VICTIMS ADVOCATE

The City of Greer is currently accepting applications for a Victims Advocate in our Police Department. 

Responsibilities:

• Provides education to crime victims during the criminal justice process; develops and implements courtroom orientations with victims, particularly children; assists victims in completing Victim Impact Statements and Victim Compensation Applications.

• Provide Services to Crime Victims/Witnesses: In compliance with SC Code of Laws 16-3-1520, assist victims/witnesses with completing forms or referrals to other agencies and provide crisis counseling and intervention. Respond to the location of “in-progress/just occurred” incidents at the discretion and approval of on-scene uniform or Investigative field supervisors. Receive and review all daily incident reports to identify victim/witnesses with possible real needs for emotional and physical support. Makes contact with victim/witness in-person, by phone or by mail to offer assistance with financial, emotional, and/or physical support and recovery. Write follow-up letters to victims/witnesses with information about services, resources, court hearings, etc. Assist as needed with emergency referrals or direct assistance during investigation and criminal prosecutions and support services after case disposition. Emergency referrals or direct assistance may include medical care; emergency food supplies; provision of clothing and shelter; financial and child assistance; transportation; repair or clean-up of property; death notification; and assistance with body identification. 

• Provide direct services during investigation may include: supportive individual counseling; assistance with victim compensation applications; assistance with private insurance claims; employer, landlord and creditor intervention; appropriate social services referrals; consultation and networking with hospitals, medical and mental health professionals; referral to the investigative officer if victim is inquiring about the status of stolen, recovered or removed property is needed; information regarding arrest and detention status of suspects(s), bail and pre-trial release; information regarding victim compensation; information regarding protection, continuing shelter and restraining orders; specific information regarding the criminal justice system; and accompaniment to physical lineups and court.

• Provide services during criminal prosecutions include: coordination of victim appearances at court; notification of case progress by phone or personal contacts; Personal support through any hearings, interviews and the trial; transportation to and from court, if necessary; the opportunity for victims to express to the judge or the solicitor's office their opinions regarding restitution, diversions, dismissals, and plea bargains; a place in the court house which is safe and separate from suspect(s) and defense witnesses; assistance in preparing impact statements for use in plea bargaining and sentencing; and provision of a court room walk-through to victims. 

• Provide direct services available after case disposition include: informing the victim of the offender's status following the disposition of the case; informing the victim(s) of their rights regarding the provision of a victim impact statement, and advising the victim of the date and location of court hearing; providing personal support during appeals or motions for a new trial; referral of long-term counseling and social services; 

notification to the court when restitution is not made or violation of restraining orders or other conditions of probation; and accompanying the victim to any hearings.

• Serve as Department Victim Witness Advocate Community Liaison: Plan and participate in community awareness events and meetings. Develop and implement educational and preventive crime programs to increase community awareness of victim’s rights and the victim/witness assistance program, domestic violence awareness. 

Network with and maintain a close relationship with other agencies in the community by attending monthly meetings, community outreach events, and offering community training. Attend regular meetings and network with other local and state, and community agencies that offer resources to victims/witnesses of crime in general. In collaboration with other community agencies. Attend functions to represent the Greer Police Department as a Law Enforcement Victim Advocate in support of local, state, and national efforts.

• Perform Victim/Witness Administrative Tasks: Enter victim/witnesses’ information to the Victim Service Unit database and maintain the information updated. Maintain filing system. Keep statistical records of victim contacts. 

Provide mandated information and reports to other agencies. Produce monthly status reports on victim witness activity to the Sergeant of the Criminal Investigation Division. Maintain and distribute schedule for On-Call Victim Advocate for emergency call response. The on-duty/on-call Crime Victim Advocate will respond to "on the scene" calls at the discretion and approval of on-scene Investigations supervisors. 

• Develop and maintain an on-call schedule to ensure a Victims Advocate is available to respond to a crime scene or be available for assistance 24/7

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:

· Performs general administrative tasks as required, including preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, filing records, and answering phones.

· Participates in required training and continuing education to obtain and maintain certifications and stay current on changes in codes and ordinances.

· Assists other officers and staff when workload, emergencies, or special assignments require.

· Stays current on departmental policies, procedures, and processes.

· Completes work accurately, safely, and efficiently; maintains assigned equipment in good working condition.

· Maintains a clean, safe, and organized work area.

· Identifies and reports suggested improvements or areas of concern to the Supervisor.

· Ensures professionalism and excellent customer service in all interactions while representing the City of Greer.

· Demonstrates strong ethical conduct, integrity, and accountability with coworkers, customers, and the community.

· Supports a culture of results, communication, and professional collaboration within the department and across the organization.

· Represents the department at community events or meetings when requested by the Supervisor.

· Adheres to the Employee Handbook and all applicable policies and procedures.

· Maintains regular, reliable attendance.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

Hours: Irregular/unpredictable schedule; must be available to respond for assistance needed 24/7

Salary: Minimum $23.23 hourly; dependent on experience

In addition to a competitive base pay, we currently offer comprehensive benefits package that includes health, prescription, vision, dental insurance (at no cost for employee coverage based on full participation in Wellness Program), life insurance, long-term disability, vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, FSA, EAP, Education Incentive Pay, and a defined benefit retirement plan (South Carolina Retirement System).

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

Mental & Physical Demands – ADA Guidelines

Instructions:  Indicate the level of mental and physical demand required for the position by marking C, F, O, or N/A next to each item.

Definitions: 

C – Constantly (More than 66% of the time; 5.5+ hours/day)  

F – Frequently (33%–66% of the time; 2.5–5.5 hours/day) 

O – Occasionally (Up to 33% of the time; 0–2.5 hours/day) 

N/A – Not Applicable

Physical Demands:

Stand: F  

Walk: F  

Sit: F  

Handling / Fingering: F 

Reach Outward: F  

Reach Above Shoulder: O  

Climb: O  

Crawl: O

Squat or Kneel: O  

Bend: O

Lifting Requirements:

10 pounds or less: C  

11 to 20 pounds: F  

21 to 50 pounds: O  

51 to 100 pounds: O  

More than 100 pounds: N/A

Pushing and Pulling Requirements:

12 pounds or less: C 

13 to 25 pounds: F  

26 to 40 pounds: O  

41 to 100 pounds: O  

More than 100 pounds: N/A

ONLY THOSE CANDIDATES CONSIDERED FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED 

Application deadline is Monday, March 23, 2026

- Associate’s degree in social work, law enforcement, or psychology

- Three (3) years of experience in social or human services, law enforcement, court procedures and administration, or related field;    or any equivalent combination of education and training.

- Must have or be able to complete required coursework through the S.C. Victim Services Education and Certification within one (1) year of date of hire. 

- Member of the S.C. Law Enforcement Victim Advocate Association within two (2) years of hire.

- Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

- Irregular/unpredictable work schedule