November 7, 2024

Travis County Sheriff

Austin

FULL TIME

Victim Services Director

Job Summary

Directs the operations and staff of a complex victim/witness services division. Oversees and participates in the planning and development of policies, procedures and programs to accomplish goals and objectives. Oversees and performs managerial, consultative, technical and administrative work. Develops and recommends strategic plans and new program initiatives, and directs and prepares annual budget.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is a job classification within the Management job family. Incumbents in this classification direct the division operations of employees assigned to provide services for crime victims and witnesses. The classification has broad scope of operational and staff responsibility.

Duties and Responsibilities

Directs, plans, organizes, implements, monitors and evaluates the overall operations, staff and functions of a complex victim/witness services division. Directs and facilitates conformity with State, Federal and Local laws, policies and procedures.
Directs management and staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, disciplinary actions and dismissals. Directs activities to be consistent with goals and objectives. Seeks and creates opportunities for improved performance, learning and development of staff.
Oversees and participates in development of division policies, procedures, goals and objectives. Directs the scheduling of day-to-day operations and staffing for the division.
Develops division strategic plans to accomplish goals and objectives and improve effectiveness and efficiency of services.
Provides oversight and guidance to management and staff and makes recommendations on complex client issues.
Prepares, receives and reviews statistical and programmatic reports, monitors programs and interprets findings. Evaluates current programs, procedures and practices on an on-going basis. Plans and develops policies, procedures and programs to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of operations and services. Researches and develops grants for related programs.
Develops and oversees implementation of training programs for representatives of the criminal justice system, other staff and volunteers to enhance services provided to crime victims and witnesses.
Prepares and administers division budget. Monitors and approves budget expenditures to provide consistency with program goals and objectives. Ensures that expenditures are made within available funds.
Represents the department in coordinating activities with various law enforcement, criminal justice, governmental and other agencies, victim advocacy groups, local, regional and statewide committees and the general public. Coordinates with agencies providing similar services to deliver and enhance the service needs of crime victims and witnesses.
Serves as spokesperson to media and outside agencies for crime victim issues and related community outreach activities.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Social or Behavioral Science or a directly related field AND six (6) years increasingly responsible experience in victim services or related work, including three (3) years mid- to senior level supervisory or management experience;

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.

Applicants are required to attach a resume with the online application.

Preferred:
Master's degree in Criminal Justice, Social or Behavioral Science or a directly related field.
Crisis and trauma counseling experience.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Basic Knowledge of Texas: Penal Code, Transportation Code.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

Management and supervisory principles, practices and techniques.
Policies, practices, procedures and legal terminology related to court system.
Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
Standard practices in area of assignment.
Criminal justice agencies and task forces.
Counseling and crisis stabilization techniques and resources.
Psychological concepts of good behavior, social adjustment and emotional stability.
Advocacy groups, clinical and other service providers and community outreach services.
Budget development, preparation, and monitoring.
Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.

Skill in:

Directing and managing others, including team building.
Problem-solving and decision-making.
Training, managing and evaluating the work of others.
Developing and monitoring budgets.
Preparing and making presentations.
Counseling and providing crisis and other assistance to clients.
Assessing the psychosocial status of clients.
Determining types of counseling, social service provider and other services indicated for clients.
Obtaining information from clients and other sources.
Both verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

Direct, motivate, train, develop and evaluate staff.
Plan, assign, direct and evaluate the work of staff.
Reason and make judgments and decisions.
Manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.
Explain legal issues, terms and court procedures.
Develop client advocacy programs.
Research, compile, analyze, interpret and prepare a variety of memorandums or reports.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, criminal justice system representatives, other representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, community outreach and other organizations, clinical service providers and the general public.

Work Environment & Other Information

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 5-15 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, walking, sitting, repetitive motion, reaching, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, balancing, 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
Works some holidays, nights and weekends.

Department: Sheriff

Location: Austin, TX

Drug Test and Alcohol Test Required.
Criminal, Credit, 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.