Victims Advocate

Description

The City of Greer is currently accepting applications for a Victims Advocate in our Police Department.

• Provides education to crime victims during the criminal justice process; develops and implements courtroom orientations with victims, particularly children; assists victims in completing Victim Impact Statements and Victim Compensation Applications.
• Provide Services to Crime Victims/Witnesses:
  In compliance with SC Code of Laws 16-3-1520, assist victims/witnesses with completing forms or referrals to other agencies and provide crisis counseling and intervention. Respond to the location of “in-progress/just occurred” incidents at the discretion and approval of on-scene uniform or Investigative field supervisors. Receive and review all daily incident reports to identify victim/witnesses with possible real needs for emotional and physical support.
  
  Makes contact with victim/witness in-person, by phone or by mail to offer assistance with financial, emotional, and/or physical support and recovery. Write follow-up letters to victims/witnesses with information about services, resources, court hearings, etc. Assist as needed with emergency referrals or direct assistance during investigation and criminal prosecutions and support services after case disposition. Emergency referrals or direct assistance may include medical care;
  
  emergency food supplies; provision of clothing and shelter; financial and child assistance; transportation; repair or clean-up of property; death notification; and assistance with body identification.
• Provide direct services during investigation may include: supportive individual counseling; assistance with victim compensation applications; assistance with private insurance claims; employer, landlord and creditor intervention; appropriate social services referrals; consultation and networking with hospitals, medical and mental health professionals; referral to the investigative officer if victim is inquiring about the status of stolen, recovered or removed property is needed; information regarding arrest and detention status of suspects(s), bail and pre-trial release;
  
  information regarding victim compensation; information regarding protection, continuing shelter and restraining orders; specific information regarding the criminal justice system; and accompaniment to physical lineups and court.
• Provide services during criminal prosecutions include: coordination of victim appearances at court; notification of case progress by phone or personal contacts;
  Personal support through any hearings, interviews and the trial; transportation to and from court, if necessary; the opportunity for victims to express to the judge or the solicitor's office their opinions regarding restitution, diversions, dismissals, and plea bargains; a place in the court house which is safe and separate from suspect(s) and defense witnesses; assistance in preparing impact statements for use in plea bargaining and sentencing;
  
  and provision of a court room walk-through to victims.
• Provide direct services available after case disposition include: informing the victim of the offender's status following the disposition of the case; informing the victim(s) of their rights regarding the provision of a victim impact statement, and advising the victim of the date and location of court hearing; providing personal support during appeals or motions for a new trial; referral of long-term counseling and social services;
  
  notification to the court when restitution is not made or violation of restraining orders or other conditions of probation; and accompanying the victim to any hearings.
• Serve as Department Victim Witness Advocate Community Liaison:
  Plan and participate in community awareness events and meetings. Develop and implement educational and preventive crime programs to increase community awareness of victim’s rights and the victim/witness assistance program, domestic violence awareness.
• Network with and maintain a close relationship with other agencies in the community by attending monthly meetings, community outreach events, and offering community training. Attend regular meetings and network…