Victim Services Specialist

Job Description:

Victim Services Specialist

Description

Provide services and guidance to victims and witnesses (V/W) of crime for the Loveland Police Department while maintaining compliance with the Department’s obligations under the Colorado Victim Rights Act (VRA) and Federal Statutes. Specialists 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 unattended deaths or suicides. They will also provide information on the criminal justice system, to include obtaining the status of the offender, explaining victim rights, protection orders, court bond conditions, and financial assistance. Specialists aid in providing support agency referrals, acquiring emergency shelter if possible, and facilitating other immediate needs.

The schedule for the person in this position will be Monday- Friday with alternating weekends, evenings, holidays and On-Call. This is a partially grant funded position expected to work 40 hours per week.

The salary range for this position is $22.13-$30.98 per hour with a hiring range of $22.13-$26.56, depending on qualifications and experience.

Selection process timeline
Alternate dates for testing and interviews are not available

• Position Closes: Monday December 30th at 8:00AM MST
• Oral Board Interview: Tuesday January 7th and / or Wednesday January 8th
• Conditional Job Offer / Background Investigation: January
  • Psychological
  • Polygraph
  • Drug test
  • Fingerprints
  • Background Investigation
• Final job offer: January-February

Tentative Start Date: March

To view additional police department specific benefits: https://www.lovgov.org/services/police/employment

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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 legal proceedings.
• Ensure that victims are aware of their rights under the VRA.
• Respond to various locations within the City of Loveland, and occasionally, outside the City of Loveland and after normal working hours, to provide emotional support for affected V/W and ensure they are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity.
• Research daily police records to determine if VRA crimes occurred and identify involved V/W.
• Maintain VRA related databases and prepare written reports as needed.
• Ensure that victim services handouts are kept current.
• Establish and maintain a cooperative network with victim services personnel from neighboring agencies and community organizations.
• Provide on-call availability during the day, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays and at times provide scene response.
• Provide training to department personnel regarding the VRA and requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities. Specialists may coordinate with volunteers.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to follow strict confidentiality policies. Desire to help victims and witnesses of crime, often during emotional and stressful situations. Able to work in an on-call capacity. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with law enforcement, other employees, and a diverse community. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Ability to evaluate situations and make complicated and appropriate decisions in stressful environments. Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods in an office environment. Ability to prepare clear, concise reports and follow department policies. Proficient typing, word processing, and data entry skills. Ability to use routine software and business applications including, but not limited to Microsoft Office software. Ability to carry a department issued cell phone and respond as soon as reasonably possible.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

Associate’s degree from an accredited college or two years of related work experience preferred. Prior law enforcement experience is desirable.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Possession of or ability to obtain Victim/Witness advocate certification through the State of Colorado. Valid driver’s license.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee would encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Normal office environment which may have moderate levels of noise. The work environment can include office work as well as scene response.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The City of Loveland provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.

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

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