Victim Advocates
| Opportunity Type: | Ongoing Volunteer Opportunity |
| Department: | Sheriff |
| Category: | Criminal Justice and Public Safety |
| Time Commitment & Minimum Age: | On-Scene Advocates make a one-year commitment to the program to attend monthly support and training meetings and commit to one shift (1 week) per month. Shifts are Days, Weeknights, and Weekends. Volunteers respond to the scene of crime and/or trauma to provide crisis intervention and resources. A 40 hour training will be held in April. |
| Program Summary: | The program is designed to provide outreach to victims of crime by offering information, support, referral and advocacy by volunteer victim advocates. |
| Duties and Responsibilities: | The Coordinator provides advocates with information regarding victims to be contacted. Advocates make attempts to contact victims assigned to them within 48 hours by phone, mail or email to offer information, advocacy and referrals related to their case. The advocate interfaces with law enforcement and the criminal justice system to gather information for the victim. |
| Qualifications and Requirements: | Advocates are self-motivated, flexible and work well independently. Patience and determination are beneficial qualities for this position. It is helpful if advocates enjoy problem solving and research. Advocates are open minded and have a non-judgmental attitude towards victims/survivors. The ability to communicate well, think well, and respond quickly are essential qualifications. Genuine concern and empathy for victims of crime and survivors, regardless of the circumstances, are necessary qualities. Applicants must be at least 21-years-old. Special Requirements |
| Training Dates and Information: | The 40-45 hour training course includes crisis counseling, victimology, legal procedures, law enforcement, resource information, as well as a ride along with a law enforcement officer. |
| Additional Information: | Responsible to: Outreach Coordinator, Lori Tully, 303-441-3656 |
| Application Process: | Download and complete Volunteer Application Form |