Victim Advocate

This is a Grant Funded position

Under the general supervision of the Victim Assistance Supervisor, the Victim Advocate will provide crisis intervention, support, advocacy, risk assessment, safety planning, information and referrals, assistance with protective orders, follow-up, and help with entering shelters for victims of domestic violence.

• Review persons' crime offense reports (Adult Sex Crimes, Family Violence, Elder Abuse, Homicide, and Violent Crimes).
• Prioritize cases needing immediate response based on tools currently in place in the Victim Assistance Unit.
• Contact victims to determine their safety and provide resources/assistance.
• Assist Investigators with interviewing victims.
• Advocate for and assist victims in contacting local agencies, such as shelters, and medical and social services.
• Provide information about orders of protection, Crime Victims Compensation, Victims’ Rights, and access to other resources.
• Provide emotional support and crisis intervention.
• Process intake reports and complete paperwork for victims of crime.
• Perform other assignments and duties as required and/or necessary.

This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position.  Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

• Associate’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a related social science, OR 
  • Four (4) years of active duty military experience in these fields
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with crime victims in a law enforcement, social services organization, or healthcare setting
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Criminal Justice, or a closely related field may substitute for two years of required experience

• Must pass a background check with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office

Knowledge of:

• Resources and advocacy programs for persons crime victims
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge and sensitivity regarding the issues of family violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes

Skilled in:

• Proficient in the use of programs such as software programs such as MS Office Word, Excel, and Outlook

• Excellent communication skills – both oral and written
• Excellent organizational and time management skills

Ability to:

• Advocate for program entrance

• Work in an environment involving issues of family violence, sexual assault, robbery, homicide, and assaults
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public
• Work overtime and/or varying duty hours and work weekends, including regularly scheduled call-outs with an excellent attendance record

• Bilingual in Spanish
• Knowledge or ARS Reporting System
• Law Enforcement background

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment.  This role routinely uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Physical Demands

This role is sedentary, however, the ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds is necessary to lift files and/or boxes of files, documents, etc.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

This is a full-time position.  Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours may vary based on the business needs of the department.

To Apply:

• Complete the online job application (including HCSO employment history and education)
• To be considered for this position application/transfers must be received by the closing date

Note:

• Submission of an application by an employee neither implies nor ensures the transfer will be granted
• Transfers will be decided based on the needs and the best interests of the HCSO
• Applicant submission of Job Application does not guarantee an interview

Equal Opportunity Statement

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.