What are the responsibilities and job description for the Volunteer-Victim Advocate position at The Town of Parker?
In depth and on-going training is provided to Advocates on the dynamics of victimization and victim services. Advocates will gain direct experience in providing support to those in need. They will also gain knowledge about law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Participation will enhance community responsiveness to the right of victims and survivors of crime.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works under the general supervision of the Victim Services Coordinator.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
None.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide advocacy and immediate crisis intervention for victims of crime.
Assess immediate need of victim(s) and provide referrals and follow-up services.
Act as a liaison between victim(s) and the criminal justice system.
Ensure that victims are aware of their rights under the Colorado Law and offer information about the Crime Victim's Compensation Act.
Provide all victims and survivors with emotional support, available long-term support services, community resources, and notification of all victim's rights to victims and survivors as required by the Victims Right Act.
Complete necessary reports – documenting services rendered and activities performed.
Represent this agency in a positive and professional manner when contacting victims and citizens.
Attend monthly support and training meetings.
Conduct follow-up assistance in providing information on victim compensation benefits along with status and progression of the case.
Must go on a four (4) hour ride-along with an officer once (1) per year.
PERIPHERAL DUTIES:
Performs other duties as assigned.
Must be 21 years of age.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Must be able to work on-call including nights and weekends.
Must be able to respond to a call in Parker or Lone Tree within a maximum of 45 minutes when scheduled most likely accomplished by being a Douglas County Resident.
Must complete initial forty (40) hour training.
NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Ability to communicate well, think well, and respond quickly.
Ability to offer emotional support and crisis counseling to crime victims and survivors in the Town of Parker.
Ability to maintain good rapport with victims, patrol officers, outside agencies and the public.
Ability to have an open, non-judgmental attitude toward victims/survivors.
Ability to make a one (1) year commitment to the program.
Ability to successfully complete a full background check including a drug screen and polygraph test is required.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Personal computer, word processing software, database software, custom dispatch and records programs, telephone, copy machine, portable radio, pager systems, cellular phone, calculator, motor vehicle and other related equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the volunteer is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, use hands, fingers, handle, feel or operate objects, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The volunteer is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.
Must communicate clearly and effectively; must understand and be understood.
On rare occasions, the volunteer may be required to climb and balance. The volunteer must occasionally carry, pull, push, or lift up to 20 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision acuity and the ability to adjust his or her focus, allowing a broad field of vision.
It is essential that the volunteer be physically able to operate a variety of computer and office equipment successfully in order to fulfill the essential functions of this position.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a volunteer encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the volunteer frequently works in a climate controlled office environment. The noise level in this environment is usually quiet to moderate.
The duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed, and are in no way construed or perceived to be exhaustive.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the volunteer, and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
