JOB SUMMARY

Smyrna Police Department is looking for a caring, compassionate, and highly driven individual to fill the position of Victim Assistance Specialist. The ideal candidate for this job is someone with experience in victim services, criminal justice processes, and crisis intervention.

The Victim Assistance Specialist will be responsible for supporting victims through the prosecution of a criminal case and facilitating their participation in the criminal justice process. Incumbents in this position assist with victims' understanding and knowledge of the criminal justice system or probation and parole processes and guidelines, help victims assert and enforce their crime victim rights, and facilitate the preparation of restitution claims. Victim Assistance Specialists work in collaboration with prosecutors, other government agencies, and community partners to meet the needs of the victims and the victims' families.

The hours for this position are Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides crisis intervention, support, advocacy, and safety planning in the aftermath of a crime; and makes victim referrals for counseling, support groups, and other services.
2. Educates victims about crime victim rights and criminal justice system processes and procedures; and works with victims to assert and enforce those rights within the AG's Office, to defense attorneys, and the court for the purpose of facilitating participation within the criminal justice system and promoting healing in the aftermath of a crime.
3. Helps victims identify and document financial losses for restitution; works closely with prosecutors to analyze and assess accurate claims for presentation to the court; and may set restitution hearings and testify in court.
4. Establishes and maintains contact with victims in relation to the status and disposition of the case; accompanies victims to court; and coordinates appearance in court or travels to court hearings when necessary.
5. Serves as a liaison between victims and prosecuting attorneys, civil and defense attorneys, law enforcement officers, probation and parole officers, and other criminal justice partners. May also assist victims in connecting with other government agencies or community partners.
6. Establishes and maintains strong working relationships with community partners, government agencies, and other County departments to which victims may be referred in order to collaborate on victim issues relevant to the community.
7. Aligns duties and program activities with state and federal rules and regulations to maintain funding requirements.
8. Collects and enters post-conviction victim information, case notes and demographics into a confidential database, forwarding appropriate information to the Probation/Parole Officer or Board of Post-prison Supervision.
9. Maintains detailed case notes and statistical information, as required, for state reporting and continuity of services.
10. Works directly with employees, volunteers, and interns to provide mentoring and training.
11. Monitors victim-oriented legislation and best practice services development from other victim assistance organizations.
12. Makes presentations about victim advocacy to employees, volunteers, interns, local civic organizations, schools, and citizen groups as directed by management; and participates in training and collaborative meetings with such groups and organizations to promote best practices, victim-oriented legislation, and new developments within the field.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

• An associate degree or higher in criminal justice, corrections, social work, or related field
• 2 years or work experience in a victim services role OR;
• 4 years of work experience as an advocate in the justice system, probation, victim assistance, or other closely related area
• Must be a citizen of the United States
• Must pass a comprehensive background check

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Knowledge of:

• Victim advocacy;
• The criminal justice system and the roles of the participants;
• Victim rights under Delaware law;
• The effect of trauma and appropriate response techniques;
• Dynamics of domestic and/or sexual violence;
• Criminal justice record systems; and
• Appropriate community resources available for crime victims.

Skills to:

• Assist victims in crisis, either in person or over the phone, using crisis intervention techniques while maintaining composure and professionalism;
• Effectively summarize information for victims in person and in written form;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with crime victims, social service organizations, law enforcement, District Attorney staff, Probation and Parole, county staff, and other community groups;
• Operate computer office software and other office equipment to maintain accurate and complete records; and
• Maintain a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.

Ability to:

• Intervene with individuals in stressful situations and assess individual needs;
• Empathize and establish rapport with victims, communicate court procedures, and provide emotional support;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationship with deputy district attorneys and/or probation and parole officers;
• Investigate and document restitution claims;
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Maintain accurate and complete records; and
• Organize and conduct training sessions and workshops

Benefits:

• State of Delaware County and Municipal Pension Plan
• Vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays
• Deferred compensation/ investment plan
• Affordable health, dental, and eye care plans
• College tuition assistance