Victim Services Counselor

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Mental Health Oriented Science or in a field related to the job, plus two (2) years experience in mental health crisis and trauma counseling.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid Class C Drivers License

Notes to Applicants

Provides psychological, emotional, cognitive, and physical assessments of individuals of crime, trauma, or crisis situations; either on scene of the incident or at a later time when the person is located. Formulates and implements clinical intervention strategies until stabilization occurs. Provides support and assistance to victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice process serving as a liaison and advocate with law enforcement and other agencies. Delivers death notifications for all APD related cases as requested by the Travis County Medical Examiner’s office and other outside agencies across the country. Prepares for and testifies in court as a fact witness or as an expert witness. Plans, develops, and conducts trainings, presentations, and educational sessions to law enforcement, other outside agencies and the community.

Serves as the Crime Victim Liaison for the Austin Police Department, providing information about victim’s rights and Crime Victims’ Compensation to victims of crime and law enforcement personnel. Conducts media interviews in collaboration with the Public Information Office. Compiles data and information for reports. Assists other public safety agencies. Conducts debriefings, group counseling, and/or diffusing’s to law enforcement, other public safety agencies, other agencies, and the community after critical incidents, large scale events, and disasters.

Driving Requirement:

This position requires a Valid Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation ( DRE ) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

If you are selected for an interview:

• Please bring the contact information for at least four (4) references.
• If you are identified as a top candidate, verification of your education (which may include your official college transcript, high school diploma or GED ) may be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• All relevant employment (work/volunteer) must be included in the online application to be considered for this position. A detailed, complete employment application is required. In addition, the resume information must match the information on the application. Please be sure to highlight your lead or supervisory experience.
• Please be sure to provide job title and employment dates for all jobs. Please include contact information for previous employers.
• The application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered (e.g., “see resume” or “see Linked In Profile”). Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please include contact information from previous employers.
• Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience and education.
• A resume is required but will not substitute for a complete COA application. Please be sure the positions and employment dates listed on your resume match you application.

To view the City of Austin Recruitment Video, please click here!

CBI :

Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems ( CJIS ) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions. Please Click here to find more information.

Benefits:

Working with the Austin Police Department provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click here to find more information.

Secondary Employment:
All Austin Police employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.

• APD must review all secondary employment.
• Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with APD , as well as current APD employees considering Secondary employment.

To learn more about working with the City of Austin, click here to watch a short video!
Pay Range
$27.16 - $32.87 per hour

Hours
Crisis Team shifts: 4:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. evening/overnight, based on departmental needs
but this schedule is subject to change

Three Investigative Support Team shifts: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Job Close Date 08/01/2024 Type of Posting External Department Police Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location Varies Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to effectively communicate in both English and Spanish

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Provides psychological, emotional, cognitive, and physical assessments of individuals of crime, trauma, or crisis situations; either on scene of the incident or at a later time when the person is located. Formulates and implements clinical intervention strategies until stabilization occurs. Provides support and assistance to victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice process serving as a liaison and advocate with law enforcement and other agencies. Delivers death notifications for all APD related cases as requested by the Travis County Medical Examiner’s office and other outside agencies across the country. Prepares for and testifies in court as a fact witness or as an expert witness. Plans, develops, and conducts trainings, presentations, and educational sessions to law enforcement, other outside agencies and the community. Serves as the Crime Victim Liaison for the Austin Police Department, providing information about victim’s rights and Crime Victims’ Compensation to victims of crime and law enforcement personnel. Conducts media interviews in collaboration with the Public Information Office. Compiles data and information for reports. Assists other public safety agencies. Conducts debriefings, group counseling, and/or diffusing’s to law enforcement, other public safety agencies, other agencies, and the community after critical incidents, large scale events, and disasters.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of counseling, theoretical frameworks, and techniques.
• Knowledge of mental health issues, trauma, and victimology.
• Knowledge of Critical Incident Command.
• Knowledge of police operations and investigative procedures.
• Knowledge of Victim Assistance best practices.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications. Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Skill in trauma and crisis counseling.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities. Ability to train others.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees, external agencies, and the public.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for the Victim Services Counselor position are: Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Mental Health Oriented Science or in a field related to the job, plus two (2) years experience in mental health crisis and trauma counseling. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background investigation (CBI). By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS-Criminal Background Investigation).

* This position requires a valid current Texas Class "C" Driver License. Do you have a valid current Texas Class "C" Driver License or if selected for this position, do you have the ability to acquire a valid current Texas Class "C" Driver License by your hire date?

• Yes
• No

* The City of Austin Driver Eligibility Standards require that External New Hires meet the City’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

* Are you willing to work some or all city holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Fourth of July, etc.)?

• Yes
• No

* Describe how you assess for trauma impact?
(Open Ended Question)


Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Resume Optional Documents Cover Letter

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