Job Description
Job Description
Job Class: 4483 Department: Police Reports to: Assigned Lieutenant
Summary: Under general supervision, performs special casework services for the Odessa Police Department (OPD) to provide advocacy, assistance, information, and special services to victims of crimes.
Essential 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. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Reviews law enforcement crime reports and victim files, and communicates with victims of crimes; acts as liaison with law enforcement and prosecutors; reviews cases and identifies victim assistance needs.
- Notifies victims of case status, criminal proceedings, trials, court hearings, and case dispositions; educates each victim regarding the legal process and the rights afforded them under the law; advises clients of community resource programs and provides assistance for victims and their families.
- Provides case information and explains how the criminal justice system works.
- Works closely with law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and victim advocates to assure victim's rights and needs are addressed.
- Assists in providing services to victims and witnesses, including referrals to community agencies.
- Maintains detailed records for grant program requirements, including Victim Information & Notification Everyday (VINE) and Crime Victims' Compensation (CVC) Program; tracks services provided to victims, monitors results, and generates reports as needed.
- Provides information and assistance within the scope of designated authority.
- Locates and distributes court documents as needed.
- Reviews, verifies, and processes case reports and legal documents according to policy and procedures.
- Creates, updates and maintains records and case files; researches files and computer databases.
- Addresses community organizations and citizen groups to explain the OPD Crime Victim Services Program.
- Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
- Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, behavioral sciences, or related field; AND two years' experience in social work, victim advocacy, community outreach, or other government assistance programs.
Knowledge of:
- Basic functions of the law enforcement agencies and the courts.
- State and Federal laws, statutes, rules and regulations governing Victim Advocacy activities, and regulations governing the release of information from law enforcement records.
- Caseload management methods and techniques.
- Crime victim services programs and public assistance services available in Texas.
- Local community resources and various community services programs.
- Principles of record keeping and confidential records management.
- Personal computers utilizing a variety of standard and specialized software applications.
Skill in:
- Staying calm while working with people in crisis situations.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, public officials, outside agencies, and the general public, while dealing with sensitive information.
- Maintaining a non-judgmental attitude with genuine compassion for crime victims.
- Interviewing and counseling techniques applicable to victims' assistance services.
- Assessing victims' needs and adversarial situations.
- Maintaining electronic records, files, and databases.
- Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands.
- Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
License and certification requirements: A valid Texas State Driver's License is required.
Physical demands and working environments: Work is performed in a standard office environment.
Special note: There will also be outreach and crime prevention education for sex abuse victims and families. Along with Community Education to groups focusing on prevention of crime especially sex abuse in children/minors.
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