Victim Advocate

Primary Purpose

The Victim Advocate is responsible for assisting victims of crimes by providing them with emotional support, advising them of their legal rights, monetary compensation, and providing education for the prevention of further victimization. This position makes death notifications and speaks before public on issues pertaining to victimization. This position requires mandatory psychological counseling sessions on a regular basis via agency contracted provider

Education and Qualification Requirement

Minimum: High School Diploma or Equivalency

Must have or be able to attain the Attorney General Services Practitioner Designation

Type 25 WPM

Valid Florida Driver's License

Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel

Basic knowledge of general office equipment

Duties

Provide priority advocate services to victims of domestic violence, victims involved in Special Victim Unit (SVU) investigations, victims involved in Major Crimes Unit (MCU) investigations

Provide priority advocate services to surviving family of suicide, surviving family of homicide, and suicide attempt survivors

Provide advocate services to crime victims including: victim rights orientation, criminal justice system orientation, victim compensation assistance, crisis counseling, safety planning, and referrals to other services

Provide advocate services to victims of other crimes as needed, by referral or special request

Assist with death notification upon request by law enforcement involving suicide investigations, homicide investigations, traffic homicide investigations

Offer advocate services upon mutual aid request by other area law enforcement agencies or organizations

Work in a rotating on call capacity and respond to crime scenes or other locations as needed

Serve as a member of the SJSO Intimate Violence Enhanced Services Team (INVEST)

Review and distributes initial domestic violence reports to the nearest certified domestic violence center in accordance with Florida statutory requirements

Attend community domestic and sexual violence task force meetings

Provide community outreach services including educational presentations to community groups, civic organizations and the general public concerning victims' rights, supportive resources and the criminal justice process

Maintain statistics based on the requirements of the Victims Of Crime Act (VOCA) grant

Attend depositions, court proceedings, investigations briefings, and patrol briefings as requested

Job Controls and Complexities

Demonstrates a positive working relationship with personnel in the Agency

Work under various levels of supervision

Adhere to laws/agency policy/rules/regulations/SOP/procedures

Maintain confidentiality/security of files and information obtained in the course of employment

Provide assistance to citizens, visitors, employees, and other public and private entities in an effort to meet their needs and build positive community relationships

Adhere to leave, overtime and attendance policies/procedures (i.e. arrive promptly, regular attendance at work, notification to supervisor regarding absence from work due to illness or untimely incidents, etc.)

Contacts

Victims of Crimes

General Public

SJSO Employees

Other Government Entities

Grade Classification

Entry to intermediate level work

Performs independently under general supervision

Work requires application of general knowledge of business practices in various situations

Deals with problems or situations that remain stable

Does not require independent decision making

Physical Environment

Work is primarily in an office environment under normal amount of stress

Normal business hours apply, however this position is subject to on-call status; hours may vary and overtime may be necessary including nights, holidays, and weekends

Exposure to crime scenes, traffic crash fatality scenes and other high stress environments

Sit for long periods

See at normal range or with accommodations

Hear at normal level or with accommodations

Speak understandably

Manual dexterity

Ambulate independently

Frequently grasp/push/pull/bend/squat/lift/carry items up to 20 lbs.

Occasionally reach above head/kneel/walk/climb/stoop/stand/lift items up to 50 lbs.

Important Information

Regular attendance is critical to the success of this position and is required of all Agency personnel.

The list of tasks, policies and proficiencies for this position, as well as any statements contained within this page, are considered essential.

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves, other employees, or the public.

This job description in no way states or implies the listed duties are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employee will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by his/her supervisor.

EFFECTIVE: 05/28/2019