Advocate - City of Miami Beach : Job Details

This is responsible, specialized work advocating for victims and survivors of violent crimes: i.e., domestic violence, sexual battery, child abuse, etc. in the City of Miami Beach; coordinating prosecution efforts; providing services to victims and families; and providing crisis intervention and referrals to counseling programs or agencies, as circumstances dictate. Work involves the performance of a variety of non-hazardous/non enforcement field work and office duties. An employee in this classification will work under the direction of Police Department administrators; however, considerable latitude will be afforded since the employee in this position will be the department's expert in this field. Assignments are received and work methods prescribed in the form of general outlines subject to review for compliance with departmental standards and objectives. NOTE: On-call stipend Shifts 6 AM 4 PM 1 PM 11 PM Saturday and Sunday 8 AM 6 PM (on-call hours) Provide in person crisis intervention, emotional support, short term counseling, financial assistance, food vouchers, placement in shelters, and related assistance as indicated Interviews and counsels victims concerning physical well-being, emotional stability, and victims' rights available under state law Conduct risk assessments, and provides safety planning services Contact victims to extend services and provide referrals to the appropriate community resource and social service agencies, according to victim's needs Assist victims in coordinating needed services such as follow up counseling, shelter, social services referrals, and locating support groups Assist victims as needed, with filing for applicable victim compensation, with writing of impact statements, property retrieval, employer communications, funeral arrangements, emergency transportation, and related immediate needs Provide assistance to victims who are involved in court proceedings; e.g., completion of restitution requests, orientation to procedures, transportation, and emotional support Network with social service providers and community leaders for the purpose of maintaining current referral resources Provide information and referrals to outside community, social service, and related resources Prepare various weekly/monthly/quarterly /annual reports concerning activities performed, i.e., progress/status reports Maintain statistical data on Domestic Violence and other violent crimes within the City of Miami Beach Provide in-service training to law enforcement personnel in victim services, and design workshops and community forums for public education and social service agencies, to increase awareness of ways to prevent domestic violence Prepare, or assist in the preparation of grant proposals, reports, and recommendations for the Domestic Violence Unit Manage and oversee disbursement of grant funds within the Domestic Violence Unit Provide required annual domestic violence recertification training Respond with officers to calls related to domestic violence to assist in coordinating services for victim and maintaining crime scene integrity Provide assistance to tourists who have been victimized and are in immediate need of assistance of various types Educate victims and witnesses about the judicial process Perform related work as required Victim Advocates must have a Master's Degree. Degree must be in social work, mental health counseling, psychology, and/or criminal justice or related field. A Bachelor's Degree in the field of social work, mental health counseling, psychology, and/or criminal justice or related field and three years of experience in the field of victims' services will be considered in lieu of a Master's Degree. Two years of experience working in the field of domestic violence, victim/witness counseling, victims' advocacy services, or Children and Family Services Familiarity with criminal and civil law and the criminal and civil justice system Skills in word processing, case management, statistical data maintenance, communications, and interviewing Ability to work some nights, weekends, and holidays Victims Practitioner Designation Ability to speak English/Spanish DESIRED: Community resources knowledge Crisis counseling skills Knowledge of grant statistics gathering procedures Physical Requirements: Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to, word processor, calculator, copier, and fax machine No significant standing, walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, and kneeling Some crawling, reaching, handling, sitting, standing, pushing, and pulling For all positions: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, coworkers, the press the general public and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds regardless of race, religion, age, sex, disability, political affiliation, gender identity or sexual orientation. Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of all state, county and city ethics and conflicts of interest policies. Strong understanding of ethical behavior is required. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance. For all technical,professional, supervisory and managerial positions: Ability to develop innovative and creative solutions to issues consistent with the City's strategic plan. Applicants must detail any related work experience on the application or risk disqualification. It is the applicant's responsibility to update their NEOGOV profile with work experience, education, certifications and personal contact information when submitting each application, failure to do so will result in ineligibility. City of Miami Beach employees must reflect their current position and detail their work experience on the application to avoid being disqualified. Veterans Preference: Veterans Preference is awarded in accordance with Florida State Statute 295.07. If veteran's preference is being claimed, it must be indicated on the application form and proper documentation, including all forms DD-214 (either Member 2 or Member 4), as well as the final Department of Defense Disability Letter (dated within one year) must be submitted with the application.