CITY OF PLANTATION

JUVENILE COUNSELOR - VICTIM ADVOCATE

 

DEFINITION      

 

This is an exempt position, which is specialized law enforcement work which involves the performance of specialized duties related to assisting victims and in the control of juvenile crime and delinquency. Work is performed under the direction of the Investigations Division Juvenile Sergeant

 

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED      

 

Duties include the counseling of children, parents and the victims of crime, providing the most effective solution to resolve their respective problems by using available resources in the Social Service Delivery System.

 

Assists in the investigation of cases of dependency, neglect or abuse of children and missing persons.

 

Assists sworn personnel investigating juvenile victims or offenders.

 

Develops and conducts training programs related to offenses involving juveniles in order to keep staff abreast of any changes in the juvenile justice system and the area of victim’s rights.

 

Acts as victim advocate for victims of crime.

 

Assists staff in dealing w/crime victims, making sure their needs are dealt with expeditiously in order to facilitate the investigation.

 

Researches and prepares statistical reports pertaining to juvenile activity – both arrests and missing persons/runaways.

 

Performs related duties as required and as directed.

 

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS      

 

Considerable knowledge of the laws and related regulations regarding offenses involving juveniles.

 

Knowledge of modern police techniques and the juvenile justice system.

 

Knowledge of the interests, attitudes and behavior problems of juveniles.

 

Knowledge of the sociological problems existing in the area and social services system especially in the area of victim’s rights.

 

Knowledge of modern information systems and standard software applications and the ability to learn new applications.

 

Ability to conduct sensitive and confidential investigations.

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Ability to communicate effectively.

 

Ability to adhere to tight schedules and still maintain work quality.

 

Ability to maintain confidentiality, prioritize work assignments and to work independently.

 

Ability to handle situations and to deal effectively with the general public on the telephone and in person.

 

Ability to operate a City vehicle and possess the required license.

 

Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other municipal employees, City officials, representatives of other agencies, and the general public.

 

Skilled in the operation of personal computers and typewriter.

 

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING      

 

Graduation from an accredited College or University with a Bachelor's Degree in psychology, sociology or a closely related field.  Four years of experience in juvenile and family counseling,

juvenile crisis intervention; or any equivalent combination of training and experience in closely related and/or similar fields which provides the required knowledge, abilities and skills may be considered.

 

Must currently possess or be eligible to obtain, a Florida driver’s license with an overall good driving record.  No single suspension of driver’s license within the past two (2) years and no more than two (2) suspensions within the past five (5) year history (except if suspension was due to insurance error or clerk of court error).

 

This is a designated “Will-Call Recovery” classification in the City’s Emergency Operations Plan and will require the employee occupying this position to work for declared emergencies.  Attendance at National Incident Management System (NIMS) training at the appropriate level is mandatory.

 

REV: 10/07

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Drug-Free Workplace