Victim Specialist

Metropolitan Police Department • Full-time • Washington, DC, US • $92.66k - $118.56k / year • 2d ago

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:

Assess 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.
Maintain regular contact with survivors/victims and significant others, when necessary and in a timely fashion.
When requested by the supervising detective, provide assistance and support to the family/survivor(s) at the scene.
Provide support to the Major Case Investigators in response to multiple deaths and mass fatalities.
Be available to work shifts, weekends and commit to on-call status during specified time periods.
In partnership with the detective, develop 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, conduct 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 document all contact with the family, which may sometimes be of sensitive and confidential nature.
Establish 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.
Provide crisis intervention as necessary, in the performance of responsibilities in assisting the detective with family members.
Make 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.
Develop effective working relationships and coordinate efforts with direct service providers.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Thorough knowledge of victimization, victim issues, the grief process and crisis intervention techniques.
Skill to conduct interviews under stressful conditions.
Sufficient ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, advocates, professionals and family members of victims.
Skill to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Knowledge of current issues related to the treatment and rights of crime victims.
Ability to express empathy and sensitivity of persons involved in traumatic situations, such as homicide of a family member.
Sufficient skill to interact with persons from law enforcement, children, adults, elderly, service providers, persons with disabilities and with persons of culturally diverse communities.
General understanding of the criminal justice system.
Sufficient organizational skills to initiate and manage multiple tasks.

Licensures, Certifications and other requirements

N/A

Education

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

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.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office setting, at the home of family members of victims, at the scene of a homicide, hospitals and community service locations.

Other Significant Factors

Incumbent is subject to shift work, weekend work and on-call status. Incumbent is required to travel around the Washington, DC area, to DC Courts, other District agencies, homes of family members, meetings, trainings and occasionally travels out of town to conferences/trainings.

A background investigation, to include a criminal, traffic and credit check are required for positions with the Metropolitan Police Department.

The incumbent is required to possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s permit.

The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer: all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is also prohibited. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited.

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