UNPAID Victim/Witness Volunteer Advocate

Job Description:

UNPAID Victim/Witness Volunteer Advocate

Description

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Members of the Victim Services Volunteer Unit will be trained to offer emotional support and crisis intervention for victims, secondary victims, and witnesses. This will include victims and witnesses of VRA Crimes, Victims of Circumstance, and for unattended deaths or suicides within Loveland city limits. They will also provide information on the criminal justice system, obtaining the status of the offender, victim rights, protective orders and bond conditions, financial assistance, provide support agency referrals, aid in acquiring emergency shelter, and facilitate other immediate needs. This is a Part-time, non-paid, volunteer position.

Timeline/ Order of Events:

• Interview
• Background Investigation
• Drug Screen
• Psychological Evaluation
• Polygraph
• Start Date

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all inclusive.

• Provide advocacy and immediate crisis intervention for victims and witnesses
• Asses immediate victim needs and provide referrals and follow-up services
• Provide victims with information on other legal proceedings
• Ensure that victims are aware of their rights under the Colorado Crime Compensation Act and the Colorado Law and if applicable, provide them with contact information
• Complete necessary reports and document services rendered and activities performed
• Represent Loveland Police Department in a positive and professional manner when contacting victims or citizens in general
• Attend bi-monthly support and training meetings

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Ability to attend initial training (involves evenings and weekends)
• Ability to cope with emotional and stressful situations.
• Ability to be empathetic and non-judgmental with victims of crime.
• Demonstrated inter-personal skills and self-motivation.
• Ability to be on call when assigned (involves evenings/weekends/holidays)
• Ability to operate in stressful situations.

Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities: Must possess a valid driver's license. Reading and writing skills in the English language of sufficient level to accurately complete required reports and forms. Ability to maintain confidentiality when applicable and according to department directives.

Working Environment: Victim Services Volunteer for 12-hour on call shifts during all shifts: days and nights. Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time. Must be able to work well in tense and/or busy situations.

Benefits to Becoming a Volunteer: Victim Services Volunteers will be provided in-depth and ongoing training in dynamics of victimization in victim assistance and will gain direct experience in providing support to people in need. They will also gain knowledge about law enforcement operations and the criminal justice system. Volunteers help to enhance the police department’s responsiveness to rights of victims and survivors of crime.

Basic Training Course: The following are some of the basic classes held during the initial Victim Services Volunteer training. Other training topics are offered to advocates throughout the year, or during monthly victim services meetings. This is not an exhaustive list.

• VRA 101
• Crisis Intervention
• Death Notification
• Sexual Assault - adults and children
• Domestic Violence
• Mandatory Reporter Training
• Working with other Larimer County based victim service providers
  • District Attorney Victim/Witness Unit
  • Crossroads Safehouse
  • Alternatives to Violence (ATV)
  • Sexual Assault Victim Advocates (SAVA)
  • Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Larimer County
  • Child Protection
  • 3 Hopeful Hearts
  • SummitStone Health Partners

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.

Conditional employment offers are contingent on the successful completion of an extensive criminal background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological examination, and drug screen.

APPLICANTS WHO ARE UNSUCCESSFUL IN THE SELECTION PROCESS MAY APPLY FOR FUTURE OPENINGS.

The City of Loveland is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation. We encourage, value and respect diversity.

Beginning on 8/1/2023, The City of Loveland will begin participating in E-Verify. In accordance with E-Verify requirements, upon your date of hire the City of Loveland will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. E-Verify Notice of Participation. Learn more about your right to work. Visit E-Verify.gov for more information.