THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITIONSalary Range: $67,687.00 - $117,791.00 AnnuallyHiring Salary Range:$67,687.00 - $93,739.00 AnnuallyNOTE: GRANT POSITIONS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR RETIREMENT BENEFITSJob Summary: The Baltimore Police Department is currently seeking Grant Services Specialist III - Victim Services Coordinators (VSC) who will be responsible for the provision of direct services to victims and secondary victims of crime. Under direction, the VSC will assist victims by providing a full range of services including assistance with compensation claims, crisis intervention, court support, case status updates, community referrals, and community awareness; and performs other related duties as required This position requires the VSC to be on-call to respond to crime scenes and hospitals.
Essential Functions:In addition to above referenced objectives as a Victim Services Coordinator, you will:
- Provide advocacy to victims and/or surviving family members to help address their emotional, physical and financial needs to reduce the impact of trauma
- Connect crime victims and/or surviving family members to the detectives working on the case; provide information about crime victims' compensation and other victims' rights, and explain what to expect during various stages of the criminal justice process
- Respond to scenes and/or hospitals through an on-call rotation to provide crisis intervention
- Provide resources and make appropriate referrals to partnering agencies to assist with the victims or family's needs
- Conduct home visits to deliver food packages and assist detectives at initial family meetings
- Accompany victims and/or surviving family members to court hearings and criminal proceedings to offer support
- Serve as a liaison between the Victim Services Unit, detectives, patrol officers, partner agencies, and the community
- Maintain case files in the Victim Services Database
- Network and build rapport with community organizations
- Become an active liaison with other grievance organizations and attend various meetings when necessary
- Assist victims and/or surviving family members with the retrieval of property when applicable
Minimum Qualifications: Education: Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, Social Work (BSW), Human Services, or any other related field.
AND Experience: At least one-year experience providing services to victims of crimes or working within the criminal justice system.
OR Equivalency Notes: Have an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: - Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to establish a professional rapport with police personnel, supervisors, the community, outside agencies and outside bereavement programs
- Excellent crisis intervention skills
- Ability to communicate difficult/sensitive information
- Knowledge of the law enforcement/criminal justice field
- Ability to work efficiently in a stressful, intense environment
- Ability to take initiative, work independently, balance multiple cases, set priorities, and work autonomously yet also as a member of a team
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills including public speaking
- Ability to effectively interact with a diverse population
- Full understanding of the dimensions of response to victimization
- Ability to facilitate referrals to appropriate services/agencies
- Possession of a valid driver license with a good driving record
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, an Entry-Level Victim Advocate certificate through the Roper Victim Assistance Academy of Maryland within one year of employment
Additional Information Background Check Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint must be successfully completed.
Probation All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a mandatory six-month probation.
