Extra Help - Crime Victims Liaison

Come work at a place where we strive to promote and create a safe community. We take pride in living and working in Central Texas and are looking for exceptional talent to join our team. 

Job Description:

General Description

The Crime Victim Liaison serves as an additional point of contact between the Sheriff’s Office and individuals who have been victims of crime. This position provides information, support, guidance, and referrals to victims and their families throughout the investigative process.

The Crime Victim Liaison works closely with Sheriff’s deputies, investigators, community organizations, and social service agencies to ensure victims are treated with dignity, respect, compassion, and fairness. The position is responsible for helping victims understand their rights, connecting them with available resources, and providing case-related updates when appropriate. When a case has been accepted by the County Attorney’s Office or the District Attorney’s Office, the Crime Victim Liaison will provide a warm handoff with the court’s dedicated Victim Assistance Coordinator to ensure the victim receives additional assistance navigating the judicial process.

The ideal candidate demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills, compassion, professionalism, discretion, and the ability to work with individuals experiencing stressful or traumatic situations.

This position works independently, under limited supervision, reporting major activities through periodic meetings.

Duties and Responsibilities

The functions listed below are those that represent most of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Serve as the primary liaison between crime victims, their families, and the Sheriff’s Office.
• Contact victims following reported criminal offenses to offer assistance, explain available services, and provide information regarding the investigative process.
• Explain victims' rights under applicable state and federal laws.
• Provide information regarding case status and investigative developments in coordination with assigned officers and investigators.
• Assist victims in understanding the criminal justice process, including case initiation, investigations, and arrests.
• Provide referrals and assistance with community resources, including counseling, crisis intervention, shelters, legal assistance, and other victim support services.
• Assist victims with applications for Crime Victims' Compensation and the Address Confidentiality Program.
• Maintain regular communication with victims as appropriate throughout the investigative process.
• Keep abreast of current trends in victim assistance through attending training.
• Coordinate with Victim Assistance Coordinators at the County Attorney and District Attorney’s offices, victim assistance programs, advocacy organizations, and other agencies to ensure continuity of services.
• Assist victims with obtaining necessary police reports, case information, and documentation in accordance with department policies and applicable laws.
• Provide support and assistance to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, assault, robbery, homicide, and other criminal offenses.
• Assist with safety planning and referrals for victims who may be at continued risk.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records of victim contacts, referrals, services provided, and follow-up activities in a digital Victim Tracking Software.
• Assist department personnel with victim-centered communication and awareness of available victim services.
• Respond to critical incidents and provide victim and family support when requested and appropriate.
• Attends meetings, holds membership, and participates in relevant task force committees and victim advocacy organizations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Sheriff or designee.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Requires experience in social or human services, law enforcement, court procedures and administration, or related field, or any equivalent combination of education and training.

Physical Demands:

• Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment):

• None.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.
• Must be able to speak, read, and write proficiently in English.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

Bell County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Additional Qualifications:

Additional Recruiting Instruction:

Bell County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy located at the Historic Courthouse, 3rd Floor, in downtown Belton.