Victim Specialist
CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENTOffice of Crime Victim Services
Number of Vacancies: 1 (Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)
Starting Salary: $64,668.00
This position is open to current AFSCME BIDDERS AND the PUBLIC. Only current City employees covered under the City’s Collective Bargaining Agreement with AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY, AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES (AFSCME) – BARGAINING UNIT 1, 3, 4, & 5 are considered BIDDERS and are eligible to bid.Qualified BIDDERS who properly submit a bid application will receive preference over any non-bidders.
BID INSTRUCTIONS: Apply on the bid site: https://chicago.taleo.net/careersection/103/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en AND
1. Check the box on your profile titled “Currently employed by the City of Chicago”2. Enter your employee ID (located on your pay stub labeled ‘payee/employee number’)3. Select your correct bargaining unit
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN A REJECTED BID APPLICATION.
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm Central time on 01/07/2025.
Successful candidates must pass a drug screen and a background investigation. Persons offered employment must pass all pre-employment exams prior to appointment.
Under supervision, provides advocacy support and resources to assist victims who have been
impacted by violent crimes, domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of gender-based violence; and performs related duties as required. Victim Specialists will be assigned a specific focus, such as violent crimes or domestic violence.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Reviews incidents, case reports, complaints, and referrals for victims of violent crimes, domestic violence, or gender-based violence and provide timely outreach to them to offer support services and referrals to community-based service providers.
- Facilitates referrals and seamless handoffs to community-based service providers, maintaining up-to-date contact lists and resource networks.
- Conducts comprehensive assessments to evaluate the nature, extent, and severity of cases involving victims of violent crimes, domestic violence, and gender-based violence, determining risk levels and immediate needs.
- Works with victims to develop immediate safety plans.
- Provides crisis intervention, counseling, and guidance on available social services, benefits, and victim compensation programs for victims of violent crimes, domestic violence, and gender-based violence.
- Assists victims in navigating the legal system, including obtaining protection orders and accompanying them to court proceedings, hearings, and interviews.
- Serves as a liaison between victims, the court system, law enforcement, and social service agencies to ensure effective communication and coordination of services.
- Advocates for the expressed interests and rights of victims of violent crimes, domestic violence, and gender-based violence throughout legal and social service processes.
- Participates in community outreach and education initiatives to raise awareness of victim rights, services, and issues related to violent crimes, domestic violence, and gender-based violence.
- Prepares and distributes educational materials to inform the public and stakeholders about victim advocacy programs and available resources.
- Maintains detailed client records, documenting services rendered and outcomes to support accountability and reporting requirements.
- Researches legislation and emerging social trends to inform advocacy policies and improve service delivery for victims of violent crimes, domestic violence, and gender-based violence.
- Attends mandatory training to stay current on best practices, legal updates, and resources in victim advocacy for all forms of violence and victimization.
Additional duties may be required for this position.
LOCATION:ADDRESS:DAYS:HOURS: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, and Behavioral Science, or a
directly related field plus two (2) years of work experience in counseling; victim advocacy
services; crisis intervention; and/or outreach services, or an equivalent combination of
education, training, and experience.
- Licensure, Certification, or Other QualificationsA valid State of Illinois driver’s license is required
- Must complete forty (40) hours of domestic violence training as required by the Illinois Domestic Violence Act within six (6) months of hire
NOTE: A copy of your official transcripts will be required at the time of interview, if applicable.
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
This position requires applicants to complete an interview, which will include a written exercise and/or a skills assessment test as part of the interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the oral and written parts of the interview will be selected. Selected Bidders will be hired in seniority order according to the collective bargaining agreement.
APPLICATION EVALUATION: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago in an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer.
The City of Chicago is committed to providing fair chance hiring and welcomes applicants with past convictions, recognizing the value of a diverse workforce and the potential for growth and positive change.
City of ChicagoBrandon Johnson, Mayor