Family Violence Victim Advocate

Job Description

This is non‑sworn specialized administrative and technical work in the counseling and service referral of victims and witnesses of crimes, particularly family violence crimes. Work involves responsibilities as the victim advocate for a variety of police related incidents. Work includes the coordination of activities for victim/witness contacts, follow‑ups, scheduling, and counseling for victims and witnesses. Work includes extensive contact with the public, other departments and outside agencies.

Work requires initiative and independent judgment. Work is reviewed through oral and written reports to supervisors.

• Respond to major family violence calls for police service and assist officers and counselors in unusual or difficult situations.
• Coordinate contact with victim/witnesses, conduct follow‑up interviews, schedule and counsel victim/witnesses and perform outreach services.
• Train and update counselors through regularly scheduled domestic‑violence meetings.
• Act as a liaison for the department with victim/witness service agencies.
• Provide victim/witnesses with information concerning judicial processes, service agencies and other community resources.
• Assist victims in completing paperwork required by the courts (victim impact statement) and/or required in order to receive compensation.
• Prepare written reports, memos, correspondence.
• Provide staff support in researching and recommending alternate methods of providing family‑violence intervention services.
• Assess the needs of victims/witnesses.
• Attend community meetings and develop presentations about victim assistance programs and services.
• Perform related work as required: assist victims in obtaining emergency food and/or shelter; provide or arrange for transportation to court for victims as needed.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work or related field; 3 to 5 years’ experience in victim advocacy, social casework, trauma counseling or related work, or any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted.

Valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.

• Rules, policies, and procedures of the department.
• Police principles, practices, methods, techniques, and procedures pertaining to domestic disputes and other family violence incidents.
• Social work and counseling principles.
• Victim/witness programs and service agencies.
• Principles and practices of the criminal justice system.
• Counseling techniques and trauma‑informed practices applicable to trauma and grief.
• Modern office practices and procedures including the use of standard office equipment and computer applications such as word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications.

• Oral, written, and interpersonal communication.
• Maintaining a confidential clinical file system.
• Active listening.
• Communication and interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

• Identify internal and external resources to provide victims with treatment options.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with police personnel and external agencies.
• Express ideas clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Work Environment:
Employees may occasionally work in an outdoor environment, street environment (near moving traffic) or using a vehicle. Work Exposures:
Employees may occasionally interact with individuals who are hostile or irate and individuals with known violent backgrounds. Sedentary:
Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

City of Raleigh is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.