November 7, 2024

Travis County

Austin

Victim Counselor, OVAG Grant

Job Summary

Provides counseling and support services to clients and assists with problems resulting from victimization. Screens and provides intake services for clients seeking court orders. Refers clients to counseling and other clinical and social service provider resources, coordinates client court appearances and accompanies clients to trial.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is the first in a series of two victim counselor-related job classifications within the Social Services job family. This classification is responsible for providing counseling and support services to clients and assisting with problems resulting from victimization. This classification is distinguished from the higher level which is responsible for clinical assessment of client psychosocial status and recommendation of types of counseling and other outreach services required. This classification typically does not function in a lead capacity. This classification may require work in secure facilities. This classification may include response at crime scenes. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides counseling and support services to clients and assists with problems resulting from victimization. Screens and provides intake services for clients seeking court orders.
Provides information to clients related to crime and/or court case. Answers general questions from the public.
Assists in gathering evidence requested for court cases. Locates and contacts clients to obtain information related to criminal cases. Processes subpoenas for upcoming court cases, requests medical records, collision reports, and other case related information.
Coordinates client court appearances. Escorts clients to courtroom and provides support while testifying.
Prepares and maintains statistical records. Records case file information in tracking system.
Performs administrative duties such as preparing correspondence and processing incoming mail for case files.
May assist in assessing the psychosocial status of clients and determining the types of counseling, social service provider and other services indicated. May assist in coordinating referrals and provision of services to clients.
May serve as liaison with advocacy groups, clinical and other service providers, community outreach services and law enforcement personnel.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND two (2) years experience in counseling/social services or criminal justice work;
OR,
Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
Valid Texas Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

Policies, practices and procedures within the criminal justice system.
Counseling techniques and resources.
Advocacy groups, clinical and other service providers and community outreach services.
Procedures for gathering evidence and researching information.
Principles and procedures of record keeping.
Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.

Skill in:

Counseling and providing assistance to clients.
Coordinating client court appearances.
Processing court related documents.
Problem-solving and decision-making.
Both verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

Work independently.
Manage time well and meet timelines.
Communicate effectively.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, other County employees and officials, community outreach and other organizations, clinical service providers, law enforcement personnel and the general public.

Work Environment & Other Information

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, driving, client/customer contact, and squatting to perform the essential functions.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm

Department: County Attorney

Location: 314 W. 11th Street, Granger Building

Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.