JOB SUMMARY

Provides social work case management and outreach services to individuals and families who are victims of crime, utilizing case management practices that address client basic needs and safety, while supporting their participation in the criminal justice system.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, or other closely related field; OR an equivalent combination of related education and experience.

A current Social Service Worker (SSW) license in the State of Utah is preferred.

Due to the nature of this position, the successful applicant must pass an initial criminal background check, as well as every two years thereafter and continuously meet the requirements of the Bureau of Criminal Information (BCI).

Must possess a valid Utah Driver’s License to operate either a personal or Salt Lake County vehicle.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the work performed by the incumbent(s) in this position and are not all-inclusive. The omission of specific duties and responsibilities will not preclude it from the position.

Applicants must be prepared to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Uses acceptable case management practices to complete victim intakes and assessments to determine needs of clients and identify barriers. Develops service plan with clients negatively impacted by crime to help meet their social service needs and support their participation in the prosecution of the case.
• Prepares adult and child victims and witnesses for court appearances supervised by clinical staff to ensure clients’ needs are addressed in the criminal justice system.
• Assists clients in crisis and provides supportive services; conduct risk assessments to help clients develop safety plans; provides advocacy within criminal justice system and community.
• Educates victims of crime by providing information about the purpose and process of court proceedings and their participation in such hearings.
• Coordinates community-based resources and services to help meet goals and promote the client’s best interest.
• Maintains regular contact with clients to evaluate progress, assist in meeting service plan goals and identify further intervention as needed.
• Acts as liaison between with prosecuting attorneys and victims to provide information regarding court process and case updates while informing prosecutors of victim issues, needs, and input.
• Helps facilitate psycho-educational groups regarding criminal justice system, victim issues, life skills, healthy relationships, or other support groups under the direction of clinical staff as they are offered.
• Provides short-term outreach and referral services.
• Provides community education through presentations to community groups and agencies; enhances community partnerships by participation in local committees.
• Maintains case files, including progress notes and documentation of social services provided, in accordance with agency policies, procedures and recognized standards for a social service worker.
• Completes various administrative duties and assists program manager with grant applications as needed, collecting and compiling statistical data.
• Participates and provides input in team staff meetings, and work collaboratively with other team members to ensure effective delivery of victim services.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)

Knowledge of:

• Interviewing and assessment methods and techniques to determine client needs and services
• Acceptable case management procedures and protocols
• Social work principles of working with individuals, families, groups & community organizations
• Basic crisis intervention strategies and techniques
• Mental health and social service community agencies, organizations & resources
• Trauma and impact of criminal victimization (in cases such as domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault)
• Criminal justice system and victim rights

Skills and Abilities to:

• Accurately assess social, mental, emotional, and environmental status of clients
• Coordinate, plan, and negotiate services and support for clients
• Counsel clients and families regarding service options
• Mediate conflict in stressful situations and respond professionally and calmly under pressure in crisis situations
• Maintain case files and documentation
• Operate a personal computer including Microsoft Office programs and other job-related programs
• Effectively communicate, both verbally and in written form
• Function effectively within a multi-disciplinary team
• Effectively organize, prioritize, schedule and perform multiples tasks simultaneously
• Communicate effectively with individuals from a variety of social, economic and ethnic backgrounds

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is primarily performed in a typical office environment, as well as in court settings and in other community-based organizations as needed to coordinate services and participate in multi-disciplinary team. District Attorney Counseling Unit staff work regularly with clients in crisis situations and who have experienced significant trauma and abuse.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THIS POSITION

Work hours are traditional office hours (8:00 – 5:00) but may occasionally extend outside of those hours to accommodate victims, court schedules, ensure adequate case preparation and to participate in community outreach, awareness, and education activities. Services are provided at multiple locations (Downtown & West Jordan).