Crime Victim Liaison

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Assist the Criminal Investigations Division with investigative follow-up activities to include assisting victims and witnesses of crimes. Ensure all crime victims in the City of Belton receive information concerning the Texas Crime Victims Compensation Program within the parameters of Chapter 56 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and other laws concerning crime victims, including but not limited to, provide crisis intervention assistance, death notifications, victim education and assistance with crime victims compensation, safety planning, risk assessments, advocacy and referral services. Follow all safety policies and other miscellaneous duties.

This is a Police Department grant funded position.  

NOTE:  Due to the nature of this position, applicants must be prepared to pass an extensive background check completed by the Belton Police Department.

SUPERVISION

RECEIVES direct supervision from the Criminal Investigations Division Lieutenant

EXERCISES No supervision  

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. 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:

Crime Victim Liaison

• Communicate verbally and/or in writing, when appropriate, with victims of crime through analyzing police calls, direct contact and referrals. Assist victims in applying for applicable assistance, providing the necessary forms, services and information, as needed. Accompany and/or transport victims of crime as needed. 
• Conduct risk assessments in person or by telephone to crime victims/witnesses to obtain relevant data to determine appropriate services and file CVC claims, future vulnerability and assist in identifying counseling services.
• Provide community crisis intervention, diagnostic evaluation and emergency response on a 24/7 on-call basis.
• Assist police with the notification of injury or death to victim’s family.
• Keep up-to-date resources and referrals for police, victims of crime and family violence. Maintain records of any assistance and/or intervention offered or utilized by victims. Prepare reports for supervision and administration.
• Serve as a contact person for victims, other agencies, and the County Crime Victims Liaison. Assist with witness coordination.
• Assist with the crisis intervention response activities. Assist victims and emergency personnel through direct services and referrals in recovering from the immediate effects of trauma.
• Notify victims of the status of investigations, the name of the assigned detective, overview of the investigative process, and when an arrest has been made.
• Assist victims with completing applications for magistrate’s orders of emergency protection, permanent protective orders, and coordinate referrals regarding requests for additional services.
• Provide referrals for victims in needs of immediate assistance to regional victim assistance and advocacy programs.
• Maintain a strong working relationship with regional victim assistance and advocacy groups such as Families in Crisis, Aware Central Texas, Legal Aid, and the Children’s Advocacy Center.
• Assist with scheduling and coordination of transportation of victims to appropriate victim related appointments, such as SANE exams, forensic interviews, court appearances, and appointments with detectives. 

Investigation Assistance

• Work closely with investigators and patrol, set up appointments and interviews, conduct research and assist with requests.
• Assist detectives with contacting crime victims and witnesses.
• Obtain written statements from crime victims and witnesses.
• Prepare written reports and supplemental reports on activities.
• Serve as a liaison to victim families in critical incidents.
• Subject to emergency call-out or calls.
• Assist the Police Chaplain and police officers with family notifications on deaths or those with life threatening injuries.
• Provide assistance in evidence collection as directed by the CID Lieutenant.
• Attend and testify in court proceedings as requested by a prosecutor or required by subpoena.

Administrative

• Maintain records of any assistance and/or intervention offered and utilized by victims.
• Prepare reports for supervision and administration.
• Oversee any assigned equipment and supplies.
• Assist the City Grant Coordinator with managing and administering grant funds.
• Make recommendations that impact the department budget.
• Provide the Texas Attorney General’s Office, the Bell County District and County Attorney’s Office, and other appropriate government agencies with information needed to process requests from crime victims.
• Provide outstanding customer service on the telephone, in-person, and by email to community member, government officials, and internal staff.
• Research, compile, and analyze data for special projects and various reports.
• Perform general clerical work including filing and scheduling appointments. 

Police Records

• Assist the police departments Records Clerk with preparing case files, providing information to the Courts, and video redaction for open records requests.
• Have a working knowledge of the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and assist the Records Clerk with managing NIBRS compliance.
• Operate a variety of office equipment including a personal computer and scanner.
• Input and retrieve data and text; organize and maintain storage and filing. 

Other Duties

• Assist the Police Chaplain and Peer Support Team with identifying wellness issues and resources for emergency response personnel.
• Develop and deliver training to agency personnel and the community on crisis intervention and victim services.
• Attend, participate, and present in continuing education training, including conferences, seminars, and other training opportunities in the Victim Services field.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:

A High School diploma or equivalent is required. Associates degree is preferred. Coursework and training that demonstrates a commitment to learning and practices in the field of investigations, victimology, criminal justice, or related fields is desirable. Previous experience in a municipal or other governmental agency with similar duties is preferred. Three years of experience working with victims of crime or in a law enforcement agency is preferred.  

Licenses and/or Certifications:

• Must pass a comprehensive background investigation.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License.
• Must pass a drug screen and be free of illegal or abused narcotics.

Knowledge of:

• Organization and operation of victim-services activities, investigations, the City, and outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Department regulations pertaining to records, victims, and investigations.
• Use of the English language, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Business letter writing and advanced report preparation.
• Principles and procedures of basic record keeping.
• Using a personal computer with Microsoft Office software and ability to operate other software programs as needed to support the Police department.

Skills and Abilities:

• Perform responsible and difficult support activities involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative.
• Understand the organization and operation of the Police Department, the City, and outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Have general knowledge and understanding of the Texas Penal Code, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, City Code and Ordinances.
• Ability to apply Chapter 56 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure regarding crime victim’s compensation and services.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with the public in any situation.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Independently prepare correspondence and memorandums.
• Type and transcribe accurately at a minimum speed of 30 words per minute.
• Work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies.
• Read, understand, and interpret City ordinances and policies, County, State and Federal laws, regulations, and rules.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Confidence and ability to deal with stress in all aspects of the job.
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Be punctual and regular in attendance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a standard office environment and out in the field in various weather conditions.
• May be subject to repetitive motion such as typing, data entry, and vision to monitor.
• May require standing, sitting, walking.
• May be subject to occasional lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, kneeling, pulling, crouching, and lifting.
• Must be able to sit or stand for an extended period of time.
• Must be able to work in stressful situations.

Normal duty hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Callback may be required when necessary after hours. Benefits include 100% employer paid employee only medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance premiums.  Paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave available.  Participation in the Texas Municipal Retirement System is required, as well as Social Security deductions.