NOTE: This position is essential and is required to report to duty before, during, and immediately after a civil emergency.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Victim Advocates are professionals trained to support victims of crime. The Advocate must have good listening skills, and a strong sense of compassion and empathy for clients. The Advocates provides victims information, emotional support, help find resources, and fill out essential paperwork. A Victim Advocate also acts as a liaison between crime victims and their family (clients), the criminal court, and other agencies. The advocate advises the victim of the criminal justice process, how the justice system works, and their legal rights. At times, a victim or their family must relieve their traumas repeatedly during police investigations and the subsequent trial in the criminal justice system. Advocates do all they can to mitigate the effects of the client rehashing the trauma.
The Victim Advocate will also follow up on referrals regarding seniors or others that may be in need of services and be proactive in Community Engagement by providing Crime Prevention training and information.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Respond to crime scenes, crisis and non-crisis situations, or other locations to bring emotional support, comfort, and information to assist victims of crime or/and their families.
• Educate the victim, when necessary, on the workings and their rights within the criminal justice systems and provide information that will help them understand the progress of their case. The advocate will properly provide referrals to available resources as needed.
• In addition to advocacy and guiding skills, listening is one of the key elements in working as a Victim Advocate. The Advocate must have a strong sense of compassion and empathy for clients. Other skills may include the ability to identify problems, effectively individually solve problems, and participate in team problem-solving efforts.
• Advocates offer victims information about the different options available to them and to assist victims in their decision-making. However, Advocates do not tell victims what to do.
• Advocates must report any type of threat to a person (such as clients threatening to hurt themselves or someone else), the abuse or neglect of children, and other activities that may cause endangerment.
• Help victims with safety planning or direct them to an appropriate resource to assist them.
• Provide death notifications to family members as directed.
• Perform case management as directed by Departmental procedures. This includes procedures in accordance with the Florida Crime Victim Compensation, Victim Information and Notification Every Day (VINE) Services, and other referral assistance.
• Perform administrative duties, such as filling and submission of proper forms, keeping statistical data, providing monthly and other reports detailing work activities as directed.
• Develop, coordinate, and enhance programs to further the awareness of available resources, crime preventative measures, and resolutions for a client’s health and well-being.
• Review cases as directed and follow up on complaints or referrals from officers and other sources.
• Acts as a liaison between the Police Department and other agencies, non-profits, and other resources. Attend meetings and events as warranted.
• Responsible for Victim Assistance training for new staff, in-service training, and the community.
• Responsible for recruiting and overseeing the Department’s Volunteers Program.
• Assists and participates in Community Engagement programs and perform other duties as dictated by the Department’s needs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
• Knowledge of crisis intervention and grieving process techniques.
• Knowledge of National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Florida Crime Information Center, etc. in order to access state and federal crime databases.
• Ability to be proficient in active listening skills.
• Ability to acquire working knowledge of: The City of Fort Pierce Rules and Regulations and the Policies, Procedures of the Fort Pierce Police Department, applicable Florida Law Statues.
• Ability to properly solve problems quickly,
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work with diverse cultures and environments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Great Interpersonal Skills.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and high ethics.
• Ability to be on call, work flexible and unusual hours
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:
• Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)
• Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid)
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to multitask and handle stressful busy periods
• Ability to effectively communicate directions and ideas.
• Proficient in computer skills.
• Ability to sit at a desk and view a computer screen for extended periods of time.
• Work in and outside environment when required.
• Ability to multitask and handle stressful.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
PREFERRED:
• Certification in Victim Assistance training.
• Certification in Critical Incident Stress Management.
• Proficient in computer skills
• Associates Degree in Criminal Justice or a related field, or a high school graduate or GED with two years’ work experience in providing victim services.
• Knowledge of laws, Departmental, and City policies and procedures regarding victims’ rights, procedures, and guidelines.
• Prior experience in Victim Assistance/Advocate or related field.
• Experience working in the Criminal Justice System or one of the local, state and/or federal or social services agencies available to crime victims.
• Ability to communicate proficiently orally and in writing.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, REGISTRATIONS:
• Certification in Victim Assistance training. Course must be completed within a year after appointment.
• Certification in Critical Incident Management. Certification must be completed within a year after appointment.
• National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Florida Crime Information Center certifications (ability to obtain).
• Other certifications may be required to access state and federal crime databases.
• Possess a valid Florida Driver’s License.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
• Work inside.
• Work outside in various weather conditions.
• Stressful conditions.
• Ability to be on-call after hours, including weekends.
(Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.)
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Position is under the Criminal Investigation Division Commander or designee.
