UNPAID Victim/Witness Volunteer Advocate

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Members of the Victim Services Volunteer Unit will be trained to offer emotional support and crisis intervention for victims, secondary victims, and witnesses. This will include victims and witnesses of VRA Crimes, Victims of Circumstance, and for unattended deaths or suicides within Loveland city limits. They may also provide information on the criminal justice system, obtaining the status of the offender, victim rights, protective orders and bond conditions, financial assistance, provide support agency referrals, aid in acquiring emergency shelter, and facilitate other immediate needs as necessary. This is a Part-time, non-paid, volunteer position.

Available Volunteer Opportunities for an UNPAID Victim/Witness Volunteer Advocate

1. Victim Advocate, On-Call with Scene Response: The advocate responsible for scene response will be available for a 12-hour shift and there will be an on-call component. The on-call component may include days, weekends, evenings, or holidays, subject to volunteer availability. Volunteers are not required to be onsite during the 12-hour shift unless a call out occurs.

2. Victim Services Assistant: This individual is responsible to oversee case management, assist with data entry, create reports, and assist with Victim notifications.

3. Victim Advocate, Outreach: An individual volunteering in this capacity will contact victims via phone or email to provide information and resources relevant to victim rights act.

Timeline/ Order of Events:

• Interview
• Background Investigation
• Drug Screen
• Psychological Evaluation
• Polygraph
• Start Date

Benefits to the onboarded volunteer:

• Department issued cell phone, uniform, and equipment. (Cell phones are only issued to those acting in a scene response capacity).
• Training with community partners and other law enforcement agencies.
• Opportunity to build and develop community partnerships.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Mileage reimbursement for scene response.
• Ride along with officers and sit along with 911 Communications Specialists.

For more information: Victim Services | City of Loveland (lovgov.org)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all inclusive.

• Provide advocacy and immediate crisis intervention for victims and witnesses
• Asses immediate victim needs and provide referrals and follow-up services
• Provide victims with information legal proceedings
• Ensure that victims are aware of their rights under the Colorado Crime Victim Rights Act
• Complete necessary reports and document services rendered, and activities performed
• Represent Loveland Police Department in a positive and professional manner when contacting victims or citizens
• Attend monthly team meetings

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Ability to attend initial training (involves evenings and weekends).
• Ability to cope with emotional and stressful situations.
• Ability to be empathetic and non-judgmental with victims of crime.
• Demonstrated inter-personal skills and self-motivation.
• Provide on call availability during the day, evenings, weekends, and or holidays (Schedule subject to volunteer availability).
• Volunteers should be available approximately 4 shifts a month.
• Volunteers must possess a valid driver's license

Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities: Reading and writing skills in the English language of sufficient level to accurately complete required reports and forms. Ability to maintain confidentiality when applicable and according to department directives. Ability and knowledge to effectively use office equipment including, but not limited to personal computer, copier, laptop computer, multi-line telephone, cell phone, word processing software, and Internet. Incumbents must successfully complete at a minimum, 40 hours of authorized training in victim advocacy.

Working Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee would encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Normal office environment which may have moderate levels of noise.

Benefits to Becoming a Volunteer: Victim Services Volunteers will be provided in-depth and ongoing training in dynamics of victimization in victim assistance and will gain direct experience in providing support to people in need. They will also gain knowledge about law enforcement operations and the criminal justice system. Volunteers help to enhance the police department’s responsiveness to rights of victims and survivors of crime.

Basic Training Course: The following are some of the basic classes held during the initial Victim Services Volunteer training. Other training topics are offered to advocates throughout the year, or during monthly victim services meetings. This is not an exhaustive list.

• VRA 101
• Crisis Intervention
• Death Notification
• Sexual Assault - adults and children
• Domestic Violence
• Mandatory Reporter Training
• Working with other Larimer County based victim service providers
  • District Attorney Victim/Witness Unit
  • Crossroads Safehouse
  • Alternatives to Violence (ATV)
  • Sexual Assault Victim Advocates (SAVA)
  • Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Larimer County
  • Child Protection
  • 3 Hopeful Hearts
  • SummitStone Health Partners

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.

Conditional employment offers are contingent on the successful completion of an extensive criminal background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological examination, and drug screen.

APPLICANTS WHO ARE UNSUCCESSFUL IN THE SELECTION PROCESS MAY APPLY FOR FUTURE OPENINGS.

The City of Loveland is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation. We encourage, value and respect diversity.

Beginning on 8/1/2023, The City of Loveland will begin participating in E-Verify. In accordance with E-Verify requirements, upon your date of hire the City of Loveland will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. E-Verify Notice of Participation. Learn more about your right to work. Visit E-Verify.gov for more information.

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• City of Loveland

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