Victim Counselor Sr

Job Summary

The Victim Counselor, Sr. in the Victim Services Unit is responsible for overseeing services provided to victims of juvenile offenders involved in property‑related crimes. Key duties include informing victims of their rights, offering referrals to appropriate public and private resources, ensuring victims have mechanisms to provide feedback and receive education about the juvenile justice process, coordinating Victim Impact Panels, managing the Pot of Gold program, providing court accompaniment and ongoing victim advocacy, overseeing victim‑offender mediation services, and serving as a liaison in preparing clients for trial and coordinating client court appearances.

This is the second in a series of two victim counselor‑related job classifications within the Social Services job The classification is responsible for assessing the psychosocial status of clients, determining the types of counseling, social service provider resource referrals and services indicated, and coordinating provision of services to clients. It typically performs advanced counseling duties, may function in a lead capacity, may require work in secure facilities or response at crime scenes, and may require a flexible work schedule.

• Provides counseling, crisis stabilization and support services to clients and assists with problems resulting from victimization.
• Assesses the psychosocial status of clients and determines the types of counseling, social service provider and other services indicated; coordinates referrals and provision of services.
• Serves as a liaison in preparing clients for trial and in dealing with related emotional issues; coordinates client court appearances, accompanies clients to trial and provides support while testifying.
• Provides information to clients related to crime and/or court case; explains legal issues, terms and court procedures.
• Assists in gathering evidence requested for court cases; locates and contacts clients to obtain information related to criminal cases; requests medical records, collision and other reports, and other case related information; may process subpoenas for upcoming court cases.
• Consults with prosecutors regarding punishment and other pertinent matters.
• Develops client advocacy programs and trains staff and volunteers.
• Prepares and maintains statistical records; records case file information in tracking system.
• Performs administrative duties such as preparing correspondence and processing incoming mail for case files.
• Serves as liaison with advocacy groups, clinical and other service providers, community outreach services and law enforcement personnel.
• May function as lead over subordinate counselors and other staff and/or volunteers.
• Performs other job‑related duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND four (4) years experience in counseling/social services or criminal justice work; OR any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Valid Texas Driver's License.

• Master's degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field.
• Crisis and trauma counseling experience.
• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); OR Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

• Policies, practices and procedures within the criminal justice system.
• Counseling and crisis stabilization techniques and resources.
• Advocacy groups, clinical and other service providers and community outreach services.
• Procedures for gathering evidence and researching information.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.

• Counseling and providing crisis and other assistance to clients.
• Assessing the psychosocial status of clients.
• Determining types of…