Join the empathetic and committed team of victim advocates. Applications are due August 23, 2024.
Are you an empathetic, responsible, and caring person committed to supporting others through difficult times? The Boulder Police Department has several openings for victim advocate volunteers. Advocates work with the victims of crimes, accidents, natural disasters, and other critical events to provide support services that include supplying information, emotional support and referrals to other local resources which may be able to offer the victim additional assistance and services.
Victim Advocates at the Boulder Police Department volunteer their time and are on call for one shift per month. Their services make a huge difference in the care and support the Boulder Police Department is able to provide to members of our community during and following difficult experiences.
“If you’re someone like me who likes to make a difference in the world, you’re going to love it,” says current victim advocate Sabrina. Watch a short video to hear more from Sabrina and other victim advocates sharing their experiences.
Requirements to become a victim advocate include:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must be able to work one shift per month
- Required to attend a 40-hour training session
- One-year commitment to the program
There are three on-call shifts available, dayshift is from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, nightshift is from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday through Friday, and the weekend shift starts at 6p.m. on Friday and ends at 6 a.m. on Monday.
“Being a victim advocate is one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had in my life,” says Sara Tjosvold, Victim Services Specialist. “Being able to support people during what is usually their worst day gives me a sense of connection and purpose, and the feedback we receive is that our services are absolutely critical for victims during their time of need.”
Victim advocate training will be held September 10 through September 28, 2024. It will be Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. as well as Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The training session will cover crisis intervention, community resources, active listening and emotional responses to grief and trauma.
Registration is open and applications are due no later than August 23, 2024.
To apply online, visit the Victim Services website.
For Spanish-speakers interested in becoming a bilingual victim advocate, watch our recent Noticiero Boulder short feature in Spanish.
Applications are also available at Boulder Police Department; located at 1805 33rd Street.
For more information, please contact Victim Services Senior Program Manager Susan Townley at 303-441-4048 or TownleyS@bouldercolorado.gov. You can also email victimservices@bouldercolorado.gov.