Evening Advocate

Victim Advocate
The Victim Advocate provides crisis intervention, emotional support, and advocacy services to victims and families affected by crime or traumatic incidents. This position serves as a liaison between victims, law enforcement, and community resources to ensure victims' rights are upheld and that they receive timely and appropriate services. The Victim Advocate responds to crime scenes, provides follow-up support, and guides victims through the criminal justice process with a trauma-informed and victim-centered approach.
Reports To: Deputy Chief of Police Administrative Coordinator (Grants) Supervisory Responsibilities: Provides immediate crisis intervention, emotional support, and assistance to victims of crime or trauma, both at the scene and during follow-up contact.
Works collaboratively with law enforcement officers, detectives, and other first responders to assess victims' needs and ensure appropriate services are provided.
Assists victims and families in navigating the criminal justice system, including court accompaniment, case updates, and explanation of victims' rights under Florida law.
Coordinates emergency services, including shelter placement, transportation, medical care, counseling referrals, and other community-based resources.
Aids victims in completing applications for Victim Compensation and other support programs through the Office of the Attorney General.
Develops individualized safety plans and provides education on risk reduction and available legal protections, including injunctions and restraining orders.
Documents all case activities in accordance with department and grant requirements, maintaining confidentiality and accuracy of victim records.
Establishes and maintains partnerships with community organizations to enhance available victim services and referral options.
Participates in community outreach, public education, and training initiatives related to victim services, crime prevention, and trauma-informed care.
Attends required trainings to maintain compliance with Victim Services Practitioner Designation Certification and VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) standards.
Participates in on-call rotation and responds to emergencies after hours, weekends, and holidays as required.
Full-time/Regular in-person position.
The workday may be varied for the efficient delivery of public service.
Will be required to work other than the standard workweek on occasion, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
Will be required to work occasional overtime or shift assignments, if applicable.
Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a related field is required. Master's degree in a related field preferred.
Must have at least three (3) years of experience in crisis intervention, victim advocacy, or social services. Additional experience working in a law enforcement or victim-centered setting is preferred.
Must obtain Victim Services Practitioner Designation Certification from the Florida Attorney General's Office within one (1) year of hire.
Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, crisis response, and victims' rights laws.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and work collaboratively with law enforcement, courts, and community partners.
Flexibility to respond to emergencies and work evenings, weekends, and holidays as part of an on-call rotation.
Quality of Work - Performs work thoroughly, accurately, and professionally.
demonstrates knowledge of techniques, skills, and equipment.
Work Authorization/Security Clearance:

The employee must successfully pass a background screening process and comply with the City's Drug-Free Workplace policy.
The City will also verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired so the proper completion of Form I-9 is required, which includes the employee providing documents evidencing identity and employment authorization.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. Qualifying individuals with disabilities may be provided reasonable accommodations to enable them to perform the essential functions. Veteran's Preference Policy: In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.Chapter 55A-7, the City of Homestead complies with Florida law by providing Veterans' Preference in hiring. Qualified applicants, including veterans, spouses, widows/widowers, parents of service members, and current reserve or National Guard members, may receive hiring priority if they meet minimum qualifications and can perform the duties required. Veterans' Preference includes additional points on exams, prioritized placement on employment lists, and education waivers for certain qualified individuals.