Victim Counselor, Sr.

Travis County; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Travis County in Austin, TX seeks a victim counselor to assess psychosocial status, coordinate counseling and referrals, and assist clients affected by victimization, including preparation for trial. This role may involve work in secure facilities and flexible hours.

Minimum requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in Social/Behavioral Sciences and four years of counseling/social services or criminal justice experience; a Texas driver’s license is preferred. May lead staff or volunteers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or related field with four years of counseling/social services or criminal justice experience.
• Equivalent combination of education/experience sufficient to perform duties.

Responsibilities

• Provide counseling, crisis stabilization and support to clients; assist with victimization-related problems.
• Assess psychosocial status; determine types of counseling and referrals; coordinate services.
• Liaise with clients for trial preparation; coordinate court appearances; accompany clients to trial and provide support during testimony.
• Explain legal issues and court procedures to clients; provide information about crime and court processes.
• Assist in gathering evidence and obtaining information for court cases; may process subpoenas; coordinate with prosecutors.

Skills

Counseling

Psychosocial assessment

Verbal communication

Written communication

Decision-making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social/Behavioral Sciences

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Databases

Job description

Provides counseling, crisis stabilization and support services to clients and assists with problems resulting from victimization. Assesses the psychosocial status of clients, determines the types of counseling, social service provider resource referrals and services indicated and coordinates provision of services to clients. Serves as a liaison in preparing clients for trial, coordinates client court appearances and accompanies clients to trial.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This is the second in a series of two victim counselor-related job classifications within the Social Services job family. This classification is responsible for assessing the psychosocial status of clients, determining the types of counseling, social service provider resource referrals and services indicated and coordinating provision of services to clients. This classification typically performs advanced counseling duties and may function in a lead capacity. This classification may require work in secure facilities. This classification may include response at crime scenes. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

• Provides counseling, crisis stabilization and support services to clients and assists with problems resulting from victimization.
• Assesses the psychosocial status of clients and determines the types of counseling, social service provider and other services indicated. Coordinates referrals and provision of services to clients.
• Serves as a liaison in preparing clients for trial and in dealing with related emotional issues. Coordinates client court appearances, accompanies clients to trial and provides support while testifying.
• Provides information to clients related to crime and/or court case. Explains legal issues, terms and court procedures.
• Assists in gathering evidence requested for court cases. Locates and contacts clients to obtain information related to criminal cases. Requests medical records, collision and other reports, and other case related information. May process subpoenas for upcoming court cases.
• Consults with prosecutors regarding punishment and other pertinent matters.
• Develops client advocacy programs and trains staff and volunteers.
• Prepares and maintains statistical records. Records case file information in tracking system.
• Performs administrative duties such as preparing correspondence and processing incoming mail for case files.
• Serves as liaison with advocacy groups, clinical and other service providers, community outreach services and law enforcement personnel.
• May function as lead over subordinate counselors and other staff and/or volunteers.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND four (4) years experience in counseling/social services or criminal justice work;
• OR,
• Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:

• Valid Texas Driver's License.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field.
• Crisis and trauma counseling experience.
• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW);OR, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
• Bilingual English/Spanish, but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Policies, practices and procedures within the criminal justice system.
• Counseling and crisis stabilization techniques and resources.
• Advocacy groups, clinical and other service providers and community outreach services.
• Procedures for gathering evidence and researching information.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.

Skill in:

• Counseling and providing crisis and other assistance to clients.
• Assessing the psychosocial status of clients.
• Determining types of counseling, social service provider and other services indicated for clients.
• Obtaining information from clients and other sources.
• Coordinating client court appearances.
• Processing court related documents.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Both verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

• Explain legal issues, terms and court procedures.
• Develop client advocacy programs.
• Train and supervise staff and volunteers.
• Work independently.
• Manage time well and meet timelines.
• Communicate effectively.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, other County employees and officials, community outreach and other organizations, clinical service providers, law enforcement personnel and the general public.

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, driving, client/customer contact, and squatting to perform the essential functions.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Department: County Attorney

Location: Granger Building, 314 W. 11th St. Austin, TX 78701

Criminal, Driving, Education and Employment Background Checks Required.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.