Victim Services Specialist I (probation Counselor I)

Job Announcement

Works as part of the Major Crimes Bureau. Works under close supervision at entry level to provide administrative support to the Victim Services Division and by serving as the first point of contact to victims of crime who experienced trauma and in need of assistance in understanding the complexities of the justice process. Reports directly to the Director of Victim Services and will be located at one of the eight district Fairfax County district police stations or at the Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters. Ensures support and provision of services to victims of violent crimes. Provides crisis counseling and assistance within a law enforcement environment to victims of crime and their families by administering and providing services designed to do the following: provide emotional, physical, financial and practical support; provide access to the criminal justice system and support agencies. Responds to call-outs to crime scenes (including on evenings, weekends and holidays) or other locations to provide crisis intervention for follow-up resources and provide information and support regarding the criminal justice system. criminal cases, maintains contact and communication with victims and witnesses during the investigation, prosecution and judicial proceedings. Develops and maintains in depth knowledge and understanding of community resources. Other duties include:

• Explains the complexities of the criminal justice to crime victims.
• Responsible for managing client flow (timely customer service, client support and de-escalation as needed), and directing clients, external partners, and funders to the appropriate staff or agency.
• Performs general administrative duties as requested in various capacities, including administrative projects and operations from the victims' services staff.
• Contacts with the entire victim services staff and externally contacts with clients, community resources, and the community.
• Regularly contacts with members of the community.
• Represents the Victim Services Section in a professional manner.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Knowledge of the principles of psychology and sociology;
  
• Knowledge of current social and economic conditions;
  
• Ability to use technology to enter and retrieve information;
  
• Ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations related to probation work;
  
• Ability to interview and counsel clients;
  
• Ability to prepare complete case records and reports;
  
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in social/behavioral sciences, law enforcement, or education.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two years of experience in an administrative support role coordinating multiple service areas for an organization.
• Previous experience in a professional office setting with strong customer service experience.
• Some experience in crisis counseling and advocacy, especially with victims of crime preferred.
• Associate's degree or bachelors from an accredited college or university with a concentration in Human Services, Social/behavioral sciences, Criminal justice or other related field of study.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Driver's license (required)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, credit check, driving record check, and polygraph exam to the satisfaction of the employer.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to operate keyboard driven equipment and ability to walk, stand, sit, and use telephone. Employment contingent on completion of background investigation and employee is subject to random drug testing. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle. All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview; may include exercise.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 39.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home ( Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others ) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov . EEO/AA/TTY.

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