Victim Advocate

Position Summary

Provide essential services and advocacy for individuals and families affected by violent crimes within the Albuquerque Police Department. This role involves assisting detectives and officers with next-of-kin notifications, responding promptly to victim inquiries, and facilitating communication between case agents. The advocate will act as a liaison to community services, ensuring victims are connected with necessary support systems. Collaboration with prosecuting agency advocates is key to ensuring a seamless transition from police investigation to legal proceedings. This position will also contribute to the development and delivery of training programs for law enforcement personnel, civilians, and community groups.

This is a safety-sensitive position and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

Job descriptions outline the general duties of a position but are not exhaustive. Employees may be required to perform additional tasks as needed.

Essential Functions

• Engage with victims of violent crimes through in-person meetings, phone calls, and written correspondence.
• Maintain and update the victim contact database, ensuring case agents are informed of significant communications from victims and their families.
• Collaborate with local community organizations that support crime victims to align internal advocacy programs with victim recovery pathways.
• Facilitate connections between victims and their families with the Crime Victims Reparations Commission and other relevant state and federal agencies offering assistance.
• Present high-level case updates to supervisors within the division.
• Organize and attend meetings requested by families with appropriate police representatives.
• Conduct follow-up contact with victims or initiate proactive outreach.
• Liaise with prosecutors and their advocates regarding updates on cases awaiting adjudication.
• Review police reports to identify potential victims who may not have been reached through standard referral channels and initiate contact.
• Compile detailed reports on the number of victim contacts and referrals made.
• Audit active cases to confirm adherence to case-specific contact deadlines.
• Manage administrative tasks, including sending update letters to victims and updating the victim contact database.

Supplemental Functions

• Respond to crisis situations as they arise.
• Undertake other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Working Conditions

Environmental: Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to computer screens.

Physical: The role may require prolonged periods of sitting and extensive use of a computer keyboard.