General Purpose
This position is responsible to provide direct service, case management, resource coordination, referral and advocacy services for victims of crime and/or harm, separate from, and in support of, other programs; and to recruit, train and supervise program volunteers and interns when needed. The position is based in Burlington Police Department.
Union: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees.
Remote Work Rating: Tier 3
Essential Job Functions
Direct Service/Case Management
- Engage in the delivery of Parallel Justice and associated victim services, adhering to the key practices of customer service, trauma-informed and victim-centered approaches, and strength-based relationships.
- Work on a team alongside other social workers and law-enforcement officers, with a high degree of autonomy, responsibility, and accountability. Work as a collaborative team member of CAIP (Crisis, Advocacy and Intervention Programs) within the Burlington Police Department.
- Work as a partner to collaborate, consult, and coordinate services with all of the Burlington social-service and victim services providers, including the BCJC-based Victim Services Specialist, to develop creative solutions where resources do not currently exist elsewhere for victims.
- Collaborate with Burlington Police Department Staff in outreach efforts, as well as other community-related activities.
- Review, identify, assess and prioritize police reports that have identified victims of crime, and contact victims within a reasonable amount of time after the report is filed.
- Provide direct assistance services to persons who have suffered direct or threatened physical, emotional, psychological, or financial crimes as a result of a violent or non-violent crime, trauma and/or fraud, whose cases are being investigated by the Burlington Police Department as well as those who many not have an identified offender.
- Provide crisis intervention services (if needed or applicable) and safety planning which are directed toward de-escalating a situation, establishing physical and emotional safety, supporting in helping to provide concrete/basic needs services, support in helping or finding emergency needs, and reinforcing victim’s ability to make choices regarding possible courses of action.
- Serve as liaison between crime victims, witnesses, and Burlington Police Department officers to keep them informed of case status from investigation phase to prosecution/court phases.
- Assist the public with navigating the greater criminal-justice system (e.g., family court, criminal court, alternative justice programs, etc.) and collaborate with state and federal victim service providers.
- Lead decision making and distribution of victim fund, per policy, and make recommendations for exceptions, when needed.
- Solicit, document, and analyze feedback from victims served in a timely fashion.
- Stay current in the practical knowledge of the theories, practices and methodologies in the field of victim services, trauma-informed care and restorative communication.
- Maintain statistical data on crime victims served in accordance with grant requirements and help analyze and communicate data for broader CJC communication.
- Support victims of crime working with the CJC’s Tamarack Diversion program (ie, restitution/compensation, or other supports requested by victims and Court Diversion staff).
Outreach/Education
- Assist in community outreach campaign to raise awareness about the roots and impacts of crime, the services offered by Parallel Justice program, and how community partners can help victims.
- Solicit businesses for donations and discounts for the benefit of victims served.
- Provide training to Burlington Police Officers in Parallel Justice program services and referral methods, and encourage continued dialogue to ensure follow-up services are offered regularly to victims through Parallel Justice.
- Manage the Restorative Noise Program due to noise ordinance violations and act as the CJC liaison for UVM Office of Student and Community Relations.
Parallel Justice Commission
- Work with the CJC based Victim Services Specialist to identify cases that meet the criteria for Parallel Justice Commission, and prepare and coach victims to prepare statement and presentation at Commission meeting.
- Analyze program cases, data and trends and report back quarterly to the Parallel Justice Commission.
- Help Commissioners identify policy changes when appropriate regarding how partners collaborate and communicate.
Non-Essential Job Functions:
- Performs other duties as required.
Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements
- Ability to actively support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development.
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required, reasonable accommodations will be considered.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field, plus two years of relevant experience, or six years of a combination of education and experience in victim advocacy, case management, or other pertinent discipline required. Background in restitution work is a benefit.
- Ability to work among police officers within Police Department.
- Demonstrated knowledge and familiarity with crime victim issues.
- Demonstrated knowledge of restorative practices.
- Attend Basic Advocacy Training, Team Two Training, and Vermont Victim Assistance Academy within 1 year of employment.
- Familiarization with V.S.A Title 13.
- Commitment to solving workplace conflicts utilizing restorative processes.
- Ability to understand the criminal justice system and the variety of experience of victims within it.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Access, and Outlook and SharePoint/Teams/One Drive.
- Ability to communicate effectively, accurately and concisely both orally and in writing.
- Strong cultural competency and experience in working with diverse populations.
- Demonstrated knowledge and familiarity with Burlington’s local government and law enforcement agencies.
- Understanding of complex governmental systems.
- Willingness to grapple with ambiguity and uncertainty.
- Strong analytical, discernment, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to deal effectively with a wide range of individuals and groups, including strong formal and informal negotiation skills.
- Demonstrated ability in public speaking, meeting facilitation, and training.
- Demonstrated familiarity with case management functions and principles.
- Must successfully pass a background check.
- Self-reflective.
- Ability to work individually and as a member of a team.
Applications for our employment opportunities are only accepted online through our Government Jobs website.
For accessibility information or alternative formats, please contact Human Resources Department at 802-540-3057 or careers@burlingtonvt.gov.
Promoting a culture that reveres diversity and equity
The City of Burlington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we are strongly committed to creating a dynamic and equitable work-force that mirrors the population and world that we serve. We do not discriminate on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, crime victim status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, or genetic information in employment or the provision of services.
In addition to being an equal opportunity employer we actively encourage applicants who can contribute to our growing diversity to apply.