Energetic V/WS Volunteer who is a well-trained individual with past experience working with children, youth, adults and elderly people. Wide-ranging knowledge of applicable services and professionals appropriate for clients. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Victim/Witness Services/Crisis Volunteer
Lethbridge Police Service
01.2021 - Current
Team Member
*Report to Team Program Manager
*Provide on-going support to team members being mindful of personal situations, how traumatic experiences may affect them mentally, physically and emotionally
*Respect skills, dignity and individual needs of team members and adjust to their requirements
*Respect team member comments
*Provide trauma-informed support to victim/witnesses of crime/tragedy, ensuring their right to be treated with fairness, compassion and dignity
*As team member, commit to development and implementation of client-centered programs that provide timely information, assistance, referrals and crisis support to victims/witnesses of crime or tragedy empowering them to navigate their way through criminal justice process
*Assist LPS with victim/witnesses during criminal investigations
*Accompany LPS Officers to the crime or trauma scene and provide support to victims while Officers investigate the scene
*Provide victim/witnesses with a victim-focused, central information point ensuring they can access information concerning their file
*Focus on prevention of further victimization and provide empowerment to victims/witnesses
*Maximize use of volunteer Crisis Support Workers in providing assistance to Officers in the field
*"A team is a group of people who trust each other: respect boundaries and when unsure ask; reliable-do what I say what I will do; accountable; integrity-courage over comfort; non-judgemental; compassionate
*Be a witness to someone's trauma
*Encourage and empower team members as well as victims/witnesses
*Provide connection and resources in community
*Provide justice system knowledge and framework of understanding
*Ethical: doing the right thing, for the right reason, at the right time
*Build support and confidence in Police Service and the service provided
*VSU may increase or harm people's confidence, trust and faith in LPS
*Understand the impact of trauma on physical, emotional and psychological well-being
* Complete on-going notes in files of up-to-date information and chats with the victim/witness
*Maintain hours accountable for Team funding
*Attend monthly meetings as scheduled and discuss items presented
*Attend courses and workshops as offered
*Provide information by keeping current notes in files for Court Liaison Staff to access when programming support for court appearances
*When scheduled for a shift, be ready to leave when called out
*Mentor team members and new volunteers and provide leadership support
**Be a responsible team member**
* Perform all assigned tasks to the best of my ability
*Understand confidential nature of duties with LPS
*Ability to work independently and as a team member
*Good work habits: punctual, dependable, complete tasks, be honest and have open communication
Victims/Witnesses
*With Victims/Witnesses, validate their traumatic feelings about the event
*Listen!
*Provide them with information of resources and agencies in the community, as well as existing mental health supports in the community
*Show patience and compassion
*Provide on-going contact through phone calls i.e. emotional support, wellness check, update of court results
*Be mindful of emotional and/or physical exhaustion of the victim/witness
*Support Victims/Witnesses with only relevant information they are entitled to know without endangering their well-being and provide information about the criminal justice system
*Be mindful of confidentiality of victims/witnesses and LPS
*Treat with courtesy, compassion and respect and ensure their safety and security
*Discuss safety plans
*Respect privacy of victims
*Minimize inconvenience to victims
*Provide information about Victim Impact Statement (VIS); Restitution Request (RR); Victim Assistance Application (VAA) and additional resources in the community
Education
M ED - Deaf Studies
University of ALberta
Edmonton, Alberta
06.2003
Bachelor of Science - Speech And Language Therapy
Brigham Young University
Provo Utah USA
05.1972
Skills
*Professional *Empathetic/Compassionate
*Punctual *Strong Collaborator
*Effective Time Management *Responsible Citizen
*Advocate of rights and responsibilities
*Trustworthy *Reliable
Teamwork and Collaboration
Adaptability and Dependability
Interpersonal Communication
Additional Information
Work Experience:
Coaldale Health Unit: Speech Language Pathologist
St. Albert Health Unit: Speech Language Pathologist
Alberta School for the Deaf: Speech Language Pathologist/Teacher of the Deaf
Edmonton Public Consulting Service: OutReach Consulting Services, Edmonton and Schools Northern Alberta
REACH Consulting Services CSB: with school in Lethbridge and Regional Districts: Teacher of the Deaf/Speech Language Pathologist
First Class Constable at Ontario Provincial Police, Ingersoll Police Service, Prescott Police Service and Peel Regional PoliceFirst Class Constable at Ontario Provincial Police, Ingersoll Police Service, Prescott Police Service and Peel Regional Police