Victim Services Specialist

City of Hampton; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Hampton seeks a compassionate Victim Services Specialist to support the Victim Witness Director in delivering essential services to crime victims and witnesses. This role ensures clients are informed, supported, and empowered as they navigate the criminal justice system.

This position may require some evenings and weekend hours and is contingent upon grant funding. The successful candidate will work in a welcoming, inclusive environment within Hampton's historic waterfront community.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Social Work, or Psychology; Bachelor's degree preferred
• Minimum 1 year of direct delivery of human services experience
• Must obtain National Advocate Credentialing Program certification within 12 months
• Knowledge of local/state criminal justice system; case management and crisis intervention techniques
• Proficient with computers and Microsoft Office; strong written and oral communication
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record
• Combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of above requirements
• Virginia History Background Check required

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention services and referrals for victims and witnesses.
• Counsel witnesses for participation in trial proceedings and escort to court.
• Inform victims about significant developments and how to obtain services.
• Distribute materials and assist with forms, Victim Loss and Impact statements.
• Maintain case records and enter data into CIMS; produce reports.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Job description

Join the City of Hampton team! As a proud V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer and a designated Military Spouse-Friendly Employer, we are committed to supporting veterans and military spouses. We offer a welcoming and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique skills and experiences that military families bring. Come work for Hampton, a vibrant waterfront community celebrating and embracing 400 years of history and innovation, creating an even more dynamic future! We are located in the center of the Hampton Roads region and offer lots of waterfront fun, rich and diverse history, and a vibrant restaurant scene. Hampton offers excellent benefits, career and professional development, tuition reimbursement and other benefits.

The City of Hampton is seeking a compassionate and resourceful Victim Services Specialist to support the work of the Victim Witness Director in delivering essential services to individuals impacted by crime. This critical role ensures that victims and witnesses are informed, supported, and empowered as they navigate the criminal justice system.

*This position is contingent upon the availability of grant funding.

Minimum Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Requires a minimum of one (1) year of experience in direct delivery of human services.
• Must possess, or obtain within twelve (12) months of employment, National Advocate Credentialing Program certification; current certification must be maintained throughout the course of employment in this position.
• Requires thorough knowledge of the local and state criminal justice system; working knowledge of case management and crisis intervention techniques.
• Ability to assist clients and make referrals following assessment; knowledge of personal computer operations and ability to utilize a variety of applications, especially Microsoft Office; ability to interpret and explain policies and procedures; excellent listening and oral communication skills; ability to communicate effectively in writing; ability to establish and maintain relationships with employees and outside agencies.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton criteria.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the more specific requirements above.
• Any person under consideration for this position must successfully complete a Virginia History Background Check.

Additional Requirements

• Considerable contact with the general public, victims and witnesses of crime, attorneys, and Public Safety Divisions.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of all information.
• May be required to work some evenings and weekend hours.
• This is a non-exempt position.

Examples of Work

1. Provides crisis intervention services and specialized counseling referrals for victims and witnesses of crime. Counsels victims regarding the options available relative to participation in the criminal justice system. Provides referrals to support services such as follow-up counseling, or victim support groups. Implements direct services to victims; distributes materials; maintains a directory of resources. May assist victims, either directly or by referral, with services such as protection, repair of doors and locks, prompt return of property held for evidentiary purposes, and crime prevention.
2. Prepares adult and youth witnesses for participation in trial proceedings through counseling, courtroom tours, accompaniment to court, and explanation of the proceedings. Escorts victims to court and, when necessary, remains with victims during proceedings. Cares for children of victims and witnesses during court proceedings, if necessary.
3. Provides information to victims and witnesses on significant developments in the investigation and adjudication of the cases in which they are involved including; explanations of the steps in the process, how to obtain the program's services, information about case disposition, and employer intercession services. Provides information to minimize unnecessary trips to court and loss of pay.
4. Distributes written materials. Informs victims of compensation available to them, answers information questions from victims about Virginia Victims Fund (VVF) and assists victims in completing related forms and Victim Loss and Impact Statements. Occasionally makes home visits to assist victims in completing forms. Provides restitution figures to probation and parole officers, defense attorneys, and other interoffice agencies when required.
5. Maintains case records and statistics regarding all aspects of case management. Enters data into the Client Information Management System (CIMS) for submission to the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) on a regular basis. Updates CIMS as necessary and produces reports from entered data as needed.
6. Performs other related duties as assigned.