Victim Advocate Volunteer - Fort Collins, CO

POSITION TITLE: Victim Advocate Volunteer (Hourly) · REQUISITION #: req8341 · DEPARTMENT: Police Investigations · LOCATION: POLICE BUILDING · SELECTION PROCESS: Application deadline is 3:00 p.m. MT on 4/13/2026. · The City of Fort Collins is a bias-conscious employer. We ask that ...

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Victim Advocate Volunteer (Hourly)

REQUISITION #: req8341

DEPARTMENT: Police Investigations

LOCATION: POLICE BUILDING

SELECTION PROCESS: Application deadline is 3:00 p.m. MT on 4/13/2026.

The City of Fort Collins is a bias-conscious employer. We ask that you please avoid the use of photos when submitting a resume and/or an application for employment. You will receive an email acknowledgment when you have successfully submitted an application. Your completed application will be forwarded to the hiring manager. You will be notified if you are selected for further testing or interviews. Please keep your contact information up-to-date. The status of your application will be updated in your applicant profile. Background check and Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) required. (Background checks are considered in relation to the responsibilities and requirements of the position)

While the City of Fort Collins offers many remote and/or hybrid positions, all remote or hybrid work must be performed in the state of Colorado.

At the City, we are focused on finding the strongest candidate for the role, and we recognize that excellence can come from a wide variety of experiences and paths. When reviewing applications, we consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and lived experiences that align with the minimum qualifications. If you are interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to view your background broadly and highlight the skills and experiences that best prepare you for the role.

VICTIM SERVICES TEAM

JOB TITLE: Victim Services Volunteer

PURPOSE: Members of the Victim Services Team will be trained to offer emotional support and crisis intervention to individuals who have become a victim of crime within the Fort Collins city limits. They will also provide information on the criminal justice system, support agency referral, aid in acquiring emergency shelter, and facilitate other immediate needs. The Victim Services Volunteer will conduct follow-up assistance in providing information on victim compensation benefits and status and progression of their case through preliminary stages of the judicial system until the time of arrest. Victim Services Volunteers will report to the Victim Services Supervisor.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide advocacy and immediate crisis intervention for victims of crime;

• Assess immediate victim needs and provide referrals and follow-up services;

• Act as a liaison between victims and the criminal justice system;

• Provide victims with information on other proceedings;

• Ensure that victims are aware of their rights under the Colorado Crime Compensation Act and the Colorado Law and provide them with name of contact person if applicable;

• Complete necessary reports and documenting services rendered and activities performed;

• Represent Fort Collins Police Services in a positive and professional manner when contacting victims or citizens in general;

• Attend bi-monthly support and training meetings;

• Make a one-year commitment to the program;

• Complete a mandatory 8-hour ride-along with an officer as part of initial training, as well as a ride-along once every six months.

City Competencies

• Demonstrated cultural competence to effectively interact, work, and develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.
• Strong learning orientation. Leverages all resources and is creative in ways of learning for self to continue adapting to changing issues and trends.
• A desire and ability to understand the diverse needs of internal and external customers, and to create experiences and deliver services that exceed their expectations.
• A desire and ability to utilize digital tools for organizational information, individual, and teamwork.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 21 years of age;
• Must live in close proximity to the city limits of Fort Collins in order to respond to calls in a timely manner;
• Must have a valid driver's license;
• Ability to provide his/her own transportation and have appropriate vehicle insurance;
• Ability to complete the application and background investigation process successfully;
• Ability to attend 45 hours of initial training (involves evenings and weekends);
• Ability to cope with emotional and stressful situations;
• Ability to be empathetic and non-judgmental with victims of crime;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Possess strong interpersonal skills;
• Be self-motivated;
• Ability to be on call by pager when assigned (involves evenings/weekends/holidays);
• Ability to communicate well, think well, and respond quickly, often in crisis situations, are essential qualifications.

BENEFITS: Victim Services Volunteers will be provided in-depth and ongoing training in dynamics of victimization in victim assistance and will gain direct experience in providing support to people in need. They will also gain knowledge about law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Participation will enhance the community responsiveness to rights of victims and survivors of crime.

Victim Services Volunteer Basic Training Course

The following are some of the basic classes held during the initial Victim Assistance Academy. Other training topics are offered to advocates throughout the year, or during monthly victim advocate meetings. The list does not include all training offered.

• Crisis Intervention
• Medical Examiner's/Coroner's Office – How advocates work with them
• Death investigations – Includes homicide, unattended death, suicide, accidental. What advocates need to know
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
• Sexual Assault – adults and children
• Robbery
• Kidnapping
• Working with other Larimer County based victim service providers

The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call for assistance.

Notice Regarding Medical and/or Recreational Marijuana Use:

Because the possession and use of marijuana, whether for medical use or otherwise, constitutes a federal offense and because the City is a drug free workplace, the City will not accommodate the medical use of marijuana and enforces written policy prohibiting working for the City while marijuana is in the body. The fact that state law recognizes medical marijuana as a prescribed, or otherwise permitted, medication does not alter or otherwise change this policy.

The City is committed to equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. Employment decisions will comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment. The City does not tolerate behavior that results in the terms and conditions of employment being adversely impacted based on an employee's protected status, or any behavior that violates this policy.

Consistent with the City's respect for the rights and dignity of each employee, the City is committed to providing a work environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. The City prohibits discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics, including race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including perceived sexual orientation), gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, age 40 years or older, pregnancy or related condition, military, veteran status or uniformed service member status, genetic information, marital status or any other status protected under federal, state or local law.

The City is committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment. In addition to the City's commitment to equal opportunity employment, the City strictly prohibits discrimination or retaliation against an employee who raises any reasonable concern about workplace violations of government health or safety rules or a significant threat to the health or safety of City employees or the public, if the City controls the workplace conditions giving rise to the threat or violation.

BACKGROUND CHECK AND MOTOR VEHICLE REPORT (MVR) REQUIRED. (Background checks are considered in relation to the responsibilities and requirements of the position)

Note: Some information in your application may be public information under the Colorado Open Records Act.