Olmsted County has earned the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work - Southeast Minnesota designation.

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience

Expected starting salary $32.72 to $43.68.  Full salary range $32.72 to $54.64. 

Bachelor's or Master's degree from an accredited college or university.

Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary component of job/position.  Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver's license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.

Required Special Qualifications:

Individuals who work on the Victim Services team in D&O Community Corrections, per Minnesota Statute 595.02, must complete 40 hours of sexual assault crisis counseling training within six (6) months of employment.

Desirable Qualifications:

Two years of social service-related experience.

Nature of Work

Under the supervision of the Victim Services Program Manager, the Victim Services Advocate will provide direct and indirect services to victims who have been impacted by crime. As a part of this role, the Victim Advocate will be responsible for engaging criminal justice and community partners in promoting a trauma informed and victim centered response.

Examples of Work

• Provides advocacy and support to victims of crime.
• Provides crisis intervention services.
• Drafts restraining orders and assist clients with safety planning.
• Maintains case files in compliance with audit requirements.
• Collaborates with criminal justice and/or community partners to promote a victim centered response.
• Provides after hour’s on-call support to the 24-hour sexual assault crisis line.
• Conducts assessments of needs utilizing various assessment tools.
• Participates in case conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings to meet the needs of victims and survivors.
• Coordinates referrals and resources for victims and survivors.
• Assists in notifications to victims of a perpetrator’s release from jail or prison.
• Assists crime victims in accessing sources for repayment of their property or other financial loss.
• Provides prevention education in community-based settings.
• Conducts general case management services for clients (Safe Harbor only).
• Performs related duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of the social sciences
• Knowledge of the principles of social work
• Knowledge of community resources
• Knowledge of social and economic problems
• Knowledge of motivating factors of human behavior
• Knowledge of the dynamics of victimization and the root causes of violence
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system, including victim rights
• Knowledge of therapeutic and strength-based approaches
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to victim issues, victim needs
• Knowledge of agency policies
• Knowledge of data practices and confidentiality
• Skilled in verbal communication, public speaking, writing and recording of information and data
• Skill in the use of computers and technology
• Skills in individual and community advocacy
• Ability to understand individual and family needs with empathy and objectivity
• Ability to exercise good judgment in recommending possible solutions for individual and family needs and when utilizing conflict management and advocacy skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, public officials and citizens of the community
• Ability to organize efficiently and keep records systematically
• Ability to work independently and to recognize when supervision is needed
• Ability to work with diverse populations
• Ability to serve as a liaison to community resources
• Ability to drive an automobile

Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.