Victim Advocate I Jobs

Description :

CLASSIFICATION: VICTIM ADVOCATE
DIVISION: DETECTIVE
SUPERVISES: NONE
SUPERVISED BY: CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION SERGEANT
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: The Sumter County Sheriff's Office Victim Advocate is assigned to eligible victims and witnesses throughout the follow-up investigation process and provide support services such as bereavement counseling, social services referrals, and criminal justice advocacy to referred
crime victims, family members, and witnesses.
DUTIES:

• Assists in initial interviews and interactions between the victim and the investigating officers when requested.
• Be alert for conditions or situations, which inhibit efficient operation of the Agency or the Victim/Witness Advocate programs, and makes recommendations for solutions.
• Maintains open communication with local community service agencies and organizations, and strives to keep open lines of communication between victims, witnesses, and Sheriff‘s Office personnel.
• Works in conjunction with social service agencies, as well as other criminal justice agencies, with consent of the victim and/or witness to provide continuity in the handling of each case.
• Provides emotional support and follow-up contact with victims of crime.Provides basic information regarding court process, victim’s rights, and various aspects of victimization.
• Performs crisis intervention at the scene for victims of violent crimes on a 24 hour-a-day basis.
• Provides information and referral to other appropriate agencies and organizations concerning services available to victims and witnesses of adult and juvenile crimes.
• Provides information to victims and/or witnesses about available assistance during preliminary investigations, such as compensation programs and emergency financial assistance. Assists in the replacement of personal identification cards upon request, if possible.
• Assists with the filing of domestic violence or repeat violence injunctions, if needed.
• Provides victims and/or witnesses with the case number and telephone number(s) that may be used to report additional information about their case or to receive information about the status of their case, when requested.
• Assists with filing Victim Compensation Claims.

JOB PREREQUISITES:
Associates Degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to handle confidential matters without compromising confidentiality.
Ability to work harmoniously with citizens and departmental personnel.
Ability to follow instructions and organize own work
Ability to provide effective, immediate crisis intervention for victims and to work effectively to deescalate crisis in situations.
Proficiency in grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Possess a valid Florida Driver's License.
Must complete the Florida Victim Advocate course within one year of hire date.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Normal office environment, normal office hours. Must be willing to be on call to assist crime victims at the scene. Hours may require both day and night shifts, as scheduled, including holidays and weekends. May require overtime when necessary. Subject to call to duty at any time. This is a grant based position and maybe subjected to reassignment, if a position is available, if the grant is not renewed at the end of its cycle.

Contact : Salary: $36,376
To apply for this position please complete the application and submit to our Human Resource Division.
The Sumter County Sheriff's Office prides itself with hiring qualified candidates of the highest integrity for all positions. We are an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer who strives to reflect the diversity found in our community.
Human Resources office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 AM-5 PM and staff can be reached at (352)-569-1658.
Fax: (352) 569-1633
Email: [email protected]

Deadline for Applying : Open until filled