Victim Services Specialist I

Join the City of Chattanooga Team

Chattanooga, a vibrant and growing community of over 190,000 residents within a metropolitan area of nearly 600,000 is known as the "Scenic City" for a reason. Nestled along the Tennessee River and surrounded by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, we are a hub of outdoor adventure and innovation. Home to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and Chattanooga State Community College, our city blends a rich industrial history with a tech-forward future—famously powered by the nation’s first community-wide "Gig" fiber-optic network.​  The City of Chattanooga was also recently designated as a "National Park City,” the first of its kind in the United States.  

Our Organization

As a City, we are powered by a dedicated workforce of approximately ​2,600 employees committed to excellence in public service and making Chattanooga the best community in the country. Our team ensures our city thrives through a wide range of municipal services, including:

• Public Safety: Chattanooga Police and Fire Departments.
• Infrastructure & Utilities: Public Works, Waste Resources, and specialized Stormwater management.
• Quality of Life: Award-winning Parks and Outdoors and Community Development systems and the Chattanooga Public Library.
• Transportation: The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) and citywide transit and pedestrian friendly initiatives.
• Innovation: Leading-edge  smart-city programs with a commitment to cutting edge workforce development policies to ensure all our residents can get ahead.

Why Choose Chattanooga?

The City of Chattanooga’s workforce is the heartbeat of our community. We don't just offer jobs; we offer careers with purpose: making Chattanooga the best city in America. We are committed to being the premier employer of choice in Southeast Tennessee by providing:

• Competitive Compensation: Robust pay scales that reflect our commitment to our staff.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible.
• Exceptional Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs designed for you and your family that deliver savings to you beyond your paycheck, featuring a centralized health clinic and pharmacy for all City employees. .
• Growth: A focus on professional development and upward mobility within the organization.
• ​The Great Outdoors: Your Backyard Playground:  Chattanooga isn't just near nature, it's immersed in it.  As one of the most biodiverse cities in North America, the "Scenic City" offers an ecological richness that few places on earth can claim.  Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a weekend wanderer, world-class adventure is always less than an hour away.
• ​Vertical Adventures: Scale legendary sandstone cliffs in what is widely considered the premier rock climbing hub of the Southeast.
• Water & Rapids: From the high-octane whitewater kayaking of the Ocoee River to world-class bass fishing and peaceful paddling on the Tennessee River.
• Trails for Miles: Explore a massive network of mountain biking and hiking trails that wind through lush ridges, hidden waterfalls, and deep river gorges.

In Chattanooga, "work-life balance" means you can finish your shift and be at a trailhead or on the water before the sun sets.

Our mission is to work together to build a safe, vibrant, and sustainable city for all Chattanoogans. To do that, it takes a team of skilled and passionate individuals. So, if you’d like to call Chattanooga home – or maybe you already do! – and want to further your career through meaningful work that makes a true impact where you live, we’d love to talk to you.

Salary:  $24.76 - $27.07/hour

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. (EST)
*Hours may vary due to work assignments or projects.*

Work Location:  Police Service Center, Amnicola Highway

FLSA Status: This is a NON-Exempt position.

Department: Police

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY:  

Incumbents in this classification provide key direct services to victims and survivors of crime, which includes but is not limited to assessment and intake, follow-up, safety planning, notification of rights, referrals to community resources, court accompaniment and criminal justice advocacy.

SERIES LEVEL: 

This is the first of a two-level series.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
(The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification; only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.)

Remains current and knowledgeable of victim’s rights, victim-centered practices and trauma-informed approaches to working with victims and survivors of crime. 

Provides key direct services to victims and survivors of crime, which includes but is not limited to: follow-up, safety planning, notification of rights, referrals to Criminal Injuries Compensation, court accompaniment and criminal justice advocacy. 

Provides brief crisis stabilization and psychoeducational counseling to victims and survivors. Provides information concerning legal procedures and options; keeps victims informed about status of cases; assists victims through the court process by accompanying them to court if appropriate. 

Assists victims of violent crimes, or survivors, in navigating the State of Tennessee’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund for potential compensation or reimbursement that covers expenses associated with the crime. 

Provides community outreach and education to community groups, civic organizations, and the general public concerning victims' rights, supportive resources, and the criminal justice process. 

Builds and maintains effective working partnerships with law enforcement personnel. Attends departmental meetings, briefings, and training as assigned. 

Adheres to all documentation and charting requirements as dictated by the Unit's Standard Operating Procedures. 

May complete Ride Alongs and/or Call-Out hours with Patrol Officers during the course of their shift in an effort to provide on scene support and services to victims of crime. 

Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Bachelor's degree from an accredited school in the field of social work, psychology, sociology or related field is required. One (1) to three (3) years of relevant experience in case management, community resources, advocacy, and conflict resolution activities or any combination of equivalent experience and education. This is a safety-sensitive position requiring pre-employment background check, polygraph, drug screening, and fingerprinting.

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS: 

A valid Driver's License.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 

Knowledge of best practices for victim needs, service, and care; best practices of trauma principles; implementation principles; law enforcement investigative procedures; local service agencies and services they provide; managing multiple cases; court trial procedures; adherence to confidentiality standards; and using computer and related software applications. 
 
Skill in verbal and written communications; applying independent judgment; personal discretion; interpersonal skills as applied to co-workers, victims, and general public; active listening; multitasking; sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.  If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.
 
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Safety Sensitive:  Y 
Department of Transportation - CDL: N
Child Sensitive: Y
 
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

The City of Chattanooga, Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

JES 3.13.25