Police Victim Advocate

JOB CODE: 2334

PAY GRADE: 1140

SALARY RANGE: $29,219 - $49,743

LOCATION OF WORK
Police Department

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of a higher classification, performs paraprofessional and administrative support work for the Baton Rouge Police Department's Victim Assistance Program. Work involves providing outreach services to victims; supervising and coordinating the work of program volunteers; and establishing and maintaining work relationships with law enforcement, social services, and mental health agencies. Work involves the use of independent judgment and is evaluated through the Performance Management Appraisal System (PMAS). An employee in this class is subject to unusual working hours as well as twenty-four hour call for situations needing immediate attention. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Contacts victims of criminal activity; interviews victims and performs outreach services; responds to crime scenes, when requested; accompanies victims to court, when requested; transports victims to crime related appointments. Serves as a liaison for the victim throughout the legal process and explains their rights and verdicts of the case; explains the criminal justice system to victims along with contact information for the investigator and District Attorney's Office. Assists victims with completing legal documentation, such as victim compensation, protective orders, return of property, and related documentation as necessary. Establishes and maintains a working relationship with law enforcement, social services, and mental health agencies in planning and providing programs and services. Attends community meetings; serves on various boards of coalitions and advocacy groups; develops presentations about the Victim Assistance Program and its services. Recruits, screens, trains, coordinates, and supervises the activities of program volunteers. Develops and maintains office filing, index, and record systems. Assembles information, prepares reports, and maintains confidential records; responds to requests and distributes program information.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of division and departmental operations, functions, policies, and procedures. Knowledge of the operations, services, and activities of a victim advocacy program. Knowledge of basic law enforcement operations and court proceedings. Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language used to prepare reports and communicate effectively with others. Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, equipment and clerical techniques. Skill in the use of modern office equipment such as the telephone, calculator, copier, personal computer or terminal and related peripherals. Skill in the operation of light motor vehicles. Ability to explain applicable laws, rules, regulations and procedures to victims. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and materials. Ability to supervise and train program volunteers. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS