Victim Services Crisis Worker

The City of Richmond is committed to be the most appealing, livable, well-managed community in Canada, a vision that is only made possible by developing our most valuable asset – our people. This is a great opportunity to join our team and shape our community. The City of Richmond offers competitive pay programs, comprehensive benefits and attractive incentives. If you are looking to make a difference, and to share our vision, then please apply.

Overview:

This position is in partnership with the RCMP to provide crisis intervention to victims of crime as mandated by the Provincial Victims of Crime Act. This position is responsible for providing both in-person and by telephone, emotional support and practical assistance, and accurate information about the criminal justice system, the Crime Victim Assistance Program as well as the status of police investigations to victims; with minimal supervision, during scheduled shifts.

Examples of key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Respond to crime scenes as required by RCMP.

• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support and factual information to grieving families and victims that have been affected by a variety of traumatic incidents such as robbery, fraud, domestic assaults, sexual assaults, suicides, motor vehicle accidents, fatalities etc.

• Assess individual’s safety and offer safety planning.

• Assists with Victim Impact Statements and Crime Victim Assistance Program.

• Provide information on community resources based on the individual’s specific needs and circumstances.

• Manage a case load providing emotional support and follow-up to clients via telephone.

• Prepare accurate written reports as per RCMP standards each time a conversation is held with a client. Update RCMP members on Victim Services involvements on police files including opening new files within the Victim Services Database.

• Explain Criminal Justice System and how it applies to each individual’s case.

• Provide emotional support to victims during court process.

• Provide clients with updates on court dates and outcomes.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Sound knowledge of the legislation, policies, rules and regulations governing the work performed.

• Ability to respond decisively and handle emergency situations that arise in person or over the phone.

• Ability to interact with the public courteously, tactfully and firmly in response to a wide variety of circumstances, and to diffuse hostility in an effective manner.

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external contacts.

• Ability to effectively manage time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently and work with minimal supervision.

• Ability to answer work related inquiries from internal and external contacts.

• Ability to use software applications and programs to perform data entry and retrieval duties.

• Ability to make discretionary decisions, take initiative and exercise independent thought and good judgement in situations of high stress and conflict.

• Ability to develop and use collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals.

• Willingness and ability to adapt to the dynamic needs of the position as well as Department.

• Proven accuracy and attention to detail.

• Proven time management and organizational skills.

• Skill in the operation of standard office equipment used in the work.

• Ability to use applicable software, such as Microsoft Office.

• Ability to obtain and maintain and Enhanced RCMP Security Clearance.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent plus one (1) year of post-secondary course work in Victim Services or other related field such as psychology, social work, or criminology.

• A minimum of one (1) years’ related experience, preferably in a municipal and/or policing environment, or an equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

• Valid Class 5 Drivers License for the Province of British Columbia with a safe driving record.

• RCMP police-based victim services operational experience would be considered an asset.

Working Conditions:

The work is variable and requires routine visual concentration, mental concentration and manual dexterity when working with victims of trauma. Providing emotional support and listening to victims requires prolonged periods of active listening and focus. Shifts may be scheduled during the day, evenings or on weekends. Crisis Workers may be required to attend scene alone to provide support services to victims.

Additional Information: