Community Relations Specialist (CAC Victim Advocate) #2308-269200-01

This position provides advocacy and support services for primary and secondary victims (children) of violent crimes for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. 

The CAC Victim Advocate provides support and assistance to victims of crime and witnesses. This includes giving information about the victim/witness assistance program, referring victims and witnesses to other resources, and accompanying victims and witnesses to court. The CAC Victim Advocate assists in guiding victims and their families through the criminal justice system, providing short-term crisis intervention strategies, and facilitating appropriate referrals to community partner agencies. Must be able to handle sensitive and confidential information. Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and flexible hours and serve in an on-call rotation. Area of focus: This position will provide support and services to youth who have been victims of violent crimes.

• Thorough knowledge of laws and regulations related to victims' and/or witnesses' rights and the criminal justice and/or court system.
• Thorough knowledge of procedures of the Superior, District, Municipal and Juvenile Courts.
• Thorough knowledge of available community counseling resources and programs.
• Thorough knowledge of crisis intervention methods.
• Knowledge of interviewing and counseling principles, techniques, and practices.
• Knowledge of the dynamics of sexual and physical abuse.
• Ability to provide initial evaluation and counseling services to crime victims; assess people and situations accurately and adopt practical courses of action; and conduct interviews to assess client needs.
• Ability to provide ongoing support services to crime victims and interpret and apply applicable policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Ability to appear for scheduled work and complete assigned tasks within a reasonable period; communicate clearly, both orally and in writing; prepare reports, maintain detailed records and make presentations; analyze and evaluate investigative material; and make sound decisions on difficult and unusual cases.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with victims, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, other agencies, co-workers, and the general public.
• Knowledge of the principles of mental health evaluation and diagnostic techniques.
• Ability to effectively assess each child's developmental level and emotional state and to adapt interview techniques; accordingly, and sensitively relate to and establish an immediate rapport with children of varying ages, developmental, emotional, and socio-economic levels.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with child victims and their families.
• Extensive knowledge of intimate partner violence and related issues and a commitment to ending the cycle of violence.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively individually and as part of a team.
• Superior organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Effective public speaking skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative relationships with diverse individuals, organizations, and government agencies.
• Commitment to contributing toward a positive work culture.
• Must be computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
•  ADA and Other Requirements:
• Positions in this class typically require grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
• Physical Requirements:
• Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing, climbing, or walking for extended periods of time
• Light to moderate lifting and carrying; some crouching, stooping, squatting, crawling, reaching, pushing, and pulling when performing tasks
• Adequate vision
• Sensory Requirements:
• Concentrated and attentive use of one or more senses (visual, audio, and other sensory modalities) for proofreading, data entry, tabulating data.
• Ability to operate in an environment with frequent interruptions from people and or noises, which in return could result in some level of stress, fatigue, or strain.
• Comprehensive written information in work-related documents.
• Ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech.
• Working Conditions:
• Work is performed in an indoor office environment with moderate exposure to atmospheric conditions; moderate exposure to environmental conditions (such as officers, community members, victims, etc.

High school graduation or equivalent and three years relevant work experience
OR
Associate's Degree and one year relevant work experience
OR
Bachelor's level degree

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply online.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.

You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby where we have workstations available. Our office is located at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.

Anyone seeking an accommodation to apply for a job may call (704) 336-2285 for assistance or you may email questions to CityHrJobPostingsNotify@ci.charlotte.nc.us.

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to all employees.

Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.