Job Title:  Crimes Victims Advocacy Specialist              Wage/Hour Status:  Exempt

 

Reports to : La Joya ISD Police Department Chief          Pay Grade 2: Administrative Ed.

                          

                                                                                    Initiated Date:  May 15, 2023

 

                                                                                    Revised Date: May 16, 2023

 

Dept./School:  OOG Grant                                                                             

                                                                                               

 

District Primary Purpose:  To assist and promote La Joya ISD in implementing a rigorous curriculum/instructional                                                           program that supports student success and achievement.

 

Department Primary Purpose:  To provide crisis intervention services, counseling, safety planning, transportation                                                                  Personal Advocacy & Emotional Support and work with victims to assess impact of crime,                                                      case management, identification of Department Primary Purpose: resources available to                                                        victim, provision of information, referral and follow-up contact for continued service as                                                          needed, and public awareness and education presentations at the 42 campuses where La                                                      Joya ISD students attend. To decrease victim abuse, substance abuse and dependency                                                          problems that impede student learning and social adjustment through individual, group,                                                        and crisis intervention counseling to students experiencing social, emotional difficulties in                                                      their daily academic, social and environmental functioning. 

 

                       

Qualifications:    Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited University in social work, Psychology or related Human Services field.                       

 

Education/Certification:    Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) Preferred

                                           Master’s Degree Preferred

                                           Other qualifications as deemed necessary or acceptable by the board

 

Experience:     A minimum of three years working with students in crisis situations

 

Knowledge/Skills:    Ability to assess problems using informal methods such as interviews, observations, and record reviews as well as formal assessments

Ability to respond to emergency situations promptly

Ability to make professional evaluations, decisions and recommendations for treatment planning and implementation

Knowledge of current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of mental disorders in formulation of treatment goals and application of appropriate interventions using professional counseling practices

Ability to form and maintain effective counseling relationships with   students

Develop and present to staff relevant mental wellness seminars regarding issues that students face

Promote preventive mental health maintenance care, including positive

health behaviors through education and counseling

Effective communication skills. 

Knowledgeable in physical, mental and emotional child development

Knowledgeable in the development and implementation of drug and alcohol abuse programs.

                                                           

Major Responsibilities and Duties: 

1. Provide crisis intervention services, counseling, safety planning, transportation Personal Advocacy & Emotional Support and work with victims to assess impact of crime, case management, identification of resources available to victim, provision of information, referral and follow-up contact for continued service as needed, and public awareness and education presentations at the 42 campuses where La Joya ISD students attend.
2. Conduct the alcohol and substance abuse program by planning with the campus principals and/or guidance and counseling coordinator to carry out the necessary education and training activities.
3. Facilitate all substance abuse programs and activities with administrators, school personnel, counselors and Family and Community Engagement (FACE) groups.
4. Work with resource agencies in the community to inform families and counselors of the opportunities available for assistance in the area of substance abuse and mental illness education.
5. Assist in updating and developing modules for K-12 district guidance curriculum as it relates to substance abuse education.
6. Assist in the distribution of substance abuse and mental illness information and the risks associated with both to students, counselors, and parents.
7. Confer with school counselors regarding student referrals to develop resistance and resiliency skill in students & conduct individual and/or group counseling sessions with students.
8. Assist campus counselors in the initiation and facilitation of student support groups.
9. Serve as a member on appropriate campus/district advisory groups addressing problems related to alcohol and drug abuse and mental illness.

10.Assist in acquiring and developing instruments for the assessment and evaluation of the district's substance abuse program.

11.Assist campuses with student lethality and other high-risk behavior.

12.Perform other related duties as assigned by the La Joya ISD Police Chief and in accordance to OOG grant guidelines.

MENTAL DEMANDS:

Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); interpret policy and procedures, maintain emotional control under stress.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

    Frequent district-wide and occasional statewide travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hour

       POSITION WORKING DAYS:           207 Days

All applications must be submitted on line for professional and clerical positions to the La Joya I.S.D. Office of Human Resources Department. (www.lajoyaisd.com)