About the Department

An employee in this class performs advocacy work on behalf of the victims of domestic violence and makes assessments of the needs of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or related cases and identifies community resources to help fulfill those needs which may include shelter, counseling, referrals, food, property return, general advocacy and support. Work also includes completing reports, making follow up contacts and maintaining all client data. Work requires independent judgment and the ability to communicate effectively with tact and discretion and maintain confidentiality. Work is performed under regular supervision of the Criminal Investigation Division Lieutenant or designee and is evaluated through observation, conferences, and the quality and effectiveness of work completed.

This position will work approximately 18 hours per week. 

 
Employee Values:  Employees of the Town of Wake Forest are expected to uphold and exhibit the Town’s shared employee values of caring, commitment, character, and collaboration.

Position Duties

 
Essential Duties and Tasks

• Assists victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, dating violence crimes and other crimes when requested by law enforcement at crime scenes, hospitals, or other safe locations; provides support, referrals, and information related to crime victim's rights and victim compensation information and application.
• Completes client forms and reports; documents services and referrals provided and conducts thorough case management on all cases to include follow-up contacts and interviews.
• Assist victims/witnesses with understanding and navigating through the judicial process as well as recommending additional community services; and providing the department with alternate methods of providing family violence intervention services.
• Transports victims to court and attends judicial proceedings as needed.
• Work closely and interacts with detectives, patrol officers, supervisors, service providers, other advocates, governmental agencies, and the general public to ensure a victim’s rights and needs are addressed.
• Develops and maintains strong working relationships with other governmental and community agencies and acts as a liaison for victims seeking services from these agencies.
• Act as a liaison between the police department and court-sponsored victim/witness services.
• Assists with presentations to schools, community groups, and others interested in issues related to sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and dating violence in Wake Forest in order to bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence.
• Performs data entry and maintains monthly, quarterly and annual reports related to client services, statistics, case dispositions, and other services provided by the position.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of the criminal justice system’s court proceedings and judicial processes for domestic violence cases.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable state and federal laws related to domestic violence, sexual assault and related crimes.
• Knowledge of principles and characteristics of victims of crime.
• Thorough knowledge of community resources to assist with transportation, housing, food, childcare and counseling needed by victims.
• Considerable knowledge and ability to use modern office technology and equipment. 
• Ability to respond and intervene in crisis situations, interview victims, listen empathetically to victims and advocate for their needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form.
• Ability to collect data and maintain accurate statistics, comprehensive reports and complete files.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision in a responsible and confidential manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement officers, court officials, victims and the general public.

Desirable Experience and Education
Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice or related field and experience advocating for victims and providing services to individuals in crisis, including working with community resources or any equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Other Qualifications

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of stooping, reaching, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, and hearing. 
• Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; up to 10 pounds of force frequently; and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• Must possess the visual acuity to operate computer equipment and maintain and review manual written records.