Victim Services Counselor

Job Description:

Victim Services Counselor

Description

About This Position

Job Description:

Victim Services Counselor

Purpose:

Uses comprehensive knowledge to provide crisis and clinical counseling to individuals, couples, and families experiencing crime, trauma, or crisis situations in support of the Austin Police Department's Victim Services Counseling Program.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Provides psychological, emotional, cognitive, and physical assessments of individuals of crime, trauma, or crisis situations; either on scene of the incident or at a later time when the person is located.
  
• Formulates and implements clinical intervention strategies until stabilization occurs.
  
• Provides support and assistance to victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice process serving as a liaison and advocate with law enforcement and other agencies.
  
• Delivers death notifications for all APD related cases as requested by the Travis County Medical Examiner’s office and other outside agencies across the country.
  
• Prepares for and testifies in court as a fact witness or as an expert witness.
  
• Plans, develops, and conducts trainings, presentations, and educational sessions to law enforcement, other outside agencies and the community.
  
• Serves as the Crime Victim Liaison for the Austin Police Department, providing information about victim’s rights and Crime Victims’ Compensation to victims of crime and law enforcement personnel.
  
• Conducts media interviews in collaboration with the Public Information Office.
  
• Compiles data and information for reports.
  
• Assists other public safety agencies.
  
• Conducts debriefings, group counseling, and/or diffusing’s to law enforcement, other public safety agencies, other agencies, and the community after critical incidents, large scale events, and disasters.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• None
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of counseling, theoretical frameworks, and techniques.
  
• Knowledge of mental health issues, trauma, and victimology.
  
• Knowledge of Critical Incident Command.
  
• Knowledge of police operations and investigative procedures.
  
• Knowledge of Victim Assistance best practices.
  
• Skill in oral and written communications.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications. Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Skill in trauma and crisis counseling.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities. Ability to train others.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees, external agencies, and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Mental Health Oriented Science or in a field related to the job, plus two (2) years' experience in mental health crisis and trauma counseling.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Class C Driver's License
  

Preferred qualification:

• Ability to effectively communicate in both English and Spanish.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Location: 4201 Ed Bluestein Blvd, Austin, Texas 78721

Payrate: $27.77- $33.95

Hours: 9am-5pm; Monday through Friday with some weekend/overnight requests.

City of Austin Application:

A complete and detailed City of Austin employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications. For each position, please describe your specific experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications. Please be thorough in completing the employment application and list all experience and education that is relevant to this position. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience and education. Application must include job titles, job duties performed, full or part time status. Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment or computer software used.

A resume and cover letter must be submitted to be considered for this position but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Please verify the employment history dates on your resume exactly match your online application.

CBI:

Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions. Please Click here to find more information.

Secondary Employment:

All Austin Police employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.

• APD must review all secondary employment.
  
• Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with APD, as well as current APD employees considering Secondary employment.
  

Driving Requirement:

This position requires a valid Class C driver's license . Do you have a valid Class C driver's license or if selected for this position, do you have the ability to acquire a valid Class C driver's license by your hire date?

T he City of Austin Driver Eligibility Standards require that External New Hires meet the City’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

Benefits:

Working with the Austin Police Department provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click here to find more information.

To learn more about working with the City of Austin, click here to watch a short video!

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO/AA statement:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM



At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-07-12