Victim Services Specialist I

Pay Grade:  $24.76-$27.07/hour

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. (EST)
*Hours may vary due to work assignments or projects.*

Work Location:  Police Service Center, Amnicola Highway

FLSA Status: This is a Non-Exempt position.

Department: Police

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY:  
Incumbents in this classification provide key direct services to victims and survivors of crime, which includes but is not limited to assessment and intake, follow-up, safety planning, notification of rights, referrals to community resources, court accompaniment and criminal justice advocacy. 

SERIES LEVEL: 
The Victim Services Specialist I is the first of a two-level series. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 
(The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.)

Remains current and knowledgeable of victim’s rights, victim-centered practices and trauma-informed approaches to working with victims and survivors of crime.

Provides key direct services to victims and survivors of crime, which includes but is not limited to: follow-up, safety planning, notification of rights, referrals to Criminal Injuries Compensation, court accompaniment and criminal justice advocacy.

Provides brief crisis stabilization and psychoeducational counseling to victims and survivors. 

Provides information concerning legal procedures and options; keeps victims informed about status of cases; assists victims through the court process by accompanying them to court if appropriate.

Assists victims of violent crimes, or survivors, in navigating the State of Tennessee’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund for potential compensation or reimbursement that covers expenses associated with the crime.

Provides community outreach and education to community groups, civic organizations, and the general public concerning victims' rights, supportive resources, and the criminal justice process. 

Builds and maintains effective working partnerships with law enforcement personnel.

Attends departmental meetings, briefings, and training as assigned. 

Adheres to all documentation and charting requirements as dictated by the Unit's Standard Operating Procedures. 

May complete Ride Alongs and/or Call-Out hours with Patrol Officers during the course of their shift in an effort to provide on scene support and services to victims of crime. 

Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited school in the field of social work, psychology, sociology or related field is required. One (1) to three (3) years of relevant experience in case management, community resources, advocacy, and conflict resolution activities or any combination of equivalent experience and education. This is a safety-sensitive position requiring pre-employment background check, polygraph, drug screening, and fingerprinting. 

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS 
A valid Driver's License. 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 
Knowledge of best practices for victim needs, service, and care; best practices of trauma principles; implementation principles; law enforcement investigative procedures; local service agencies and services they provide; managing multiple cases; court trial procedures; adherence to confidentiality standards; and using a computer and related software applications. 
Skill in verbal and written communications; applying independent judgment; personal discretion; interpersonal skills as applied to co-workers, victims, witnesses and the general public; active listening; multitasking; sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 
Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up-to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Seden