What are the responsibilities and job description for the Victim Advocate position at Laramie County Government?
Under general supervision, performs special casework services to provide advocacy,
assistance, information and special services to victims of crimes.(Essential function, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include
the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)
• Reviews law enforcement crime reports and victim files from attorneys, and communicates with victims of crimes; acts as liaison with law enforcement and prosecutors; reviews cases and determines victim assistance needs.
• Notifies victims of case status, criminal proceedings, trials, court hearings, and case dispositions; educates each victim regarding the legal process and the rights afforded them under the law; advises clients of community resource programs, and provides assistance for victims and their families.
• Provides case information and explains how the criminal justice system works.
• Works closely with deputies and attorneys to assure victim's rights and needs are addressed.
• Provide crisis intervention by phone and in person to victims of crime.
• Provides direct services to victims and witnesses, such as transportation and referrals to community agencies for assistance
• Maintains VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) grant requirements; tracks services provided to victims,monitors results and budget, and generates reports as needed.
• Provides information and assistance within the scope of designated authority.
• Locates and distributes court documents as needed.
• Reviews and verifies reports and legal documents, and processes according to policy and procedures.
• Creates, updates and maintains records and case files; researches files and computer databases.
• Collects statistical data and compiles data for reports; assures the accuracy of databases.
• Addresses community organizations and citizen groups to explain the Victim Advocate Program.
• Explains nature of Sheriffs Office programs, procedures and services to clients.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.Minimum Qualifications:
Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice, behavioral sciences or related field, and one (1) year of experience in criminal justice services or crisis intervention; OR equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Must pass a thorough background investigation, and Victim Services training certification within six months of hire.
• Knowledge of County policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of basic functions, procedures, and policies of the Sheriff's Office and the courts.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations governing the release of information from law enforcement records.
• Knowledge of caseload management methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of Wyoming Criminal Justice System, and Wyoming Victim Bill of Rights.
• Knowledge of local community resources and various community services programs.
• Knowledge of the principles of record keeping and records management.
• Skill in public relations and customer service.
• Skill in staying calm while working with people in crisis situations.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with public officials, outside
agencies, County staff and the general public, while dealing with sensitive information.
• Skill in maintaining a non-judgmental attitude with genuine concern and empathy for crime victims.
• Skill in interviewing, counseling and investigative techniques applicable to victim's assistance services.
• Skill in assessing victim's needs and adversarial situations.
• Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.
• Skill in effectively communicating verbally and in writing.
assistance, information and special services to victims of crimes.(Essential function, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include
the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)
• Reviews law enforcement crime reports and victim files from attorneys, and communicates with victims of crimes; acts as liaison with law enforcement and prosecutors; reviews cases and determines victim assistance needs.
• Notifies victims of case status, criminal proceedings, trials, court hearings, and case dispositions; educates each victim regarding the legal process and the rights afforded them under the law; advises clients of community resource programs, and provides assistance for victims and their families.
• Provides case information and explains how the criminal justice system works.
• Works closely with deputies and attorneys to assure victim's rights and needs are addressed.
• Provide crisis intervention by phone and in person to victims of crime.
• Provides direct services to victims and witnesses, such as transportation and referrals to community agencies for assistance
• Maintains VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) grant requirements; tracks services provided to victims,monitors results and budget, and generates reports as needed.
• Provides information and assistance within the scope of designated authority.
• Locates and distributes court documents as needed.
• Reviews and verifies reports and legal documents, and processes according to policy and procedures.
• Creates, updates and maintains records and case files; researches files and computer databases.
• Collects statistical data and compiles data for reports; assures the accuracy of databases.
• Addresses community organizations and citizen groups to explain the Victim Advocate Program.
• Explains nature of Sheriffs Office programs, procedures and services to clients.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.Minimum Qualifications:
Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice, behavioral sciences or related field, and one (1) year of experience in criminal justice services or crisis intervention; OR equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Must pass a thorough background investigation, and Victim Services training certification within six months of hire.
• Knowledge of County policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of basic functions, procedures, and policies of the Sheriff's Office and the courts.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations governing the release of information from law enforcement records.
• Knowledge of caseload management methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of Wyoming Criminal Justice System, and Wyoming Victim Bill of Rights.
• Knowledge of local community resources and various community services programs.
• Knowledge of the principles of record keeping and records management.
• Skill in public relations and customer service.
• Skill in staying calm while working with people in crisis situations.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with public officials, outside
agencies, County staff and the general public, while dealing with sensitive information.
• Skill in maintaining a non-judgmental attitude with genuine concern and empathy for crime victims.
• Skill in interviewing, counseling and investigative techniques applicable to victim's assistance services.
• Skill in assessing victim's needs and adversarial situations.
• Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.
• Skill in effectively communicating verbally and in writing.
Salary : $21 - $25
