Sexual Violence Hispanic Outreach Specialist

Sexual Violence Hispanic Outreach Specialist

The City of Roanoke is seeking a Sexual Violence Hispanic Outreach Specialist (SVHOS) to work under the supervision of the Criminal Investigations Unit Special Victims Unit Sergeant. The DVS is a non-sworn, grant-funded position. Funding for this position and the basic parameters for this job task are provided by the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund (VSDVVF). The weekly hours allowed for this position and the exact nature of the job responsibilities are provided by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) VSDVVF grant, and may change from year to year.

The Sexual Violence and Hispanic Outreach Specialist (SVHOS) works with victims of sexual violence as well as Hispanic victims of domestic violence to provide advocacy, information, and referrals to partnering service providing agencies. The SVHOS develops and delivers training and educational presentations on the topics of sexual violence and domestic violence within the Hispanic Community, both within and outside the department. The DVS is responsible for community outreach, coordinating and participating in community meetings and events. The SVHOS additionally serves as the Department's liaison to several community groups that serve the needs of sexual violence victims and domestic violence victim(s) and will attend and participate in events and meetings held by these groups. The successful candidate must be able to read, write and speak fluently in Spanish. You should have either a four-year college degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work or a similar field OR have some college achievement in this area and at least two years' work experience in a social support agency setting. Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia is required. The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.

To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.

This is an exempt position.

Examples of Duties

• Response to Reports of Victims of Sexual Violence and Reports of Domestic Violence with Hispanic Victims
• Contact sexual violence victims and domestic violence victims of Hispanic heritage in person, by phone, by email, or U.S. mail to offer advocacy, assistance, resource material, case information, referrals to local service providing agencies
• Prepare letters and mailings
• Serve as translator when needed and appropriate
• Contact support agencies to request and coordinate services for victim
• Assist victim with obtaining protective orders
• Offer counseling services contact information
• Assist distraught, angry or upset victim and their friends and relatives
• Coordinate meetings with detectives on behalf of victims of sexual violence and domestic violence victims of Hispanic heritage to insure safety when necessary
• Identify reports of potential interest to the citizens or police supervisors
• Enter information sexual violence and domestic violence where the victim is of Hispanic heritage case information into Police Department software
• Thoroughly document all involvement with victims and witnesses throughout the investigation until the investigation is closed
• Assist investigators in developing responses to felony cases of sexual violence and/or domestic violence where the victim is of Hispanic heritage
• Coordinate responses with the Victim-Witness Coordinator of the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney
• Attend court with victim to observe/assist the Commonwealth Attorney
• Maintain VINELINK and Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) entries
• Build and maintain effective working partnerships with law enforcement personnel, City of Roanoke personnel, internal and external stakeholders, and partnering service agency personnel
• Complete other tasks or reports as required by the Chief of Police, Deputy Chiefs, Bureau Captains, or their designee as needed for the efficient operation of the Department
• Information Development
• Develop and present educational and training presentations focused on Sexual Violence and Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention for law enforcement and the community, emphasizing community outreach within the Hispanic community, according to the schedule set by the grant
• Seek out invitations and schedule SVHOS educational/training presentations for local businesses, organizations and local service providing agencies
• Attend and participate in the monthly Roanoke Valley Violence Prevention Council meetings
• Attend community meetings coordinated by local businesses, civic organizations and local service providing agencies
• Maintain knowledge of research or studies relating to the effective response to crimes of sexual violence and crimes of domestic violence within the Hispanic community
• Remain current and knowledgeable of victim's rights, victim-centered practices and trauma informed approaches to working with victims of sexual violence and victims of domestic violence who are of Hispanic heritage
• Participate in Roanoke Police Department sponsored events, and community events according to the schedule set by the grant
• Document all services rendered per department protocols and grant requirements
• Prepare documentation and quarterly reports for grant; enter information into the DCJS Online Grants Management system
• Prepare documentation for DCJS audits
• Maintain written co-operative agreements with grant partners
• Attend departmental meetings, briefings, and training as assigned
• Serve as translator when needed and appropriate
• Develop sexual assault and domestic violence brochures, forms, and literature in both English and Spanish languages
• Able to flex time 40-hour workweek in order to participate in RPD and community sponsored events and meetings.
• Able to attend out-of-jurisdiction training events and conferences
• Completes other tasks or reports as required by the Chief of Police, Deputy Chiefs, Bureau Captains, or their designee as needed for the efficient operation of the Department

Typical Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university in psychology, sociology, social work or related field; three or more years work experience in a social support agency; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Supplemental Information

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as police reports, court reports, as well as sexual violence laws, and be able to respond effectively to inquiries orally and in writing English AND Spanish.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret and deal with an extensive variety of variables. Ability to think logically.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.