Victim, Family and Community Relations Coordinator
This position is located within the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s (BCA) Investigations Division and plays a critical role in ensuring a victim centered and trauma informed approach throughout the investigative process. The Victim Relations Coordinator serves as a key liaison between the BCA, particularly the Force Investigation Unit and individuals, families, and communities impacted by critical incidents. These incidents may include use of deadly force cases, sexual assault cases, and/or other sensitive investigations.
The Coordinator will engage directly with victims, survivors, and next of kin, providing compassionate communication, timely updates, and support services throughout the duration of an investigation. In addition, the Coordinator will work collaboratively with law enforcement agencies and partner organizations to promote transparency, build trust, and ensure consistent, equitable treatment for all impacted parties. This role is essential to advancing the BCA’s commitment to public trust, and victim advocacy within complex investigations.
The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited school in criminal Justice or closely related field such as family advocacy, youth or juvenile advocacy and two (2) years of work experience related to criminal justice and /or crime victim services.
Or
Three (3) years of work experience related to criminal justice and/or crime victim services or youth services.
Experience related to criminal justice and/or crime victim services must include all of the following:
- Knowledge of victim, family, and community engagement with respect to police and community relations.
- Understanding the sensitivity of criminal investigation cases and the data therein while still maintaining the ability to effectively.
- Experience working with the courts systems and legal process.
- Experience working with criminal justice database systems with the purpose of expedited and accurate communications.
- Knowledge and understanding of investigative reports and their required processes.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to teach, present and facilitate training.
- Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience as a Victim Advocate, Victim Witness coordinator, or community and Family Advocate with a criminal justice agency.
Advanced degree, such as a Master's, Juris Doctorate or PhD in a related field.
Experience working with victims dealing with trauma induced behaviors, injuries and residual effects.
Experience with public speaking, training facilitation and community/family engagement with respect to government agencies.
Completion of the Minnesota Victim Assistance academy or national equivalent.
Bilingual speaking ability.
Physical Requirements
Requires occasionally moving and transporting 50 pound items and frequently moving and transporting objects such as heavy tools and heavy file boxes. This job may require positioning self to move to a significant degree across rough terrain or may involve maintaining a stationary position for extended periods.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of the following:
It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, includes the following components:
- Criminal history
- Reference check
- Credit check
- Fingerprint (MNJIS/CJIS)
- Driver's license check
- Drug screen
The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.
Application Details
How to Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Yerly Lee at yerly.lee@state.mn.us.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Yerly Lee at yerly.lee@state.mn.us.
About Public Safety Dept
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a diverse, complex agency dedicated to serving communities across the state. DPS has 10 public facing and four support divisions with about 2,400 dedicated employees operating programs statewide that all have one goal: Building a safer Minnesota.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals:
- Training, classes, and professional development
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
- A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need. For accommodations or questions about accessibility specifically relating to this job announcement, please email the Internal Affairs/Affirmative Action Division at marna.johnson@state.mn.us or 651-539-1875.