Victims Advocate

**Salary**
- $65,395.20 Annually**Location**
- City of Miami, FL**Job Type**
- Full-Time**Job Number**
- 1395-20240513-ORIG**Department**
- Police**Opening Date**
- 05/13/2024**Closing Date**
- 5/24/2024 5:00 PM EasternAn Equal Opportunity Employer

**Nature of Work**:

- This is professional work functioning as an advocate for victims of violent crimes with injuries such as sexual battery, domestic violence, and homicides and furthermore facilitating the participation of victims and family members in the judicial process of the criminal justice system. Position incumbent assesses clients for support needs, refers victims to appropriate social agencies/service centers for victim compensation, counseling, shelter, obtaining an injunction for protection, and follows up on victims' criminal case and well-being, as needed as it relates to case management. Ensures that victims' rights are protected; educates victims on community services and other resources at their disposal.
- An employee in this position will work under the direction of the Violent Crimes Intervention Administrator or designee; however, considerable latitude will be afforded at the discretion of the Violent Crimes Intervention Administrator or designee, as the employee in this position will be one of the department's experts in this field. Responsibility will include providing information on victims' rights as required by Florida State Statute (F.S. 960.001) and performing the proper follow up activities to ensure that victims, family members, and/or survivors or friends are contacted and provided with the requisite information to facilitate their participation in the judicial process.

**Essential Functions**:

- Assists all victims of violent crimes, survivors, or next of kin by providing initial crisis intervention, counseling referrals to existing counseling programs or agencies, as circumstances dictate.
- Accompany and/or transport the victim to civil and criminal court proceedings, responding to crime scenes, or to the hospitals as directed by the victim advocate supervisor.- Performs crisis intervention by visiting crime scenes, homes, and hospitals to provide assistance to primary and secondary victims.
- Provides immediate support assistance to victims by contacting family members or next of kin.
- Ensures that proper services are provided to victims and survivors. Services may include, but are not limited to, crisis intervention, facilitating compensation for victims or next of kin, providing referrals for counseling or shelter.
- Makes sure that victims' rights are protected by ensuring that victims receive the appropriate services and that they are treated with respect and compassion.
- Composes and sends victim notification letters by mail to provide necessary information to victims.
- Notifies victims of their legal rights. Provide a copy of the Victims Rights Brochure.
- Follows up with victims to ensure the receipt of quality service and ascertain additional needs every 90 days or often if the case is open.
- Provides information and facilitates victim's participation in the criminal justice system.
- Provides educational awareness workshops, meetings, training to the public concerning the State's Victims
- Compensation Program and the importance of participating in the criminal justice process.
- Coordinates workshops and seminars on violent crimes and victim's rights for the department, as well as the community.
- Establishes and maintains a detailed and concise case management (database) system which includes a record of follow up contacts with detectives and post-incident contacts with family members until all court proceedings are finalized.
- Develops, plans, and recommends enhancements to the victim/witness program.
- Recruits and trains volunteers and/or interns.
- Completes statistical reports on victim contacted.
- Responds to report requests from the Attorney General's office or designee.
- Prepare and facilitate the U-Visa process.
- Coordinate and attend monthly community meetings, as required.
- Perform other related work as required.

**Minimum Requirements**:

- Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work or closely related field. Two (2) years of practical experience working as a victim advocate in a local program or agency.

Fluency in Spanish or Creole desirable. A Victim Service Practitioner Designation certificate must be obtained within the 1st year of employment and must be maintained throughout employment.
- OR
- Equivalent combination of education and experience beyond a high school diploma or its equivalent and six (6) months of the required experience.
- **SPECIAL NOTE**:
Must be willing to work evenings, nights, holidays, and weekends on a regular basis.

**Documentation Requirements**:
**LEASE READ CAREFULLY.**

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**ALL DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED MUST BE CLEAR, LEGIBLE, AND IN PROPER FORMAT.**

**THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION AND ARE ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF PROOF**:
**1. Proof