Under general supervision, provides professional counseling and support services to victims of violent crime and sexual assault.

• Provides victims and their families with counseling services, including advising same on matters pertaining to court procedures and trial information and accompanying them to meetings with law enforcement personnel; provides homicide death notification to victim survivors.
• Provides 24-hour crisis intervention services through telephone counseling and referral and/or attendance during medical exams and criminal investigations; responds to pager calls from medical examiner, law-enforcement, county attorney and medical personnel for homicide crisis response and sexual assault victims within a 30 minute time frame.
• Monitors assigned cases, directing the victim to victim compensation assistance, public assistance and psychotherapy services; assists in preparing victim impact statements; may transport victims as needed.
• Provides individual counseling for violent crime victims and their significant others; facilitates groups for victims at Polk County Victim Services and various other facilities.
• Provides advocacy for crime victims and makes presentations to professional and civic groups; acts as a liaison with child protection workers, county attorney, law enforcement personnel, and neighborhood associations.
• Assists in training program volunteers.
• Prepares case reports and assists with special projects.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Thorough knowledge of case work, counseling techniques, and their application
• Thorough knowledge of group facilitation and group dynamics.
• Knowledge of State laws concerning victimization, sexual abuse, child abuse, and the criminal justice system.
• Knowledge of emergency medical procedures.
• Knowledge of available community resources.
• Ability to effectively provide public education through public speaking presentations regarding victim issues.
• Ability to remain composed and provide professional guidance under highly stressful conditions.
• Ability to interpret rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to express ideas effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with victims of violent crime, volunteers, law enforcement personnel, other County employees, and the general public.

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in sociology, psychology, or human services, and
• Two years of experience in related counseling services, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Must meet the requirements stated in Iowa Code Chapter 915.20A for a victim counselor.

• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.
• Ability to evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.