Victim Services Case Worker

11382BR

Victim Services Case Worker

Job Posting

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is inviting applications for the permanent, full-time position of Victim Services Case Worker in Support Division, Halifax Regional Police.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Under the supervision of the Victim Services Coordinator, the Victim Services Case Worker(s) work within the Victim Services Unit of the Halifax Regional Police to enhance police response to victims of crime with a focus on victims of sexualized violence and victims of domestic violence, particularly those at high risk for homicide. This will be done through case coordination and ongoing information sharing with primary service agencies. The position also provides support and information to other victims of crime.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• High Risk Case Designations
• Accept high risk file referrals from police officers or HRP Victim Service staff.
• Coordinate information from primary service providers in regard to high-risk files.
• Conduct risk management and related safety planning with the goal of increased safety and domestic violence homicide prevention.
• Contact victims to offer support, services and/or referral to primary services agencies and inform of High Risk designation.
• Manage the Domestic Violence Alarm Program
• Create collateral contacts with community and government agencies to share case information provided victim confidentiality is maintained, and victim's consent has been obtained.
• Liaise with police members to discuss files and/or cases.
• With the victim’s informed consent, coordinate case conferences with relevant service providers.
• Work closely with designated Domestic Violence Police Officer to assist with offender accountability and increased victim safety.
• Direct Client Work
• Provide on-scene crisis intervention and practical support to victims of crime, which may include sudden deaths and suicides, as requested by officers.
• Provide crisis intervention and practical support to victims of all types of crime, as referred by police officers.
• Provide short term (informal counselling) support and follow-up sessions and court support to clients, when needed.
• Interview victims to obtain case history and background information.
• Help victims navigate the police investigation and criminal justice process.
• When required, conduct general mental health assessment of clients to determine whether a referral to MHMCT or police need to be called for suicide intervention.
• Education/Outreach/Training
• Provide training to volunteers in crisis support and mobile on-scene response.
• Develop, prepare and conduct public education sessions to community groups i.e. dating violence, intimate partner abuse, sexualized violence.
• Prepare and conduct training to police on domestic and sexualized violence including during Block Training, Trauma Response to SA and training new laterals.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:

• Post-secondary degree in counselling, social work, psychology, criminology with 3-5 years of progressive experience
• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
• Extensive experience in crisis intervention
• Valid driver’s license
• Extensive knowledge of issues relating to domestic/intimate partner abuse, and sexualized violence will be considered an asset

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Excellent knowledge of community resources.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Extensive knowledge of crisis intervention and suicide intervention.
• Extensive knowledge of various social and counseling issues.
• Knowledge of family law.
• Strong listening and support skills
• Strong teamwork skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Computer skills including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Internet and Versadex.
• Strong crisis intervention skills

Security Clearance Requirements: Before an offer is made the top candidate will be required to complete the background & security clearance process. You will be given a security & background booklet to complete and return to Human Resources. The results of the Background & Security screening are confidential and only a pass or fail result is released to Human Resources. You will be thoroughly investigated to determine your suitability to meet security clearance requirements. Your references and previous employers may be contacted, and family and friends may be contacted and/or visited during this stage.

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