Victims Advocate - Family Services

The City of Greenville Police Department seeks a dynamic individual to serve as a Victim's Advocate. The purpose of this position is to provide advice and assistance to victims and witnesses of crimes and to protect their rights.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Examples of Duties

• Assists with applications for victim's compensation and Domestic Violence Protective Orders.
• Works with various community service agencies that may assist victims, witnesses, and their families. Meets with, or makes contact with, public and private agencies, such as social services, the Domestic Violence Center, and psychiatric services to determine and maintain a network of social and emotional support services.
• Protects and defends the rights of victims whenever possible, following the guidelines of Article 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act: NCGS 15A-824 and 15A-825.
• Educates victims and witnesses about the rights and services available to them. Maintains a catalog of public and private services available to victims.
• Collects reports and forms associated with cases such as investigation and arrest records. Maintains documentation on each case describing the services provided by the advocate. Notifies victims of any arrests pertaining to their case.
• Coordinates the transfer of victim assistance following the close of the investigation and the beginning of the criminal court involvement to the District Attorney's Victim/Witness Assistant.
• Coordinates and supplements victim assistance, as needed, with the Pitt County Victims Advocate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Attends probationary hearings, first appearance hearings, domestic violence protection orders hearings, and domestic violence court as needed. Provides transportation for victims to and from the court and provides emotional support during court trials.
• Provides assistance to victims and witnesses of a wide range of crimes, primarily domestic violence and sexual abuse. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with victims, witnesses, and their families and provides guidance, and counseling.
• Prepares presentation materials to effectively educate the public on victim and witness needs, rights, and services.
• Makes referrals and provides case information to other agencies as needed.
• Makes oral presentations before business, civic, school, church, and other groups, as appropriate, on topics pertaining to the rights of victims.
• Prepares case reports and logs case data into the department's case tracking computer program. Prepares various narrative and statistical reports as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of one year's experience in the human services field, some experience should include working with victims/witnesses.
• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor's degree in human services, social work, or related field preferred; AND

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Available community services.
• Problem-solving techniques.
• Laws, practices, and procedures that relate to victims' rights and available community services.

Skilled in:

• Verbal communication including speaking in a court setting.

Ability to:

• Communicate and deal effectively with people and establish a good rapport with them and other community services agencies.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with police officers, city officials, and cooperating agency personnel
• Operate assigned equipment, including computer equipment and various software packages.
• Maintain moral standards and integrity, dependability, and tact.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.
• Meet and deal courteously and effectively with the general public.
• Deal calmly, tactfully, yet firmly with persons in a wide range of emotional states.

Special Requirements

• Eligible candidates must submit to an interview process, background checks, medical exam, and drug screen.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.
• NC Victim Service Practitioner Certification preferred but not required.
• Selection process typically takes 1-3 months but can vary depending on circumstances.
• Must currently possess a valid driver's license issued by N.C. (Note: A valid driver's license is a current driver's license that is not revoked, suspended, or subject to limited restoration or conditional operation privileges).
• Candidates who do not successfully complete the selection process are eligible to reapply for other City job vacancies.
• Must reside within the Greenville Fire Rescue & Police Residency Area within six months following the completion of the initial employment probationary period.