The Westminster Police Department is seeking applicants for Volunteer Victim Advocates. This position responds to victims of crime and personal tragedy to provide crisis intervention, support, and important information. You will be dispatched to respond to crime scenes, the police department or hospitals to provide direct services after Law Enforcement Officers have secured the scene. You will receive advocacy training and shadow a veteran advocate before working on your own. Advocates act in an on-call capacity nights and weekends and each advocate works three, 12 hour shifts. A monthly meeting for on-going training is required. If needed you may assists staff with weekday crime response.
Some of the benefits include:
- Receive specialized training through our highly acclaimed Victim Advocate Academy.
- Receive full funding to apply and receive your certification through the Colorado Advocate Certification Program (CACP).
- The satisfaction of knowing you are helping some of the most vulnerable in society.
- Every shift is different, as your responsibilities change from case-to-case, and each victim will have gone through a different experience which requires varied levels of support.
- Fill hours for college credit for degrees in psychology, forensic psychology, social work, sociology, or criminal justice.
En Espanol
Los defensores voluntarios de víctimas trabajan con el departamento de policía, respondiendo a las escenas del crimen para ayudar a las personas después de eventos traumáticos. Las víctimas tienen derechos en nuestro sistema y nuestros Defensores Voluntarios de Víctimas trabajan para garantizar que las personas estén informadas de sus derechos, ayudarlas a acceder a la seguridad y brindarles apoyo emocional. Comuníquese con nuestro Coordinador de la Unidad de Servicios para Víctimas, Drew Hogan, al 303-658-4210 si está interesado en obtener más información sobre cómo unirse a este importante equipo para ayudar a las personas de nuestra comunidad.
Debe tener 21 años para aplicar.
Qualifications
- Fluency in Spanish or Hmong preferred, not required.
- Volunteers must be empathetic and non-judgmental.
- Must be able to work well with members of the community and law enforcement officers, and possess strong interpersonal skills.
- Must have reliable transportation, a good driving record, proof of current automobile insurance and have a cell phone available where you can be reached.
- Must be willing to complete a required 40 hour training, submit to a background investigation and voice stress analyzer examination.
- Must have ability to handle confidential material in a professional manner.
- Any drug use (including marijuana in various forms) within the last three years will be grounds for elimination.
- You must be able to stand for long periods of time, respond to scenes indoor and outdoors, and respond to crime scene within 30 minutes or less.
- Due to the nature of this work and exposure to intense emotional circumstances, qualified volunteer will be 21 years of age or older.
