications.

Serves as victim advocate, providing support to victims and witnesses of crimes. Provides victims with information regarding their case. Responds to crisis situations to provide intervention, comfort to victims and makes referrals to support agencies.

• On Scene crisis intervention and emotional support to victims of crime and trauma 24 hours a day.
• Provide victims with information about their rights and referrals to community organizations for continued emotional support and adjustment towards equilibrium.
• Act as a liaison between victim and law enforcement in order to answer questions, pass along updates, and provide information on the criminal justice process.
• Safety plan with victims who have concerns about their safety or no safe place to stay.
• Assistance with Crime Victim Compensation application and navigating possible available resources.

The City of Lakewood is currently recruiting variable employees for this position. A variable employee is an at-will employee who works in a seasonal or temporary capacity. Their work schedule is based on business need. This position would be a part-time non benefitted position.

MAJOR TASKS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (This job description does not intend to list every function of the position.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Acting on behalf of the Lakewood Police Department Victim Assistance Unit, provides victims and witnesses of criminal offenses and / or crisis situations the support and aid necessary to mentally and physically adjust to their victimization.

Provides victims with case status, custody status of perpetrators, status of victim compensation benefits.

Receives general supervision from Victim Witness Assistance Supervisor who is available to resolve unusual work problems.

Responds to crisis situations reported to the Police Department to provide intervention, comfort and referral to supportive agencies as needed.

Provides referral information, initiates outreach contacts where appropriate, and facilitates financial compensation, as needed.

Reviews crime reports to identify and contact crime victims / witnesses whose circumstances comply with the United States Public Law Act of October 12, 1981, and House Bill 1093.

Responds to crisis calls including domestic violence, sex assaults, death investigations, robberies, and other such calls.

Assesses needs and provide municipal court services to victims, and provide crisis intervention services.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Must be able to interact with others in a positive manner.

Requires regular and prompt attendance.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Supervision Received :

Receives general supervision from the Victim Witness Assistance Supervisor.

Supervision Given : None.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

Education

High School Diploma

Experience

2 years victim advocate experience

Licensure / Registration / Certification

Driver's license and good motor vehicle record.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to work both independently and as a team member.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Must be available for services on-call either day or night, as scheduled or needed.

A polygraph examination, oral board interview, pre- and post-offer psychological examination, background investigation, reference checks, credit check and hair follicle drug test are required.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, other departments, agencies, and the general public.

Good judgment and problem-solving abilities.

Good organizational skills.

Ability to work shifts.

Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.

Knowledge of police procedures and criminal law related to domestic violence cases.

Effective oral and written communication skills.

Computer skills.

Ability to remain calm and communicate effectively with victims in crisis situations.

Bi-lingual (Spanish-speaking) is a desirable qualification.

Due to the nature of the work, an employee in this position may be considered essential. Essential personnel are determined by the chain of command, the type of emergency and the human resources needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Lifting / Pushing / Pulling

Must be able to lift, carry, pull / push, or move objects (up to 20 pounds) from one location to another.

Body Positions

Work is performed at a workstation and also in the field. Some walking and driving to various locations to respond to crime / crisis situations. Handling ability : seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with the hands. Some sitting, standing, bending, and stooping.

Vision

Employee uses vision to drive, read reports and handwriting, enter data into computer, observe victims, and view photographs and data pertaining to cases.

Hearing

Ability to hear ordinary conversation, converse via telephone, and hear other audible signals from equipment and surrounding environment.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Remembering

Must remember policies, procedures and rules of criminal evidence appropriate to each case.

Reasoning

Must be able to make decisions in difficult situations pertinent to victim rights cases and have the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions from supervisors and investigators. Must have the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Language Ability

Ability to be conversant in the theory, principles and methods of effective and persuasive speaking, testifying in court regarding investigations, and to be able to communicate effectively with victims, callers, and co-workers with poise, voice control and confidence. Must be able to speak to individuals, small- and medium-size groups. Bi-lingual ability is useful in interviewing

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in an office environment and in the field. Frequent contact with other employees in work unit, other departments, individuals in other public jurisdictions, and with victims of crimes. Work involves contact with distraught subjects who are victims of various types of crime.

EQUIPMENT USED

Telephone

Computer Keyboard

Reference Manuals

Department Assigned Vehicle and Maps

Cellular Phone

Two-Way Radio

Pay Range

28.16-$33.78

Background and reference checks will be conducted for all regular and some variable / seasonal positions.

Salary : $28 - $39