Are you driven by a desire to contribute, possess a willingness to be challenged, committed to public service and want to be a part of an exceptional team that makes a difference in the everyday life of the Citizens of Bastrop? Come join the Bastrop Police Department as the Crime Victim Advocate.

Under general direction of the Criminal Investigations Sergeant, Assistant Chief of Police and/or Chief of Police, provides follow-up on all criminal cases, contacts and provides services to crime victims, recruits qualified victim assistance volunteers, and facilitates volunteer training. Is the liaison between the City of Bastrop Police Department and other agencies such as the District Attorney’s Office, Children’s Advocacy Center, and Family Crisis Center. Performs related work as required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reviews and assesses violent crime reports and statistics as reported to the police by crime victims, witnesses, etc.
• Contacts victims of crimes (particularly domestic violence) in person and/or by telephone; provides information regarding legal process, resources (i.e., shelter care, treatment and education programs, legal assistance, financial aid), and investigation process.
• Recruits, supervises, and facilitates training of crime victim volunteers. Assigns excess cases/work to volunteers.
• Retains statistical records of crimes, specifically victim contacts, as required.
• Assists clients in completing and filing protective orders; attends protective order hearings and other court proceedings with clients.
• Provides emotional support and crisis intervention to victims of violent crimes in person and/or by telephone.
• Obtains restitution information from victims and provides alternate means, including the Crime Victims Compensation program, for the victim to be compensated for damages incurred as a result of criminal behavior.
• Provides liaison and coordination between the City of Bastrop Police Department and prosecuting agencies such as the Bastrop County District Attorney's office, the Texas Attorney General's office for victim services, mental health professionals, rape crisis centers, and case follow-up to ensure smooth and timely service delivery.
• Coordinates and networks with other crime victim advocacy programs.
• Works closely with the City of Bastrop Police Department Community Engagement Officer(s) and Criminal Investigations Division.
• Responds to inquiries from victims through e-mail, mail, telephone, or direct contact.
• Composes correspondence to victims, other agencies, and professionals.
• Compiles statistics.
• Submits appropriate narrative and statistical reports to State and Federal agencies as required.
• Maintains lists of community resources.
• Adheres to assigned work schedule as outlined in the Department and City’s attendance policies and procedures; ensures all behaviors comply with the City’s Employee Handbook.
• Educates the public and other community groups and agencies on the subject of victimization and the Victim Services Programs.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

A. Education, Training and Experience:

• Associates degree preferred but not required.
• Minimum of two (2) years full-time work experience in a police law enforcement environment; or one (1) year experience working with crime victims; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred but not required.

B. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Criminal justice system, community social services and resources.
• Crisis counseling practices, procedures, methods, and techniques related to the identification, interviewing, crisis intervention, and support of victims and / or witnesses of domestic violence or criminal activities.
• Federal, State, regional and local social services agencies, and non-profit organizations, including application/qualifications and types/scope of services provided.
• Assessment, evaluation, and analysis of individual needs.
• City Ordinance’s, policies, procedures, and organizational studies.
• Federal, State and City laws pertaining to victims of violent crime, including their rights and law enforcement responsibilities to victims
• Ability to coordinate the functions of the program with other programs and unit functions within the Department and outside networking.
• Ability to apply rules and laws related to Victim Compensation.
• Approved practices, principles, and procedures of police work.
• General order/code of conduct.
• Standard operating procedures.
• Arrest and defense techniques/methods.
• Computer operations.
• Criminal Investigation techniques.
• Search and seizure laws.
• Negotiation techniques.
• Evidence procedures and chain of custody.

Skilled in:

• Communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
• Organizing and prioritizing work.
• Managing multiple programs and assignments.
• Using computers and related equipment, hardware, and software.
• Developing and presenting training to various sized groups on a wide range of topics/public speaking.
• Resolving problems quickly and effectively.
• Public speaking skills.
• Providing referral services to victims.
• Planning and organizing service delivery for the program.
• Recognizing and resolving certain conflicts within the management system.
• Ability to be sensitive to the needs of victims and their families, police officers, and the Criminal Justice System.
• Working effectively with individuals of diverse cultures
• Operation of police radio, mobile data terminal, and computers.

Ability to:

• Prepare clear and concise reports and correspondence.
• Follow law enforcement rules and procedures.
• Memorize and retain information.
• Interact and communicate with others in an assertive manner.
• Evaluate information of an uncertain or conflicting nature and make appropriate decisions with regards to the law.
• Solve problems when all necessary facts are not given.
• Remain calm and work fast in emotionally stressful or emergency conditions.
• Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with fellow employees and the community.
• Interpret and communicate city, state, and federal laws.

C. Other Requirements:

• Must possess a high degree of integrity working with confidential information.
• Ability to make decisions independently in accordance with established policies.
• Ability to use initiative and proper judgement when carrying out tasks and responsibilities.

D. Licenses and Certification Requirements:

• Valid Texas Driver License with an acceptable driving record to be maintained throughout employment.

E. Physical Demands and Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Some tasks are essentially sedentary, with occasional walking, bending, light lifting, or other restricted physical activities.
• Some tasks involve some physical effort, i.e., some standing ad walking, or frequent light lifting (5-10 pounds); or minimal dexterity in the use of fingers, limbs, or body in the operation of shop/office equipment; extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
• Some tasks involve frequent walking, standing; some lifting and carrying of moderate weight (12-20 pounds); and/or the operation of vehicles, office, shop, or hand tools in which manipulative skills and hand-eye coordination are important ingredients of safe and/or productive operations.
• Some tasks involve the regular, and at times sustained, performance of heavier physical tasks such as walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, working in confines spaces, and lifting or carrying moderately heavy (20-50 pounds) items and occasionally very heavy (100 pounds or over) items.
• Exposure to emotionally stressful, hostile, dangerous, emergency situations and/or conditions;
• Indoor/outside working conditions with exposure to extreme variable conditions.
• Some tasks require exposure to adverse environmental conditions (e.g. dirt, cold, rain, fumes), extreme heat/cold or extreme weather conditions, exposure to strong odors and/or smoke, strong and/or toxic chemicals.
• Some tasks require exposure to dust or pollen.
• Some tasks may require exposure to elements that can cause illness (e.g., pathogenic substances, virus, parasites).
• Some tasks may require perception and discrimination of color, sound, odor, depth, texture, visual perception and discrimination.
• Some tasks require oral communications ability.