Victim Advocate

The employee in this class is responsible for performing tasks of average difficulty assisting victims of crimes by providing information about their legal rights, available community resources, and referrals to assistance organizations. Under general supervision, the employee acts as a liaison between law enforcement and the victims to best identify needs and share communication. Tact and courtesy are required, as the position often requires significant interaction during difficult situations. Work is reviewed through conferences, oral and written reports, and observation of results obtained.

Provide victim advocacy services to victims of crimes; provide advocacy services to surviving family members of suicides and homicides.

Provide information to victims and survivors about their legal rights, next steps in the criminal justice system, and available resources and services.

Work on an on-call capacity and respond to crime scenes or other locations as needed; work closely with law enforcement detectives and officers to provide case updates to victims as needed.

Develop materials to distribute to victims for referral and assistance services.

Establish partnerships with organizations in the region that provide or facilitate victims' services and coordinate referrals with relevant assistance organizations; work closely with the State Attorney's Office to ensure a seamless transition of cases; assist with compiling records for case management.

Participates in meetings and committees as the City representative.

Maintains strict confidentiality of all sensitive information.

Perform other related duties as required.

Working knowledge of: principles and processes of emotional and mental support; social service referral systems; Tampa Police policies, procedures, and services offered to the community.

Some knowledge of: coordinating and adjusting actions in relation to other's actions; identifying complex problems and providing referral solutions.

Ability to: communicate well and have interpersonal skills in order to interact professionally and effectively with agency personnel, external partner organizations, and victims you serve; maintain reports, correspondence, and other case information; ability to interact with both internal and external personnel in a manner that helps create a culture of privacy and non-judgement; be accurate, detail-oriented, and organized; influence others through explanation of facts, policies, and practices; think and respond quickly in crises; work within the constraints of both the Tampa Police guidelines and short timelines; work independently with general supervision; work in a high-stress environment.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university with a major in counseling, psychology, social work, criminal justice, or a related field and two (2) years of practical experience in counseling, social work,/human services, criminal justice, domestic violence, crisis intervention, or a field that has worked with victims of crime; or an associate's degree from an accredited college/university with a major in counseling, psychology, human services, social work, criminal justice, or a related field and four (4) years of practical experience in counseling, social work,/human services, criminal justice, domestic violence, crisis intervention, or a field that has worked with victims of crime.

Possession of a valid drivers license required.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

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