Victim Assistance Advocate

Job description

The purpose of the position is to provide crime victims with services designed to minimize the psychological and economical effects of victimization; to assist victims through the procedures of the criminal justice system, and to perform related work as required. The class works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision. Reviews inmate files to identify victims in need of victim assistance. Maintains the security of victims while at the Detention Center. Informs crime victims and their family members of services available; informs victims of their legal rights and ensuring their rights are protected; identifies specific resources to meet victim needs and refers victims to appropriate services; schedules appointments for victims; provides courtroom orientation and accompanies victims to court as needed; provides court testimony as required; assists victims in filing applications for compensation. Informs victims of detainee release from the Detention Center. Assists in coordinating victim advocate services with court personnel, law enforcement personnel and a variety of other individuals and agencies as necessary to maximize service effectiveness. Arranges for transportation and/or emergency housing for victims as needed. Maintains accurate and up-to-date case files and Victim Services database. Receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance, concerns and complaints in areas of responsibility. Compiles data for and prepares a variety of administrative and statistical reports as required by the department, County and/or other agencies. Performs general administrative / clerical work as required, including attending meetings, preparing reports and correspondence, establishing and maintaining files, copying and filing documents, processing mail, sending and receiving faxes, answering the telephone, entering and retrieving computer data, etc. Attends training, workshops, seminars, conferences, etc., and reads professional literature as necessary to enhance job knowledge and skills and to maintain awareness of current and changing legislation affecting program operations. Remains on call 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Requires gathering, organizing, analyzing, examining or evaluating data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information. Requires giving information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants. Requires handling or using machines, tools or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience, such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, telephones or similar equipment; may service office machines, including adding paper and changing toner. Requires performing skilled work involving rules/systems with almost constant problem-solving. Requires using addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, and/or calculating ratios, rates and percentages. Requires reading journals, manuals and professional publications; speaking informally to groups of co-workers, staff in other organizational agencies, the general public, people in other organizations; presenting training; composing original reports, training and other written materials using proper language, punctuation, grammar and style. Requires doing specialized technical or entry-level professional work requiring general understanding of operating policies and procedures and their application to problems not previously encountered; application of specialized technical or professional principles and practices or the use of a wide range of administrative methods in the solution of problems; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results and occasional exposure to unusual pressure. Requires a bachelor’s degree or education and training equivalent to four years of college education in social services, criminal justice, or a closely related field. Must possess a valid state driver’s license. Must possess or be able to obtain Victim Assistance Specialist Certification from the S.C. Standards and Certification Board. Requires over one year and up to and including two years. Responsible for guiding others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures, but with many variations from the routine. Starting Salary is $17.86 per hour