DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs a variety of technical crisis intervention and advocacy duties in support of survivors who have experienced domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and/or stalking; serves as liaison with law enforcement, school officials, social service agencies, and the public; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from an assigned supervisor or manager. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing technical duties supporting the community and Police Department, advocating for survivors of domestic violence and related crimes. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Provides crisis intervention and advocacy to survivors of domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, stalking, and/or other related crimes.
• Explains various county, state and federal programs to clients; furnishes information regarding community resources, and rights and benefits under local, State, and/or Federal agencies including but not limited to the California Victim Compensation Board (Cal VCB)); conducts program orientation and/or information sessions for applicants to disseminate accurate information regarding assigned program services and pertinent criteria, regulations, and guidelines.
• Assesses need for and authorizes referrals to other victim services and/or community resources/agencies; and assists clients in selecting and contacting agencies.
• Develops, uses, and coordinates agency and community resources to meet client needs; establishes relationships and liaisons with local private and public resources to provide continuity of services and awareness of designated program areas.
• Attends and provides support to victims and witnesses in their interactions with law enforcement. 
• Prepares victims to testify and accompanies them to court.
• Provides information to victims regarding the Criminal Justice process and procedures. 
• Assists clients with obtaining temporary restraining orders.
• Provide transportation to victims and witnesses when deemed necessary.
• Compiles and prepares reports and documentation on advocacy activities; maintains records; prepares periodic reports.
• Represents function on committees, outside organizations and at staff subcommittees, coordinates community service activities with other Police Department divisions, other City departments, and outside agencies, as appropriate.
• Provides support and guidance to law enforcement staff concerning victim advocacy, juvenile and adult crime, domestic violence, chemical dependency, and other services as needed. 
• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of survivor advocacy, especially as it relates to domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and/or stalking.
• Community oriented policing and intervention programs, support group facilitation practices, and availability of community social services resources.
• Crisis intervention and conflict mediation techniques. 
• Basic case management methods. 
• Basic regulations and procedures of victim restitution.
• Basic practices and procedures of the criminal justice system.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 
• Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Advise and assist victims and witnesses of crime in crisis situations.
• Provide appropriate emotional support to traumatized client.
• Obtain information through interviews and conversation.
• Work independently in the absence of direct supervision.
• Identify and utilize a variety of resources. 
• Interpret and apply applicable federal, state and departmental laws, regulations, policies and procedures. 
• Effectively work in stressful, emotional, and confrontational situations.
• Respond appropriately in crisis situations.  
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax. 
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within legal and general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitating inclusive service delivery and implementing equitable city policies.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

Education and Experience:

Associate's degree with coursework in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice or related field and two (2) years of advocacy experience. 

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate valid California driver's license. This requirement may be waived for individuals who are unable to obtain a driver's license due to a disability.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When assigned to an office environment:

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.  Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required.  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.  Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.  Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities who are qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification. 

When assigned to a field environment:

Must possess mobility to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to stand for prolonged periods of time; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, and grasp; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio.  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned equipment.  Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 35 pounds or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities who are qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees predominately work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.  Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous chemical substances and fumes.  Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Employees may be expected to work extended hours, weekends, evenings, and holidays as required.