Crime Victim Advocate

Nature of Work

Performs casework services for victims of crimes by providing information, education, and other assistance.

Work is performed in a standard office environment and may also require travel to various locations such as the courts, reporting to on-scene calls and hospitals with exposure to various hazards and all weather and traffic conditions.

Light physical demands; mostly desk work. Frequent to constant use of a personal computer.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviews law enforcement crime reports, victim files, and communicates with victims of crimes to provide guidance and assistance with available resources; reviews cases to determine victim assistance needs; acts as liaison with law enforcement and prosecutors to provide timely information and notify victims of case status, criminal proceedings, trials, and court hearings.
• Provides crisis intervention, counseling services, and information regarding the legal process and rights afforded under the law to assist and educate victims; advises victims of community resource programs to provide assistance to victims and their families; provides information and assistance within the scope of designated authority.
• Researches and provides information to address victim's questions and issues of concern; provides ongoing assistance and follow-up as the case progresses through the judicial process to provide the client with timely information and status.
• Performs as a court advocate, provides direct services such as transportation, hotel vouchers, and employment assistance and follows up with client progress and referrals to community agencies.
• Prepares and presents various special and recurring reports; reviews and verifies information and documentation, assists victims in completing forms and generating documents to meet standards and filing requirements; creates, updates, and maintains records and case files; conducts research to collect statistical data and compile information for reports; assures that all reports and paperwork is completed accurately and in a timely manner, and cases are resolved and documented according to established procedures and standards.
• Interacts with and provides information to community organizations and citizen groups to explain the objectives of the Victim Assistance Unit and dynamics of specific crimes; responds to requests for information and provides information within scope of authority.

Minimum Qualifications

College credit hours equivalent to an Associate’s degree, designated or undesignated, in Human Services, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology or a related field and two (2) years of experience in social work, counseling, or crisis intervention. Must pass applicable background checks. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy. Criminal justice degree and crisis intervention experience preferred.

Valid driver’s license is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy. Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) are preferred. Additional technical certifications and training will be required for incumbents in this job class.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: applicable rules, regulations, and procedures to effectively perform the functions of the position; laws, statutes, rules, regulations, and policies governing victim’s rights and the release of information from criminal justice records; procedures and processes related to the criminal justice system and victim advocacy programs; interviewing skills; knowledge of community resources and community services programs; techniques and practices for efficient and effective management of resources; principles and practices of effective administrative management including record keeping and records management; customer service, problem resolution techniques, and effective communication principles, standards, and methods; methods and standards for preparing documentation and correspondence, appropriate business English, spelling, grammar, punctuation, proofreading and editing; modern office equipment, business and personal computers, business office software applications, and report generation; City organization and related regulations, operations, and policies and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to: perform a variety of duties and responsibilities timely and with accuracy to meet deadlines; read, understand, interpret, and ensure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, and regulations governing related activities, programs, and functions; act calmly, rationally, and tactfully in carrying out duties and responsibilities; communicate appropriately and effectively orally and in writing; use sound judgment in decision-making; respond timely and effectively to inquiries and situations; research and compile applicable information and maintain accurate records; prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations; review documents and extract relevant information; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees and the public; safely and effectively operate motor vehicles; use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines to successfully meet established goals and objectives.

Skills in: assessing victim needs and adversarial situations; crisis intervention techniques; maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all situations; conveying concern and empathy for crime victims; analyzing issues, evaluating alternatives, and making logical recommendations based on findings to address issues and/or make recommendations to improve policies, processes, procedures, and methods; reading, interpreting, and communicating policies, regulations, and program information; preparing and presenting information for diverse audiences in a clear and concise manner; updating and maintaining complete and accurate records; reviewing and preparing reports, forms, and documentation; working independently, using initiative, and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines; operating standard office equipment and a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.

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