Bilingual Spanish Domestic Violence & Violent Crime Victim Advocate

King County • Seattle, WA

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is seeking a bilingual Spanish Victim Advocate for its Victim Services team. This role provides comprehensive advocacy to victims of domestic violence and violent crime, helping ensure that they are informed, supported, and engaged throughout the criminal justice process. Advocates are cross-trained and may be reassigned as caseloads and community needs change, allowing the office to provide flexible, timely, victim-centered services.

The advocate serves as a link between victims, prosecutors, and community resources. The position addresses survivors’ rights, safety concerns, and needs; maintains case notes and data in the PAO’s case management system; and contributes to performance review and process improvements. The role requires professional English and Spanish communication without an interpreter. Eligible employees may receive a $2-per-hour bilingual premium after demonstrating sufficient language proficiency.

The position is based at the King County Courthouse in Seattle. The usual schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Employees may telecommute under a hybrid schedule, with at least two days in the office weekly, subject to business needs and a telecommuting agreement. New PAO employees must work in the office four days per week during their first six months. Employees must live in Washington state within a reasonable distance of the King County worksite. The salary range is $38.88 to $49.28 per hour; employees with less than two years of service receive $0.25 per hour less due to a mandatory employee pension contribution. The position is represented by Teamsters Local No. 117 and is eligible for King County benefits.

Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter, answer supplemental questions, and complete the King County application. Finalists must pass a criminal background check and reference check and be fingerprinted. The office encourages applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experience.

Requirements

• Demonstrated expertise in victim advocacy and the criminal justice system.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English and Spanish without a Spanish interpreter.
• Sufficient Spanish language proficiency to qualify for the bilingual pay premium.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals in crisis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including clear, professional communication with victims, community partners, and in court settings.
• Knowledge of local community resources and services available to crime victims.
• Ability to work effectively across law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, and community agencies.
• Experience working with diverse populations and commitment to culturally responsive advocacy.
• Ability to use sound judgment, initiative, and independence while contributing to a collaborative team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to identify procedural and policy improvements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage high-volume, sensitive caseloads.
• Ability to maintain positive, professional relationships with colleagues, management, attorneys, court personnel, law enforcement, community providers, and the public.
• Commitment to race, equity, and social justice, including willingness to participate in related work, training, and discussions.
• Must reside in Washington state within a reasonable distance of the King County worksite.
• Finalists must successfully complete a criminal background check and reference check and be fingerprinted.

Nice To Haves

• Experience responding to victims of crime is strongly preferred.
• Experience serving diverse survivors is strongly encouraged.
• Candidates with relevant lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct advocacy to victims of domestic violence or violent crime, with assignments adjusted to caseloads and community needs.
• Provide flexible, cross-unit advocacy and timely, victim-centered support.
• Address victims’ emotional, physical, and financial needs and help reduce the impacts of trauma and victimization.
• Notify and engage victims from case filing through disposition, provide case updates, and facilitate engagement during critical stages and decision points.
• Explain victims’ legal rights, safety options, and available resources, and assist with enforcement of victim rights.
• Assess eligibility for Crime Victim Compensation and assist victims with applications.
• Use crisis intervention, de-escalation, case management, and advocacy techniques.
• Assess victims’ needs and the impacts of crime, and connect survivors with appropriate community services.
• Develop safety plans collaboratively with victims.
• Use PAO facility dogs in accordance with policy to comfort and support victims.
• Build working relationships with prosecutors, Case Development Specialists, paralegals, law enforcement, and other criminal justice partners.
• Assist victims with civil protection order applications, including drafting documents and declarations.
• Attend trials and hearings as needed, prepare victims for testimony, and advocate on their behalf in and out of court.
• Provide warm handoffs and referrals to community-based organizations for social service needs.
• Conduct outreach to build partnerships with community organizations and address survivor-identified needs.
• Participate in trainings and community events related to domestic violence advocacy and victimization.
• Apply equity and social justice practices in daily work and decision-making.
• Maintain accurate case-management data and documentation, including victim interactions, contact attempts, services provided or referred, and information needed for advocate coverage.

Benefits

• Eligible for King County’s benefits package.
• Eligible for a $2-per-hour bilingual premium for all hours worked, subject to demonstrated language proficiency.
• Hybrid telecommuting schedule, subject to business needs and a telecommuting agreement.
• County-issued laptop.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed