Victim Counselor, Sr.

Victim Counselor

Provides counseling, crisis stabilization, and support services to clients and assists with problems resulting from victimization. Assesses the psychosocial status of clients, determines the types of counseling and services indicated, and coordinates provision of services to clients. Serves as a liaison in preparing clients for trial, coordinates client court appearances, and accompanies clients to trial.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS :

This is the second in a series of two victim counselor-related job classifications within the Social Services job family. This classification is responsible for assessing the psychosocial status of clients, determining the types of counseling, social service provider resource referrals, and services indicated and coordinating provision of services to clients. This classification typically performs advanced counseling duties and may function in a lead capacity. This classification may require work in secure facilities. This classification may include response at crime scenes. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides counseling, crisis stabilization, and support services to clients and assists with problems resulting from victimization.
• Assesses the psychosocial status of clients and determines the types of counseling, social service provider, and other services indicated. Coordinates referrals and provision of services to clients.
• Serves as a liaison in preparing clients for trial and in dealing with related emotional issues. Coordinates client court appearances, accompanies clients to trial, and provides support while testifying.
• Provides information to clients related to crime and / or court case. Explains legal issues, terms, and court procedures.
• Assists in gathering evidence requested for court cases. Locates and contacts clients to obtain information related to criminal cases. Requests medical records, collision, and other reports, and other case-related information. May process subpoenas for upcoming court cases.
• Consults with prosecutors regarding punishment and other pertinent matters.
• Develops client advocacy programs and trains staff and volunteers.
• Prepares and maintains statistical records. Records case file information in tracking system.
• Performs administrative duties such as preparing correspondence and processing incoming mail for case files.
• Serves as a liaison with advocacy groups, clinical and other service providers, community outreach services, and law enforcement personnel.
• May function as lead over subordinate counselors and other staff and / or volunteers.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience : Bachelor's degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND four (4) years experience in counseling / social services or criminal justice work; OR, any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job. Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements : Valid Texas Driver's License. Preferred : Master's degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field. Crisis and trauma counseling experience. Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); OR, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities : Knowledge of :

Skill in :

Ability to :

Work Environment & Other Information

Physical requirements include the ability to lift / carry up to 25 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech, and hearing, hand and eye coordination, and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, driving, client / customer contact, and squatting to perform the essential functions. Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours : 8 am - 5 pm, Monday-Friday. May work some holidays, some nights, some weekends.

Location : 416 West 11th Street, Austin, TX 78701

Department : District Attorney

Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions, and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

Benefits

Employment at Travis County comes with a full array of benefits. We offer comprehensive health insurance, a no-cost, on-site Health and Wellness clinic, longevity pay, paid vacations, sick time, and personal holidays, not to mention an industry competitive salary structure and a friendly, stable work environment.

FY2025 Travis County Benefit Guide

In this valuable Travis County Benefits Guide you will find benefit summaries, eligibility requirements, costs, contact numbers and addresses as well as other general information on the benefits available to Travis County Employees and Retirees.

Credit Union Employees may join the Travis County Credit Union which offers low-interest loans, savings plans through payroll deduction, safe deposit boxes, and other benefits.

Deferred Compensation Employees may enroll in a tax-free sheltered investment plan through payroll deduction.

Direct Deposit Employees may sign up for direct bank deposit.

Employee Assistance Program Travis County provides a confidential counseling and referral service free of charge to county employees and their family.

Employee Organizations Membership in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union is available through payroll deduction.

Employee Health & Wellness Clinic Employees may access the clinic for a variety of wellness program and health care services with no co-pay, no deductible, and no co-insurance costs.

Holidays An average of eleven paid holidays are designated by the Travis County Commissioners Court at the beginning of each fiscal year.

Insurance Employees may select from four plans : an Exclusive Physician Organization (EPO), Choice Plus Preferred Physician Organization (PPO), Consumer Choice, or a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). All four options include a Pharmacy Plan. Travis County's current policy is to pay 100% of the employee's health insurance premium for the Consumer Choice and HDHP. Employees will pay a premium for both the EPO and PPO. Other insurance benefits include $50,000 Basic Life and AD&D paid by the County.

The following benefits are employee paid :