Victim Services Specialist I (Probation Counselor I)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Job Number: 23-03519
Salary: $54,695.68 - $91,158.50
Closing Date: December 29, 2023
The Fairfax County Police Departments Major Crimes Bureau is seeking to fill the position of an entry level Victim Services Specialist. This position will work under close supervision at entry level to provide administrative support to the Victim Services Division and by serving as the first point of contact to victims of crime who experienced trauma and in need of assistance in understanding the complexities of the justice process. This position reports directly to the Director of Victim Services and will be located at one of the eight district Fairfax County district police stations or at the Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters.
Ensures support and provision of services to victims of violent crimes. Provides crisis counseling and assistance within a law enforcement environment to victims of crime and their families by administering and providing services designed to do the following: provide emotional, physical, financial and practical support; provide access to the criminal justice system and support agencies; respond to call-outs to crime scenes (including on evenings, weekends and holidays) or other locations to provide crisis intervention for follow-up resources and provide information and support regarding the criminal justice system. criminal cases, maintains contact and communication with victims and witnesses during the investigation, prosecution, and judicial proceedings. Develops and maintains in depth knowledge and understanding of community resources. Other duties include:
- Explains the complexities of the criminal justice to crime victims.
- Responsible for managing client flow (timely customer service, client support and de-escalation as needed), and directing clients, external partners, and funders to the appropriate staff or agency.
- Performs general administrative duties as requested in various capacities, including administrative projects and operations from the victims' services staff.
- Contacts with the entire victim services staff and externally contacts with clients, community resources, and the community.
- Regularly contacts with members of the community.
- Represents the Victim Services Section in a professional manner.
(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)
Knowledge of the principles of psychology and sociology;
Knowledge of current social and economic conditions;
Ability to use technology to enter and retrieve information;
Ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations related to probation work;
Ability to interview and counsel clients;
Ability to prepare complete case records and reports;
Ability to develop effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in social/behavioral sciences, law enforcement, or education.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum of 2 year's experience providing services to victims of crime.
- Strongly prefer experience in working in system-based victim advocacy field.
