To apply, go to governmentjobs.com/careers/salinas
All required documents must be submit by the final filing date of this recruitment. Unofficial copies of transcripts and copies of degrees will be accepted.
Summary of Duties: Under general direction, plans, organizes, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Victim Advocate Program; advocates and coordinates rights and benefits for crime victims and/or witnesses during the various states of follow-up to a crime; facilitates communication among agencies concerned with the investigation of criminal cases involving victims and/or witnesses.
Distinguishing Characteristics: This position is a journey level position in the Police Department. Incumbent receives general direction and supervision from Division Chief or designee. Incumbents are expected to be able to perform assigned duties with only occasional instruction or assistance within a relatively short period of time and work independently out in the field. May exercise functional supervision over lower level staff and/or volunteers.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Contacts victims of crimes to provide aid, assistance or referrals to appropriate services and resources to meet their needs; provide status updates to victims throughout case development.
2. Functions as a liaison to third parties to inform them of the crime, status, victim’s condition, and case progress; meet and confer with detectives, officers, and allied agencies regarding individual cases.
3. Stays abreast of potential new cases and case developments by reviewing police reports, tracking cases through the court process from filing decisions and arraignment to disposition.
4. Coordinates onsite advocacy at emergency rooms, police stations and other locations with a focus on non-duplicated reporting, effective and compassionate treatment, and follow-up.
5. Coordinates with District Attorney’s Office Victim Advocate to ensure transportation for victims as needed for court appearances, medical purposes, counseling or law enforcement.
6. Maintains contact with the Victim Advocate Program and acts as liaison to assist crime victims and witnesses in applying for aid.
7. May accompany victims to court proceedings, meetings, and interviews with law enforcement and/or attorneys.
8. Provides comprehensive staff support to the Police Department related to the Victim Advocate programs and services; coordinates and integrates program services and activities with department divisions such as investigations and patrol with other agencies; develops program partnerships, where applicable, with external agencies and organizations; identified public and private resources to support program objectives.
9. Develops and maintains information, outreach, and educational materials, including brochures, information packets, flyers, guides, and other documents; conducts workshops and training.
10. Prepares and maintains statistical reports and records;
11. Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitors the efficiency and effectiveness of the Victim Advocate Program, service delivery methods, and procedures; identifies opportunities for improvement and makes recommendation to management.
12. Organizes and maintains various administrative, confidential, reference, and follow-up case files.
13. Trains volunteers and interns engaged in assisting victims and/or witnesses.
14. Performs related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
Knowledge of:
• Basic knowledge of the procedures of the courts and other law enforcement agencies
• Knowledge of State and local services available to crime victims and witnesses
• Knowledge of problems, needs and attitudes of crime victims
• Basic knowledge of the dynamics of child abuse and domestic violence
• Principles and practices of records management
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation
• Techniques for effectively dealing with and solving the problems presented by a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, in person and over the telephone
Skill and Ability to:
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software application programs
• Collect, analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations
• Learn to logically and progressively interview victims and witnesses
• Interpret, explain and apply laws, rules and regulations related to victim services programs
• Gather, assemble and verify information related to victim identification
• Assess needs and refer clients to the appropriate community agencies
• Work effectively with diverse groups listen to and discuss problems tactfully
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines
• Research, develop and use community resources
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with others
• Organize and prioritize a variety of multiple tasks and projects in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines
• Bilingual skills (Spanish) highly desirable.
• Possess qualities of empathy, compassion, and emotional maturity and an ability to communicate effectively with victims or witnesses who are faced with emotionally traumatic events.
Education and Experience:
1. Thirty (30) college units from an accredited college or university with major course work in psychology, sociology, social work or closely related and two (2) years of responsible experience in social services/public assistance, criminal justice, or law enforcement agency; or
2. High School Diploma or equivalent and three (3) years of responsible experience in social services/public assistance, criminal justice, or law enforcement agency.
Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid California Driver’s License. Employee will be required to use a City vehicle(s) for business use.
Other Requirements:
Positions within the Police Department require an extensive background investigation and criminal background check. Employment offers are contingent upon passing the above requirements.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Physical, mental and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; manual dexterity sufficient to write, use telephone, business machines and related equipment; vision sufficient to read printed materials and distinguish colors; and safely operate a motor vehicle; hearing sufficient to conduct in person and telephone conversations; speaking ability in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in a normal conversational distance, on the telephone and in addressing groups; physical agility to push/pull, squat, twist, turn, bend, stoop, climb and reach overhead; physical mobility sufficient to move about the work environment, physical strength to lift up to 25 lbs.; physical stamina sufficient to sit for prolonged periods of time; mental acuity to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions.
Employees work primarily in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions. Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment including a computer; vision to read printed materials and computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio. The job involves field work. Employees frequently interact with individuals in crisis. Work may require nontraditional work hours, call-back, working late evenings and/or weekends and holidays.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required.
