Victim Advocate

Job Title

Victim Advocate

Job Description

Starting Salary: $43,160/yr. or $44,470./yr. with 3+ years of experience

Depending on assignment may be required to work evenings and/or weekends. Must participate in and respond to a call-out schedule, which shall require response and scene arrival within one hour. Receives, stores, and issues. Provides crisis intervention and follow-up services to primary and secondary victims of violent crimes, traumatic incidents, and/or natural disasters.

Minimum Requirements:

• At least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to comprehend and communicate fluently in verbal and written English.
• U.S. Citizen or possess a current permanent resident card.
• Clean criminal history; any arrest history will be individually evaluated.
• No illegal drug usage within the past year. Other drug usage will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
• Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) in psychology, sociology, criminal justice, social work or related field from an accredited four-year college or university OR an equivalent combination of education and experience, preferentially in in crisis intervention.
• If this posting indicates a degree is required, the following experience will apply in lieu of any degree as follows: Four (4) years of direct experience for a Bachelor's Degree
• Must have valid Florida driver's license. Must attend and successfully complete the agency sponsored Law Enforcement Vehicle Operations (LEVO) Training if assignment includes driving agency vehicle. Use of agency vehicle would require appropriate driving history and passing agency biennial driver's physical exam.
• Must have current Victim Service Practitioner Designation Certificate or be able to obtain certification within 6 months of employment.
• Must be FCIC/NCIC and D.A.V.I.D. certified within six (6) months of accepting this position.
• Must successfully complete the Victim Advocate's 30 day on-call training immediately upon transfer or assignment.

Essential Functions:

• Responds to crime and trauma scenes in coordination with the Orange County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) and other law enforcement agencies to provide immediate crisis intervention.
• Assistance may include arranging emergency shelter, housing, or funeral services, and addressing other urgent needs.
• Accompany victims to legal proceedings, including trials and hearings, as necessary.
• Refers victims to appropriate community resources for long-term support, such as domestic violence shelters, support groups, mental health counselors, or victim service centers.
• May assist with facilitating bi-monthly support group meetings.
• Supports the Crime Prevention Academies by educating community members on safety issues and the functions of the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
• Promotes victim service programs and related agency initiatives that align with the Sheriff's goals and mission.
• Reviews and analyzes incident reports (e.g., from the Automated Report System [ARS] and Crystal Reports) to identify eligible victims and assist with applying for compensation through the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).
• Follows up on victim compensation claims and communicates with relevant detectives or law enforcement staff to support ongoing cases.
• Attends required training sessions and maintains involvement with relevant community organizations, committees, task forces, boards, coalitions, and partnerships.
• Provides training to law enforcement personnel and victim service providers; delivers public education and awareness presentations as needed.
• Conducts in-field training for new Victim Advocates and Foreign Notification Specialists.
• Maintains statistical records related to call-outs, types of victimization, and service trends; completes tasks related to grant compliance and reporting.
• Serves as a liaison with outside agencies, embassies, consulates, and agency detectives, as needed, to fulfill Department of State guidelines for foreign nationals who have been arrested, detained, or deceased.
• Provides crisis intervention services to tourists who are victims of traumatic incidents, including accompanying law enforcement to emergency hospital visits.
• Completes special projects and assignments as directed by supervisors.
• Depending on the location of assignment, may be required to perform one or more of the following in addition to regularly assigned duties: May be assigned a therapy dog and must follow all procedures outlined in Special Order 128.0.
• Basic understanding of trauma-informed care practices, demonstrated through formal training or direct experience providing support to victims in crisis situations.
• Ability to assist with or participate in the use of certified therapy animals during crisis response, outreach events, or follow-up services, in accordance with agency guidelines.
• Ability to present information clearly and respectfully to small or medium-sized groups (10 or more), using prepared materials and adhering to time constraints.
• Ability to maintain professional and compassionate interactions with individuals from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to apply basic knowledge of legal and criminal justice system processes when working with law enforcement or other justice partners on victim-related matters.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently, including drafting clear and professional reports, case notes, and internal communications.
• Ability to understand and follow guidance from agency policies, procedures, or state/federal regulations relevant to victim services.
• Ability to assist in the preparation of standard correspondence, brief reports, or informational materials that meet basic organizational formatting and clarity requirements.

Processing & Training

Additional Processing:

• Some positions, depending on the responsibilities, may require the candidate to successfully pass a physical or other selection processes when needed.
• Please upload a copy of your resume that is no longer than two (2) pages in length to your application
• Upon selection, must be able to pass a psychological evaluation.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk; and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus (e.g. when driving).

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Depending on assignment may be required to work evenings and/or weekends. Must participate in and respond to a call-out schedule, which shall require response and scene arrival within one hour. The Orange County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Orange County Sheriff's Office may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Benefits

All full-time employees of the Orange County Sheriff's Office receive an excellent benefits and compensation package.

• Sheriff contributes majority of cost for medical coverage
• Life insurance and long term disability insurance is provided by Sheriff; employees may elect to purchase additional coverage
• Retirement benefits are provided by the Florida Retirement System
• Uniforms, weapons, and other equipment furnished
• Education incentive and reimbursement programs
• 12 vacation days per year/accrues at 3.69 hours bi-weekly
• Sick time accrues at 3.69 hours bi-weekly
• 13 paid holidays per year
• Gym facilities in many agency buildings