Victim Services Counselor

Overview

The Victim Services Counselor provides direct, trauma-informed counseling and crisis intervention for victims of crime and their families through the Victim Services Unit. Provides timely emotional support, short term counseling, crisis intervention and referrals to help victims address the impact of crime and begin the recovery process.

Responsibilities

• Victims Services Counselor provides individual crisis intervention and supportive counseling to eligible victims of crime
• Conduct initial assessments to identify the victim's immediate emotional and supportive needs
• Provide trauma-informed education and coping strategies related to the effects of victimization
• Assist with developing appropriate safety and support plans
• Provide services to victims and families affected by violent crime, including cases involving significant trauma, grief, assault, sexual assault, family violence, and other qualifying victimizations
• Collaborate with Detectives, Officer, Prosecutors, and other service providers to support a coordinated response to victims while maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Provide follow-up contacts to assess ongoing needs and encourage continued engagement with appropriate services
• Coordinate with Victim Advocates to ensure victims receive comprehensive services and counseling needs are addressed in conjunction with advocacy and resource assistance
• Participating in victim-service outreach and education activities designed to increase awareness of available services and improve access to assistance
• Maintain appropriate documentation of counseling contacts, services provided, referrals, and follow-up activities in accordance with departments and VOCA grant requirements
• Supervise student interns in providing counseling services to victims of crime
• Victims Services Counselor and counseling student interns will attend and participate in training and professional development as related to providing services to victims of crime
• May be asked to perform other duties as assigned Position Type and Typical Hours of Work Exempt – Full-Time Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays is a schedule requirement In the event of an emergency, employees are required to work to provide for the safety and well-being of the public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate Degree (MS/MA) in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work or related field
• Two (2) years of experience - pertinent professional experience in program area in which completing clinical instruction Licenses and Certifications
• Active License Professional Counselor (LPC) license within 24 months of hire Or the following:
• LPC-Intern license within 30 days of hire Required
• A valid driver's license is required; successful out-of-state candidates must be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 90 days of hire Employment Testing Employment is contingent on passing any post-offer pre-employment screening as listed below:
• Criminal Background Check: Yes
• Motor Vehicle Record Check: Yes
• Drug Screening: Yes
• Physical Exam: Yes Basis of Rating A recruitment consultant will evaluate all applications against the posted qualifications and may request additional information. The city may also conduct additional skill assessment tests, in addition to the panel interview. Supplemental Information
• Any position that lists a minimum qualification for education level and/or license/certification will require the applicant to provide proof of documentation if selected for hire into the position with the City of Corpus Christi. The City of Corpus Christi is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department.