Volunteer Coordinator/Victim Advocate

An Appointed Category 3 position under general supervision of the Investigations Captain and Family Crimes Unit Coordinator, the Volunteer Coordinator/Victim Advocate recruits qualified victim assistance volunteers, assigns follow-up victim contact to volunteers, coordinates and facilitates monthly training for volunteers, and facilitates volunteer training. He/she assists victims through the court process. This position is funded by a federal grant and continuation of the position is dependent upon continuation of the grant.

Responsibilities

• Recruits volunteer victim advocates through advertising on Sandy News Channel, public service announcements, Sandy City newsletter, local newspapers, and community postings

• Obtains background check and applications for prospective volunteers

• Plans and facilitates ongoing training for volunteers and staff and coordinates with outside agencies to provide initial and ongoing training

• Maintains accurate volunteer personnel records

• Maintains consistent contact with volunteers in order to coordinate monthly schedule, gather input on program, and prevent volunteer burn out

• On

• Reviews and assesses violent crime reports as reported to Police

• Prepares grants and reports

• Acts as legal advocate for victims in Justice Court proceedings by preparing victims for court appearances

• Monitors court activity by tracking dates and times for arraignments, preliminary hearings, pre-trials, sentencing, and appeal actions and informs victims of court dates and status of cases

• Participates in on-call duties and must be able to respond to crime scenes, crisis line, or telephone calls

• Assumes responsibility for the care, condition, and use of materials, equipment, money, and tools as needed

• Assumes responsibility for making decisions which affect the activities of others

• Assumes responsibility for information that falls under the "Right to Privacy Act" that must be protected from the general public

• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Behavioral Science, Criminal Justice, or a related field required; experience may be substituted for education requirements on a year for year basis

• One year of related experience working with and/or supervising volunteers preferred

• One year of related experience working with victims of crime preferred

• Must possess a valid Utah driver's license with a good driving record

• Knowledge of police terminology and practices, municipal and state laws, police records procedures, information, and privacy laws preferred

• Must be able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and to professionally furnish and obtain information from other departments and interact with other enforcement agencies and courtroom personnel

• Must be able to be in regular and frequent outside contact with persons of high rank, which requires tact and judgment to deal with and influence people

• Must be able to use standard office equipment, including a computer, copy machine, printer, shredder, and telephone

• Must be able to prioritize tasks, establish effective working relationships with employees and the public, follow written and verbal instructions, and apply general principles to specific conditions

• While performing duties of job, employee typically handles office equipment, objects, or controls; may periodically bend, stoop, or crouch; frequently communicates with others; sits or stands for long periods of time; and may occasionally move up to 20 pounds

• Constant attendance is required

• Great mental effort is required daily and some mental stress may be experienced because of the clientele involved

• Assignments are broad and performed with little or no supervision

• Public contact required in recruiting volunteers and explaining the program and volunteer opportunities

• Some field work required with exposure to potentially hostile situations

• Evening, weekend, and on-call work is required

• Probationary Period: Not Applicable. This is an appointed position exempt from the protections described in Utah Code Ann. Section 10-3-1105(1)(a).

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person(s) assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. The approved class specifications are not intended to and do not infer or create any employment, compensation, or contract rights to any person or persons. This updated job description supersedes prior descriptions for the same position. Management reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

• Health Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Retirement

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Paid Holidays

• Life Insurance

• Short-term Medical Leave

• Long-term Disability Insurance

• Training Opportunities

• Expressions of Appreciation

• Departmental Specific Awards

• Wellness Program

• Employee Assistance Program

• Flexible Spending Reimbursement Accounts

• Tuition Assistance Programs

• Bereavement Leave

• Court Witness and Jury Duty Leave

• No Social Security Deductions