Coordinator II, Victims Assistance

Hidalgo County; Edinburg (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Hidalgo County in Texas seeks a Victim Advocate to coordinate services for crime victims, help complete forms, and ensure rights under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The role requires handling confidential information and traveling within the county.

Responsibilities include crisis counseling, collaboration with attorneys and community agencies, training, and preparing case files. Bilingual English/Spanish and knowledge of domestic violence and sexual assault laws are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, criminal justice or related field.
• One year of experience in a social service agency, preferably with sexual assault and domestic violence issues.
• Ability to respond to people in crisis with support and sensitivity.
• Knowledge of domestic violence and sexual assault issues and Texas laws.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with agencies to ensure crime victims are aware of their rights.
• Assist attorneys with case staffing and manage case file assignments.
• Provide crisis counseling as necessary.
• Assist victims with completing Victim Impact Statements and related forms.
• Prepare and maintain statistical records and case files.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Confidentiality

Interviewing skills

Counseling skills

Crisis response

Communication skills

Case file handling

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in psychology/social work/criminal justice

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Publisher

Job description

General Description

Coordinates support services and information to crime victims, and their families in compliance with the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure; Ensures that crime victims and/or their families are afforded the rights granted to victims by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Prepares all needed information required for presentation of the victim’s court case. Position requires a high level of confidentiality.

Examples of Work Performed

• Coordinates with local community agencies and other victim advocacies to ensure victims are aware of their rights
• Assists attorneys with case staffing; ensures all cases are assigned as necessary
• Provides training or education to the victims of crime and the community
• Assist victims with completion of Victim Impact Statement, Crime Victims' Compensation applications or Crime Loss forms and other related forms
• Coordinate the gathering and submission of information for payment of medical examinations under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures for victims
• Assists in providing crisis counseling as necessary
• Prepare and maintain statistical records; record case file information in tracking system.
• Refer victims or their families to social service agencies that may offer additional assistance
• Duties may require travel to and from different locations inside and outside the County of Hidalgo for the purpose of interviewing and gathering information from a victim
• Responsible for protecting the rights of the victim and survivors of violent crimes
• Performs administrative duties such as preparing correspondence and processing incoming mail for case files
• May provide training within the criminal justice system and in the community to facilitate increased knowledge and understanding of family violence dynamics and to promote sensitivity to victims
• Performs related work as assigned

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, social work, criminal justice or related field
• One (1) year of experience in a social service agency, preferably dealing with sexual assault and domestic violence issues
• Experience and ability to respond in a supportive way to people in crisis
• Knowledge of domestic violence and sexual assault
• Working knowledge of Texas laws pertaining to domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as the justice system's response to these crimes
• Familiarity with the network of social and legal services, resources and procedures available in Hidalgo County area
• Adequate personal health, social maturity, and emotional stability to fulfill the functions of the position

Certificates, Licenses and Registration

• Must have a current valid Texas motor vehicle operator’s license
• Must be able to be insured by the County’s insurance carrier
• THIS IS A SECURITY SENSITIVE POSITION - Position requires gathering, disseminating and storing sensitive crime victim’s documents and offense reports
• BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to maintain full confidentiality concerning victims and their families
• Ability to respond with sensitivity and awareness to victims of crime
• Must follow strict rules regarding the gathering, disseminating, and storing sensitive crime victims’ documents, reports, and other information
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret statutory provisions, medical records and reports, general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and other government regulations
• Ability to read, write and speak both English and Spanish
• Experience preparing summary reports, chronologies, and analyses of medical records
• Excellent interviewing and counseling skills
• Ability to plan and organize effectively
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, county employees and officials, representatives of victim/witness advocacy and assistance groups, court personnel, and the general public
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from attorneys, victims, supervisors, advocacy and assistance groups and the general public
• Must have experience with word processing and general knowledge of personal computers
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Publisher and be familiar with other MS Windows products and related software
• Comfortable using newer technologies such as governmental apps and databases