What are the responsibilities and job description for the Victim Advocate position at Forsyth County, GA?
Position Information
The purpose of this classification is to administer the Victim Advocate Program for the Sheriffs Office and to provide program information/services to victims of crimes.
Job Summary
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Administers Victim Advocate Program; provides victims of crimes with information regarding Victims Bill of Rights and Victim Assistance Program services.
Identifies and assesses needs of crime victims; coordinates provision of various services to victims/witnesses based upon individual needs ;provides referrals to counselors,socialserviceagencies,andsupportgroups;providesintervention with employers, creditors, landlords, medical providers, schools, or others; explains courtroom procedures to victims regarding TPO's; provides crisis counseling; provides death notifications; provides assistance in obtaining emergency food, shelter, or financial resources; accompanies victims/witnesses to forensic examinations, lineups, interviews, or crime scenes; assists with completion of compensation forms, and filing of claims.
Maintains records and prepares reports; reviews incident reports to gather information; enters case information into database and monitors status of cases; submits victim compensation applications.
Interacts/networks with various agencies/organizations to meet the needs of victims .Attends various meetings. Locates and contacts victims; attends court proceedings for TPO's as needed.
Provides information and assistance related to department programs, services, procedures, or other issues; responds to routine questions, complaints, or requests for service; initiates problem resolution.
Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, notification packets, compensation claims, case files, or other documents.
Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, incident reports, victim compensation applications, notifications, laws, codes, policies, procedures, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, database, e-mail, Internet, or other computer programs.
Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, law enforcement personnel, victims, witnesses, social service agencies, government agencies, community agencies, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, attends conferences, workshops, and training sessions as appropriate.
ADDITIONALFUNCTIONSThis classification is designated as a safety sensitive position which is subject to random drug and alcohol testing and any other drug testing methods as stated in policies adopted by Forsyth County concerning drug and alcohol.
Provides transpo1tation for victims/witnesses to/from court proceedings for TPO's. Operates a motor vehicle to transport victims/witnesses or conduct other work activities.
Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, sending/receiving faxes, making copies, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.
Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed. Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or GED; supplemented by college level course work or vocational training in criminal justice procedures, victim services, social services, or a related field; supplemented by three (3) years previous experience and/or training that includes criminal justice system procedures, victim services, social services, crisis intervention, victim compensation, office administration, and personal computer operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.
Personal Leave Accrual
Personal leave shall be accrued as follows:
0 - 4 Years - 20 days per year - 6.16 hours per pay period
5 - 14 Years - 25 days per year - 7.70 hours per pay period
15 Years - 30 days per year - 9.24 hours per pay period
Observed Holidays
New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving (2), and Christmas (2).
Medical Insurance
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners offers employees a choice of two medical plans offered by Aetna and a plan offered by Kaiser Permanente.
- Aetna Choice POS II - $2000 Individual Deductible (Basic Plan)
- Aetna Choice POS II - $1000 Individual Deductible (Plus Plan)
- Kaiser Permanente HMO- $0 Individual Deductible
Dental Insurance
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners offers two dental plans from Delta Dental:
- Base $1,000 Plan
- Buy-Up $1,500 Plan
Vision Insurance
The vision plan offered by Forsyth County Board of Commissioners is administered by Aetna and will offer office visit copays for exams, as well as copays for lenses, frames, and contacts.
Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners recognizes the importance of basic life insurance for all of its employees. The Board provides term life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) protection for each full-time employee. This is a County-paid benefit.
Disability Insurance – Short Term and Long Term
100% paid by Forsyth County. Eligibility begins date of hire.
Short Term Disability – 60% of weekly earnings to a maximum of $1,000.00 a week. Eligibility begins 14 days after an accident or sickness and has a benefit period of 24 weeks.
Long Term Disability – 60% of monthly earnings to a maximum of $5,000.00 a month. Eligibility begins at 26 weeks to coordinate with the end of Short Term benefits and continues 24 months (Own Occupation).
Additional Life Insurance and AD&D
Rates vary based on amount of coverage selected. Additional life insurance may be purchased for employee, spouse, and children.
Retirement Plan (401K)
Fully vested at five years of employment – 20% graduated vesting annually. Eligible to begin contributions immediately upon hire.
Six Months through One Year of County Service
Forsyth County matches your contributions, dollar for dollar, up to 5% of your pay. That’s a 100% return on the first 5% of pay you save.
Years One through Five
Forsyth County “seeds” your account with 5% of your pay each year, and matches 100% of what you contribute, up to 5% of your pay.
Years 5 through 10
The County continues its automatic “seed” contribution of 5% of pay, matches up to the first 5% of pay that you contribute, then adds a 50% match up to the next 5%.
After 10 Years of Service
You continue to receive a 100% County match on the first 5% of pay you contribute, and 50% on the next 5% of pay you save. But now, the automatic contribution the County makes to “seed” your account each year increases to 7.5% of your pay.
Salary : $5,000
