Victim Services Specialist

Victim Services SpecialistJoin the City of Hampton team! As a proud V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer and a designated Military Spouse-Friendly Employer, we are committed to supporting veterans and military spouses. We offer a welcoming and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique skills and experiences that military families bring. Come work for Hampton, a vibrant waterfront community celebrating and embracing 400 years of history and innovation, creating an even more dynamic future! We are located in the center of the Hampton Roads region and offer lots of waterfront fun, rich and diverse history, and a vibrant restaurant scene. Hampton offers excellent benefits, career and professional development, tuition reimbursement and other benefits.The City of Hampton is seeking a compassionate and resourceful Victim Services Specialist to support the work of the Victim Witness Director in delivering essential services to individuals impacted by crime. This critical role ensures that victims and witnesses are informed, supported, and empowered as they navigate the criminal justice system.*This position is contingent upon the availability of grant funding.Minimum RequirementsGraduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field; Bachelor's degree preferred.Requires a minimum of one (1) year of experience in direct delivery of human services.Must possess, or obtain within twelve (12) months of employment, National Advocate Credentialing Program certification; current certification must be maintained throughout the course of employment in this position.Requires thorough knowledge of the local and state criminal justice system; working knowledge of case management and crisis intervention techniques.Ability to assist clients and make referrals following assessment; knowledge of personal computer operations and ability to utilize a variety of applications, especially Microsoft Office; ability to interpret and explain policies and procedures; excellent listening and oral communication skills; ability to communicate effectively in writing; ability to establish and maintain relationships with employees and outside agencies.Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton criteria.A combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the more specific requirements above.Any person under consideration for this position must successfully complete a Virginia History Background Check.Additional RequirementsConsiderable contact with the general public, victims and witnesses of crime, attorneys, and Public Safety Divisions.Must be able to maintain confidentiality of all information.May be required to work some evenings and weekend hours.This is a non-exempt position.Examples of Work1. Provides crisis intervention services and specialized counseling referrals for victims and witnesses of crime. Counsels victims regarding the options available relative to participation in the criminal justice system. Provides referrals to support services such as follow-up counseling, or victim support groups. Implements direct services to victims; distributes materials; maintains a directory of resources. May assist victims, either directly or by referral, with services such as protection, repair of doors and locks, prompt return of property held for evidentiary purposes, and crime prevention.2. Prepares adult and youth witnesses for participation in trial proceedings through counseling, courtroom tours, accompaniment to court, and explanation of the proceedings. Escorts victims to court and, when necessary, remains with victims during proceedings. Cares for children of victims and witnesses during court proceedings, if necessary.3. Provides information to victims and witnesses on significant developments in the investigation and adjudication of the cases in which they are involved including; explanations of the steps in the process, how to obtain the program's services, information about case disposition, and employer intercession services. Provides information to minimize unnecessary trips to court and loss of pay.4. Distributes written materials. Informs victims of compensation available to them, answers information questions from victims about Virginia Victims Fund (VVF) and assists victims in completing related forms and Victim Loss and Impact Statements. Occasionally makes home visits to assist victims in completing forms. Provides restitution figures to probation and parole officers, defense attorneys, and other interoffice agencies when required.5. Maintains case records and statistics regarding all aspects of case management. Enters data into the Client Information Management System (CIMS) for submission to the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) on a regular basis. Updates CIMS as necessary and produces reports from entered data as needed.6. Performs other related duties as assigned.BenefitsThis is a summary of benefits associated with permanent, full-time positions. Benefits associated with other positions can be found with specific job listings. Benefits begin on the 1st of the month following one full calendar month of employment in the following benefit plans:Sentara Health PlansEAP Provider: ComPsychOptumRxDelta Dental InsuranceAnthem Blue View VisionFSA Reimbursement accounts - Standard: Accident and Critical IllnessChubb Term Life InsuranceLegal Resources PlanVirginia 529Mission Square: 457 / Roth IRS / Roth 457 (b) IRAEmployees begin accruing annual and sick leave immediately.Other forms of leave include:Maternity LeaveParental Bonding LeaveCare for Sick Parent LeaveBirthday LeavePersonal day (available every quarter)The eleven paid holidays each year include:New Year's DayMartin Luther King, Jr. DayPresident's DayMemorial DayJuneteenth DayIndependence DayLabor DayVeterans' DayThanksgiving DayChristmas DayEmployee's birthdayThe retirement plan is offered through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS View phone number on click.appcast.io) and is a defined benefit pension plan. For more information, see the VRS website.Group life insurance is offered through the VRS and the carrier is Securian Financial.Mission Square Retirement plans 457, Roth IRA, Roth 457 plans are offered through Mission Square Retirement View phone number on click.appcast.io). For more information, visit Mission Square.Medical / Dental and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts are offered on a pre-tax basis in order to reduce the amount of tax the employee pays.Direct deposit into most banks is a convenient finance feature.Employees are covered for Workers' Compensation where appropriate.Training and Career Development: The Employee Education Assistance Program (EEAP) encourages employee development through (1) educational programs leading to a degree, (2) skilled craft or trade training leading to a certificate or license and (3) coursework to renew and update skills. Eligibility criteria apply. In addition, the City offers training opportunities in technological, leadership, supervisory, and other areas of government/business knowledge and skill development.The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is confidential and personal counseling service for the employee and their immediate family contact CompPysch at View phone number on click.appcast.io or see the Guidance Resources Website.