HomeMy WebLinkAboutVictim Services CoordinatorCITY OF IOWA CITY - Job Description
Job Class #11-16 FLSA Non-Exempt
Civil Service
Identification
Position Title: Victim Services Coordinator
Department: Police
Division: Field Operations
Supervisor: Police Lieutenant
Job Summary
Works as part of the Police Department Investigations Division to provide support and serve as a
liaison between law enforcement, various support service providers and victims/survivors of crime.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
Builds connections and partnerships with local community programs that provide services to victim
of crimes.
Works as a liaison between crime victims, the Iowa City Police Department, community entities and
leaders, and other helping professionals to coordinate services and victim care.
Conducts regular and reasonable follow-up with victims and their supporters.
Engages in crisis intervention and sensitive listening of victims and their supporters.
Provides victims and their families with information on the criminal justice system.
Coordinates resources from local, regional, and national victim services organizations, including the
Iowa Crime Victim Compensation Program.
Attends home visits with officers and detectives to assist victims as needed.
Supports investigative and prosecutorial efforts by maintaining communication with victims of crime
and serving as a liaison to victims and survivors of crime during an investigation and/or prosecution.
Provides meaningful participation in community coordinated groups and efforts to respond to
victims of crime.
Provides information to the Iowa City Police Department and the public safety community on local
community programs that provide services to victims of crime and the impact of crime on victims
and their supporters.
Educates community members, including immigrants, refugees, deaf individuals and other
underserved populations on victims’ rights through community partnerships, using interpretation
services when needed.
Writes narrative reports documenting services and communication for police records.
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Compiles and maintains data, facilitating designated research efforts.
Promotes the mission of the Police Department.
Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the workplace
and community.
Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Physical and Environmental Conditions
The physical demands and work environment conditions described here are representative of
those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job
and are encountered while performing those essential functions. Reasonable accommodations
may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perf orm the essential functions.
The employee may be required to travel to or accompany other police staff to meetings or
gatherings, or into the city in response to community needs and may be occasionally exposed to wet
and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions.
W hile performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to talk and hear; clearly and
effectively communicate by phone, through various media, and in person. The employee must be
able to use computers and applicable software. The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands
to finger, handle, or feel; and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands
and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk or stand. Specific vision abilities required
by this job include close vision.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Minimum Education, Experience and Certification
Associate’s or above in social sciences or related field from an educational institution accredited by
a DOE recognized accreditation body required. A minimum of 1 year of successful work experience in
providing support services to victims required. Or equivalent combination of education and
experience. Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal communication and computer skills required.
Valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record required. Must be 18 years of age per Iowa Code
92.8. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience and Certification
Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in social work or related field preferred. Knowledge of law
enforcement and the criminal justice system preferred. Knowledge of federal, state, county and city
laws and ordinances which pertain to victim’s rights preferred. Experience in teaching and training in
areas of victim support and law enforcement response preferred. Availability to work weekends and
evenings as needed preferred. Bilingual/Bicultural is a plus.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to provide an enthusiastic and progressive approach to enhancing law enforcement services to
all victims of crime. Ability to utilize a trauma-informed and victim-centered approach, and work to
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bolster relationships with community partners while developing promising practices internally by working
closely with administrators, detectives, and patrol officers. Ability to establish effective working
relationships between departmental staff, the public, and community partners. Skills in listening, written
and verbal communications, problem solving and time management. Ability to identify program
priorities, develop realistic work plans, and work on multiple tasks. Ability to work in a team environment
as well as independently. Knowledge of community and University resources available to victim for
shelter, treatment, education, legal assistance, and financial aid. Knowledge of the criminal justice
system process and victims’ rights. Demonstrates equity and inclusion in work. Ability to work
effectively and connect with diverse communities.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by
individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties,
and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.