Objectives of Program: This program is designed to help victims of crime and trauma, elderly and handicapped victims, and survivors of homicides, suicides, accidental deaths, including traffic fatalities and sudden infant death syndrome, regain their physical, emotional, social and economic well-being by means of immediate intervention and advocacy.

Job Responsibility: Advocates will be on call for a designated period of time each month. When an advocate is called out on a case, he/she will respond to the scene of the incident, the hospital, law enforcement agency, or any other designated area. The advocate will remain with the victim/survivor during the immediate crisis. This may include accompanying the victim/survivor to the hospital, staying with the person throughout the investigative process, and referring him/her to appropriate agencies for follow-up counseling, if appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications: Advocates must be able to work on call. They must have an open, non-judgmental attitude towards victims/survivors. The ability to communicate well, think well, and respond quickly are essential qualifications. Genuine concern and empathy for victims of crime and survivors of sudden or violent deaths, regardless of the circumstances, are necessary qualities.

Time Commitment: The advocate must be willing to make a one-year commitment to the program, to attend bi-monthly support meetings and be on-call one week per month, during an assigned shift.

Training Provided: A 40-45 hour training course includes crisis counseling, victimology, legal procedures, law enforcement, resource information, as well as a ride along with a law enforcement officer.

Special Requirements: The advocate must have his/her own transportation, a phone available where he/she can be reached during the day and/or night, and be willing to submit to an employment/character background investigation.

Responsible to: Victim Assistance program Director, Donna Foster, (303) 441 - 3656.

Boulder County is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.