Contract Victim Advocate Assistant / Police Department / Investigations #8464 - City of Cape Coral, FL

SAFETY SENSITIVE:  Yes     FINGERPRINTING REQUIRED:  Yes

IMPORTANT: Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete ALL employment, education, licenses/certifications, and skills fields within the online application. The application is the primary record for determining your employment eligibility. You may attach a resume and cover letter to provide information in a different format, but your resume should never include information not already in the application fields. Do not use SEE RESUME in any of the application fields.  

This is a contract position governed by the terms and conditions of the employment agreement.

Individual(s) assigned to this classification must report to work per their assigned schedule which may include nights and weekends.

Responsibilities and Reporting During an Emergency Situation:   If assigned, employees in this classification will be required to report and carry out duties as directed for the duration of an emergency.  

Victim Support:

• Provide emotional support and crisis intervention to victims of crime.
• Assist victims in understanding their rights and options throughout the legal process.
• Offer practical support, such as helping victims apply for compensation or access community resources.

Case Management:

• Develop and maintain individual case plans for victims, addressing their specific needs and goals.
• Coordinate with social services, medical providers, and legal professionals to ensure comprehensive support.
• Monitor and follow up on cases to ensure that victims receive ongoing assistance.

Legal and Administrative Assistance:

• Help victims understand and complete legal paperwork, including restraining orders and compensation claims.
• Accompany victims to court hearings, legal consultations, or other relevant appointments.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case records and documentation.

Advocacy and Referrals:

• Advocate on behalf of victims with law enforcement, legal representatives, and other agencies.
• Provide referrals to counseling services, support groups, and other community resources.
• Educate victims about their rights and available support systems.

Community Outreach and Education:

• Participate in community education programs to raise awareness about victim rights and available resources.
• Collaborate with community organizations, schools, and businesses to build support networks for victims.

Crisis Response:

• Respond to crisis situations, providing immediate support and intervention as needed.
• Work with emergency responders to ensure that victims receive timely and appropriate care.

• High School Diploma/GED required. 
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in victim assistance, counseling, social work, or a related field.  Education can count toward experience.
• Must possess a valid state driver's license and obtain a valid Florida driver's license within thirty (30) days of hire or promotion.
• Certification in victim advocacy or crisis intervention (preferred but not required).

MINIMUM STANDARDS REQUIRED:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
 The position involves light physical demands, such as exerting up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Tasks may require prolonged periods of visual concentration and require moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
 
 Requires the ability to speak, hear (perceive sound) and/or signal people to convey and exchange information; differentiate between colors or shades of color; read a variety of materials, at times complex; apply principles of rational problem-solving; record and deliver information, explain procedures, issue and follow oral and written instructions; and communicate effectively and efficiently in Standard English.