Crisis Line Specialist (Social Services Specialist I)
If you are looking to support individuals who have been affected by domestic and sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking; work in a fast-paced call center environment; and serve diverse populations, then this opportunity may be right for you. To learn more about DFS and its Mission, Vision, and Values, please click here.
ABOUT THE POSITION: The bilingual Crisis Line Specialist is a grant funded position and works under the Community Engagement Services. Under supervision of the community engagement services supervisor, the bilingual Crisis Line Specialist performs the below duties and responsibilities:
- Provides coverage to the Domestic and Sexual Violence (DSVS) 24-hour Hotline and the Lethality Assessment Protocol (LAP) line
- Assists callers with identifying and utilizing available resources and refers clients to other public and private agencies and services
- Provides crisis intervention, support, safety planning, and referrals to callers who have been affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, or stalking
- Provides guidance and information to support victims/survivors of intimate partner violence or sexual violence during a forensic evidence collection exam
- Maintains up-to-date information on referral sources and community resources
- Assists in supporting and maintaining shift coverage for the 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Violence (DSVS), the Lethality Assessment Protocol (LAP) line, and After-Hours
- Trains staff and volunteers on the crisis lines and after-hours duties and procedures
- Serves as a point of contact for staff and volunteers regarding crisis lines issues
- Serves in rotational coverage for hospital accompaniment shifts and after-hours (includes evening, overnight, and weekend on-call) shifts
- Supports volunteers while they are covering the DSVS 24-hour Hotline and LAP line
- Completes, maintains, and manages all records and statistics on crisis line calls and other pertinent data
- Attends evening and/or weekend meetings and activities as needed
- Performs other duties as assigned to support the department and/or division.
KNOWELDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: The appointee for this position must have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA):
- Proven literacy and fluency in Spanish and English
- Knowledge of principles and practices of a 24-Hour Crisis Line
- Knowledge of domestic and/or sexual violence, stalking or human trafficking
- Ability to work in a fast pace call center environment
- Ability to schedule and manage workload sufficiently to meet deadlines
- Ability to take and apply feedback effectively
- Ability to enter, maintain, and retrieve information from a computer system
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively
- Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and respectfully, both orally and in writing
- Ability to exercise good judgement when faced with complex decisions
- Ability to work well under pressure and maintain composure during stressful situations.
Note: All Fairfax County Government employees are expected to adhere to the Standards of Conduct. In maintaining a drug free workplace, employees are prohibited from manufacturing, distributing, possessing, using or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while at work or on county premises.
Employment Standards
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree.
Contingent upon the area of assignment, some positions within this class may require specific certification(s) prior to employment and/or the ability to acquire necessary certification(s) within a specified time period following employment. The certifications are identified in the position description and employment advertisement.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be both literate and fluent in Spanish and English and able to pass a proficiency test
- At least one year of experience providing services to individuals impacted by domestic and/or sexual violence, stalking or human trafficking
- At least one year of experience working or volunteering in crisis intervention services
- At least one year of experience working in a crisis hotline
- At least one year of experience in maintaining, retrieving, entering, and using information from a computer system.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Valid driver's license.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background, a driving record check, and a Child Protective Services check to the satisfaction of the employer.
This position is considered essential personnel and will be required to report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency situation (i.e., weather, transportation, other disaster).
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Ability to use automated technology. Must be able to transport self and equipment to different worksites or locations, as needed. Must be able to lift 15lbs. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include a written practical exercise.
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or status as a veteran in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.