COUNSELOR (ON-CALL)

Victim Counselor

Under general supervision, provides professional counseling and advocacy services to victims of violent crime and sexual assault. This role involves crisis intervention, case management, and public education, ensuring victims receive necessary support, resources, and guidance throughout the legal and recovery process.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Provides counseling and support groups for victims and their families of violent crime and sexual assault, guide them through court procedures, trial information, and meetings with law enforcement personnel.
• Provides 24-hour crisis intervention, including telephone counseling, referrals, and on-site support during medical exams and criminal investigations. Provides homicide death notifications and responds promptly to pager calls from medical examiners, law-enforcement, county attorneys, and medical personnel within a 30-minute time-frame.
• Monitors assigned cases, assisting victims with compensation claims, public aid, and psychotherapy services. Assists in preparing victim impact statements, providing transportation as needed, and serves as a liaison with child protection workers, law enforcement, attorneys, and community organizations to ensure comprehensive victim support.
• Provides advocacy for crime victims through educational presentations, community engagement efforts, and professional networking. Represents victim services at public events, training programs, and civic meetings, raising awareness and promoting available resources.
• Assists in volunteer training, ensuring proper knowledge and preparation for crisis intervention. Participates in special projects that enhance victim support services and strength program effectiveness.
• Maintains accurate case records, generates reports, and participates in staff meetings to align departmental goals. Ensures compliance with state laws, victim rights regulations, and ethical standards in all professional interactions.
• Performs related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of case work, counseling methodologies, and their practical applications in victim support services.
• Thorough knowledge of group facilitation, dynamics, and engagement strategies to effectively support victims and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of state laws and legal frameworks related to victimization, sexual abuse, child abuse, and the criminal justice system.
• Knowledge of emergency medical protocols and procedures relevant to crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of available community resources to connect victims with appropriate services and support networks.
• Ability to effectively deliver impactful public education through public speaking engagements on victim advocacy and related issues.
• Ability to remain composed, exercise sound judgment, and provide professional guidance in high-pressure and crisis situations.
• Ability to accurately interpret and apply relevant regulations, policies, and procedural guidelines.
• Ability to express ideas effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with victims of violent crime, volunteers, law enforcement personnel, other County employees, and the general public, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.

Training and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, Psychology, or Human services, and
• Two years of experience in related counseling services, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Must meet the requirements stated in Iowa Code Chapter 915.20A for a victim counselor.

Special Requirements:

• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• Candidate must pass a National Fingerprint Criminal History Record Check through the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation as defined in the State of Iowa code 235D.1 and Child/Adult Abuse Record Check through the Iowa Department of Human Services and Dru Sjoden National sex offender registry.
• A valid State of Iowa driver's license is required.

• Ability to evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

Hours for this position are typically 12 hour shifts and are after business hours during weekdays with weekend availability and shifts required. Flexibility is available. Schedules are made 3 months in advance. Minimum of 4 shifts per month is required.

5:00pm–8:00am Monday–Friday morning

5:00pm–8:00am Friday to Saturday morning

8:00 am – 8:00 pm Saturday morning to Saturday evening

8:00 pm – 8:00 am Saturday to Sunday morning

8:00 am – to 8:00 pm Sunday to Sunday evening

8:00 pm to 8:00 Sunday evening to Monday morning