There is only one city in the country that can say it is the Nation’s Capital – Washington, D.C. Given that distinction, The Metropolitan Police Department is the premiere law enforcement organization in the city. We receive over 22 million visitors a year, have almost 700,000 residents, and 21,000 private business. The Department consists of more than 4,200 members: approximately 3,550 sworn members and over 650 civilian employees. We are one of the most diverse and highly trained departments in the country. We have the honor of safeguarding and protecting not only our nation’s residents, but also people from all over the world.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) offers an attractive benefits package. The benefits package includes competitive compensation, health insurance, prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability and life insurance, as well a strong retirement benefit and savings options. Employees are also eligible for our employer contributed 401a plan after one year of employment. Additional perks such as discounts on wireless carriers, gym memberships, amusement park tickets and much more! Additional information can be found at:DCHR Benefits

The position is assigned to the Investigative Services Bureau, Criminal Investigations Division, CID in the Metropolitan Police Department. The incumbent works under the direction of the Director and/ or Supervisor of the Victim Services Branch in collaborations with detectives assigned to the CID. The principal role of the Victim Specialist is to provide on-going support, information, assistance, and appropriate referrals about support agencies to victims/survivors of (homicide, sexual assault, domestic violence, child deaths, felonious assaults an any other cases assigned by the supervisor.

The Victim Specialist is covered under the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) bargaining unit and you may be required to pay an agency fee through direct payroll deductions.

The incumbent will be responsible for the following:

Assessing the needs of the family/survivor(s) and work in partnership with the detective to deal with issues pertaining to the family that may arise during the course of the investigation.
Maintaining regular contact with survivors/victims and significant others, when necessary and in a timely fashion.
When requested by the supervising detective, providing assistance and support to the family/survivor(s) at the scene.
Providing support to the Major Case Investigators in response to multiple deaths and mass fatalities.
Being available to work shifts, weekends and commit to on-call status during specified time periods.
In partnership with the detective, developing an action plan regarding the initial and on going contact with the family, the development of a relationship with the family, and any referrals made to service providers. Make recommendations to the detective regarding on-going assistance and support to the family members, based on information gathered from the family.
In conjunction with, or after discussion with the detective, conducting visits with the family to provide additional support. Assist the detective in providing timely and on-going information to the family/survivor(s) regarding the status of the case. In conjunction with the detective, assist with death notifications.
Properly documenting all contact with the family, which may sometimes be of sensitive and confidential nature.
Establishing on-going supportive relationships with the family of victims. Provide timely sharing of information, so far as the integrity of the investigation permits. Explain and clarify information about the investigative process. Be open to communication from the family and work with the detective to determine MPD's response.
Providing crisis intervention as necessary, in the performance of responsibilities in assisting the detective with family members.
Making referrals to public and private agencies/organizations, as appropriate, to meet the needs of the family members. Assist family members/survivor(s) in accessing supportive services in the community.
Developing effective working relationships and coordinate efforts with direct service providers.
Performing other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Education and Work Experience
Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to a least the (CS-11) grade level, or its non-District equivalent, gained from the public or private sector. Specialized experience is defined as experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

Two (2) years of direct experience in trauma and/or crisis intervention, required.

High School Diploma or its equivalent. Bachelor's Degree in a related field of study, preferred.

Licensures, Certifications and other requirements
None Required

Work Environment

Work location is in an office environment. Work is sedentary and may require walking and standing in conjunction with travel and attendance at meeting and conferences away from the work site and carrying light items, such as laptops, papers, books, small parts, and driving an automobile.

Promotion Potential

No Known Promotion Potential

Collective Bargaining Unit

This is a union position and is covered under the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) bargaining unit. You may be required to pay an agency fee through direct payroll deductions.

Position Suitability

This position is deemed as “Security Sensitive” pursuant to Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations, in addition to the general suitability screening and criminal background check (pre-employment and periodic), individuals may be subject to the following checks and tests: (select the appropriate designation, if applicable)

Traffic record check (as applicable);
Pre-employment drug and alcohol test (as applicable);
Consumer credit check (as applicable);
Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test;
Random drug and alcohol test;
Return to duty or follow-up drug and alcohol test; and
Post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test.

Due to the sensitive nature of work performed within the Metropolitan Police Department, all selected candidates must undergo and successfully complete and enhanced background investigation, including criminal history and credit checks, as a condition of employment.

Residency Preference

Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.

If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Click here to review additional information Employee Disclosure & Information for Applicants

Metropolitan Police Department

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Victim Specialist