Volunteer Rape Crisis Counselor Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

General Description This is a full-time, non-exempt, civilian administrative position within the City of Miami Gardens Police Department. The Victims Advocate provides social services, crisis intervention, and ongoing support to crime victims and their families. Employees in this classification administer the Department's Victim Advocate Program, assisting victims throughout all phases of the criminal justice process.

Duties include interviewing, assessment, referral for counseling, crisis intervention, follow-up services, and case management. Regularly exercises independent judgment and discretion, particularly in consultation with the Investigations Major on complex or sensitive matters, administrative decisions, and significant program changes. Essential Job Functions This is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities.

Incumbent(s) may be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Interprets and implements policies and standard operating procedures concerning the Victim Advocate Program. Exercises independent judgment to determine the most effective course of action to achieve program outcomes.

Interprets and disseminates information on victims' rights as required by Florida Statutes. Conducts program orientations, assessments, and treatment planning for crime victims and residents. Provides or coordinates services based on individual assessments; conducts hospital and home visits, accompanied by a police detective when required for safety or emergencies.

Maintains comprehensive and documented assessments, ensuring services are administered appropriately. Facilitates crisis intervention, individual, group, and family counseling. Informs victims and residents of legal requirements and implications concerning treatment and case progress; coordinates with local, county, and community agencies.

Attends training sessions, workshops, and inter-agency conferences to strengthen service coordination; participates in staff conferences for case review and consultation. Maintains files, records, and case documentation in accordance with regulatory policies and departmental procedures; prepares casework, medical, and legal documentation. Secures assistance and cooperation from social service agencies and community resources to address victims' and residents' needs.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of services and resources available to crime victims and their families. Knowledge of social work practices, court procedures, and methods for assisting individuals in crisis.

Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, regulations, organization, and workflow. Ability to operate personal computers and standard office equipment; proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet resources, and public databases. Ability to research and compile information from multiple sources; compose clear correspondence, reports, and case documentation.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to provide training and public presentations. Ability to treat victims and survivors of violent crimes with dignity, fairness, compassion, and confidentiality. Ability to maintain detailed case management systems, track cases from inception to closure, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Ability to analyze and prioritize information, exercise independent judgment, and adapt methods to meet program objectives. Ability to assist victims and their families in navigating the criminal justice system. Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Education & Experience Requirements:Bachelor's degree from an accredited university supplemented with a minimum of three (3) years professional experience in crisis counseling services or a victim advocate; voluntary or by employment. Must possess the State of Florida, Office of the Attorney General Victim Services Practitioner Designation; OR obtain within one (1) year of hire as a condition of continued employment. Must possess and maintain throughout employment a valid Florida driver's license with a satisfactory driving history.

Fluency in a second language (Spanish or Haitian Creole preferred) desirable. Must be available to work varied hours, shifts, and on-call 24/7 as required. Applicants qualifying for employment will be subject to a polygraph examination and an extensive background screening.

Supplemental Information The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and move objects weighing up to 20 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Noise levels range from quiet to moderately loud, depending on the environment. Work is typically performed in a temperature-controlled office environment, primarily from a seated position at a workstation.

While performing job duties, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee may occasionally be required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. Work may involve stressful conditions, particularly when meeting stringent deadlines, responding to emergencies, or dealing with hostile or highly emotional individuals.

Must be adaptable to performing under uncomfortable or challenging circumstances, including crisis situations, emergencies, or interactions with individuals in distress.