Sheriff's Office Victim Advocate

The purpose of this classification is to administer the Victim Advocate Program for the Sheriff’s Office and to provide program information/services to victims of crimes.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Administers Victim Advocate Program; provides victims of crimes with information regarding Victims Bill of Rights and Victim Assistance Program services.
Identifies and assesses needs of crime victims; coordinates provision of various services to victims/witnesses based upon individual needs; provides referrals to counselors, social service agencies, and support groups; provides intervention with employers, creditors, landlords, medical providers, schools, or others; explains courtroom procedures to victims regarding TPO’s; provides crisis counseling; provides death notifications; provides assistance in obtaining emergency food, shelter, or financial resources; accompanies victims/witnesses to forensic examinations, lineups, interviews, or crime scenes; assists with completion of compensation forms, and filing of claims.
Maintains records and prepares reports; reviews incident reports to gather information; enters case information into database and monitors status of cases; submits victim compensation applications.
Interacts/networks with various agencies/organizations to meet the needs of victims. Attends various meetings. Locates and contacts victims; attends court proceedings for TPO’s as needed. Provides information and assistance related to department programs, services, procedures, or other issues; responds to routine questions, complaints, or requests for service; initiates problem resolution.
Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, notification packets, compensation claims, case files, or other documents.
Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, incident reports, victim compensation applications, notifications, laws, codes, policies, procedures, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, database, e-mail, Internet, or other computer programs.
Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, law enforcement personnel, victims, witnesses, social service agencies, government agencies, community agencies, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, attends conferences, workshops, and training sessions as appropriate.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
This classification is designated as a safety sensitive position which is subject to random drug and alcohol testing and any other drug testing methods as stated in policies adopted by Forsyth County concerning drug and alcohol.
Provides transportation for victims/witnesses to/from court proceedings for TPO’s. Operates a motor vehicle to transport victims/witnesses or conduct other work activities. Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, sending/receiving faxes, making copies, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.
Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed. Performs other related duties as required.

High school diploma or GED; supplemented by college level course work or vocational training in criminal justice procedures, victim services, social services, or a related field; supplemented by three (3) years previous experience and/or training that includes criminal justice system procedures, victim services, social services, crisis intervention, victim compensation, office administration, and personal computer operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license. Will be required to pass a background investigation.