Domestic Violence Specialist

Description

The City of Roanoke is seeking a Domestic Violence Specialist (DVS) to work under the supervision of the Criminal Investigations Unit Special Victims Unit Sergeant. The DVS is a non-sworn, grant-funded position. Funding for this position and the basic parameters for this job task are provided by the Commonwealth of Virginia STOP Violence Against Women Act (VSTOP) program. The weekly hours allowed for this position and the exact nature of the job responsibilities are provided by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) VSTOP grant, and may change from year to year.

The Domestic Violence Specialist works with victims of domestic violence to provide advocacy, information, and referrals to partnering service providing agencies. The DVS develops and delivers training and educational presentations on the topic of domestic violence both within and outside the department. The DVS is responsible for community outreach, coordinating and participating in community meetings and events. The DVS additionally serves as the Department's liaison to several community groups that serve the needs of domestic violence victim(s), and will attend and participate in events and meetings held by these groups.

Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia is required.

The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.

To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.

The following duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by this position, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional position-specific duties.

• Review assigned Incident Based Police Reports of Domestic Violence
• Contact domestic violence victim in person, by phone, e-mail, or U.S. mail to offer advocacy, assistance, resource material, case information, referrals to local service providing agencies
• Prepare letters and mailings
• Contact support agencies to request and coordinate services for victim
• Assist victim with obtaining protective orders
• O?er counseling services contact information
• Assist distraught, angry or upset victim and their friends and relatives
• Coordinate domestic violence victim meetings with detective to insure safety when necessary
• Identify reports of potential interest to the citizens or police supervisors
• Enter information domestic violence case information into Police Department software
• Thoroughly document all involvement with victims and witnesses throughout the investigation until the investigation is closed
• Assist investigators in developing responses to felony cases of domestic violence
• Coordinate responses with the Victim-Witness Coordinator of the O?ce of the Commonwealth's Attorney
• Attend court with victim to observe/assist the Commonwealth Attorney
• Maintain VINELINK and Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) entries
• Build and maintain effective working partnerships with law enforcement personnel, City of Roanoke personnel, internal and external stakeholders, and partnering service agency personnel
• Complete other tasks or reports as required by the Chief of Police, Deputy Chiefs, Bureau Captains, or their designee as needed for the e?cient operation of the Department

• Develop and present educational and training presentations focused on Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention for law enforcement and the community, according to the schedule set by the grant
• Seek out invitations and schedule DVS educational/training presentations for…