Job Description

Posting number: 09462

Department: VICTIM WITNESS PROG

Job classification: Violent Crime Specialist Senior

Posting type: Open

Categories: Community and Social Services

The purpose of the class is to provide advance trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy and support services to survivors of homicide and other violent crimes. The incumbent serves as a lead advocate, managing complex cases, coordinating community response efforts, mentoring staff, and ensuring the delivery of comprehensive victim services, including crisis intervention, outreach, training, referrals, and community collaboration. The position promotes high-quality service delivery and strengthens multidisciplinary partnerships.

Minimum Requirements

• Requires an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, or a closely related field of study. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Requires a minimum of three (3) years of experience in direct delivery of human services. Must possess, or obtain within twelve (12) months of employment, National Advocate Credentialing Program certification; current certification must be maintained throughout the course of employment in this position.
• Requires thorough knowledge of the local and state criminal justice system, working knowledge of case management and crisis intervention techniques.
• A combination of education and experience considered in lieu of the qualifications outlined above.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and must have and maintain a satisfactory driver’s record based on the City of Hampton’s criteria.
• Must successfully pass a background check related to this position prior to any offer of employment or promotion.

Additional Requirements

• Considerable contact with the general public, victims and witnesses of crime, attorneys, and Public Safety Divisions.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of all information.
• May be required to work some evenings and weekend hours.
• This is a non-exempt position.
• The incumbent may be considered “essential personnel” during city emergency situations, or at the direction of the City Manager or designee which may include long hours and unusual schedules.

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Examples of duties

• Provides comprehensive information, advocacy, and support to victims and survivors throughout the criminal justice process, including investigations, pretrial proceedings, court hearings, trials, sentencing, appeals, and post-conviction matters.
• Provides advanced victim services, including crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, Victim Impact Statements, protective orders, compensation claims, VINE registration, referrals, and assistance accessing housing, medical care, transportation, funeral services, shelter, financial resources, and other identified needs.
• Independently manages a complex caseload involving victims and survivors served through the Gangs, Guns, and Drugs Commonwealth’s Attorney Team, including ongoing assessment, case coordination, follow-up, safety planning, and service delivery.
• Leads and coordinates the R.E.S.E.T. (Rapid Engagement of Support in the Event of Trauma) initiative, serving as a primary liaison among the Hampton Police Division and community partners following homicides and other serious violent crimes.
• Responds, as appropriate, to hospitals, crime scenes, and other locations to provide immediate crisis intervention, victim assistance, referrals, and follow-up services to survivors, families, and impacted community members.
• Ensures services are free, voluntary, accessible, trauma-informed, non-discriminatory, and provided in accordance with agency policies, victim rights requirements, and confidentiality standards.
• Develops, coordinates, and delivers educational programs, community awareness initiatives, training, and technical assistance related to violent crime, trauma, victimization, victim rights, and available services.
• Establishes and maintains partnerships with law enforcement, healthcare providers, schools, social service agencies, faith-based organizations, funeral homes, and other community resources; facilitates multidisciplinary and community-based responses to critical incidents.
• Coordinates and facilitates homicide survivor support groups, survivor-focused events, Victims’ Rights Week programming, and other activities designed to promote healing, resilience, awareness, and community engagement.
• Serves as a team lead for advocacy staff, providing guidance, mentoring, case consultation, and coordination; assists with onboarding, training, and professional development activities.
• Recruits, trains, supervises, and supports program volunteers and develops training and educational materials to support effective victim-centered service delivery.
• Represents the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney and Victim Services Unit at community meetings, public events, conferences, multidisciplinary teams, and collaborative initiatives and serves as a resource on violent crime victimization, trauma, and victim services.
• Maintains accurate and timely case documentation, client service records, program data, and statistical reports required for grant compliance, program evaluation, and performance measurement.
• Monitors emerging trends, best practices, legislative developments, and community needs related to victim services and violent crime response and recommends opportunities for program and service improvement. Assists with media and public information activities in accordance with agency policies.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
• Demonstrates regular and punctual attendance.