COUNSELOR (ON-CALL)

About the role

Crisis & Advocacy - River Place, 2309 Euclid, IA

Community, Family & Youth Services Department

Crisis & Advocacy Services

07/08/2026

7/17/2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time (US & Canada)

Exempt

PRA

Responsibilities

• Provides professional counseling and advocacy services to victims of violent crime and sexual assault.
• Illustrative Examples of Work:
• Provides counseling and support groups for victims and their families of violent crime and sexual assault, guide them through court procedures, trial information, and meetings with law enforcement personnel.
• Provides 24-hour crisis intervention, including telephone counseling, referrals, and on-site support during medical exams and criminal investigations. Provides homicide death notifications and responds promptly to pager calls from medical examiners, law-enforcement, county attorneys, and medical personnel within a 30-minute time-frame.
• Maintains accurate case records, generates reports, and participates in staff meetings to align departmental goals. Ensures compliance with state laws, victim rights regulations, and ethical standards in all professional interactions.
• Assists in volunteer training, ensures proper knowledge and preparation for crisis intervention. Participates in special projects that enhance victim support services and strengthen program effectiveness.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of case work, counseling methodologies, and their practical applications in victim support services.
• Thorough knowledge of group facilitation, dynamics, and engagement strategies to effectively support victims and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of state laws and legal frameworks related to victimization, sexual abuse, child abuse, and the criminal justice system.
• Knowledge of emergency medical protocols and procedures relevant to crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of available community resources to connect victims with appropriate services and support networks.
• Ability to effectively deliver impactful public education through public speaking engagements on victim advocacy and related issues.
• Ability to remain composed, exercise sound judgment, and provide professional guidance in high-pressure and crisis situations.
• Ability to accurately interpret and apply relevant regulations, policies, and procedural guidelines.
• Ability to express ideas effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with victims of violent crime, volunteers, law enforcement personnel, other County employees, and the general public, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.

Training and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, Psychology, or Human services, and
• Two years of experience in related counseling services, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements

• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• Candidate must pass a National Fingerprint Criminal History Record Check through the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation as defined in the State of Iowa code 235D.1 and Child/Adult Abuse Record Check through the Iowa Department of Human Services and Dru Sjoden National sex offender registry.
• A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.
• Ability to evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Hours for this position are typically 12 hour shifts and are after business hours during week days with weekend availability and shifts required. Flexibility is available. Schedules are made 3 months in advance. Minimum of 4 shifts per month is required.

Benefits

Click below for a detailed overview of our benefits package.

Polk County Employment Benefits

Employer

Polk County

Address

111 Court Avenue Suite 390 Human Resources

Des Moines, Iowa, 50309

Phone

515-286-3200