Bilingual Victim Assistance Specialist

Washington County, Oregon • Hillsboro, OR

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The District Attorney's Office currently has a vacancy for a Bilingual Victim Assistance Specialist. This position requires the employee to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing in Spanish. The District Attorney's Office has rewarding career opportunities on a dynamic and passionate team of Victim Advocates. The Bilingual Victim Assistance Specialist will provide advocacy, education, and support to crime victims in felony and misdemeanor cases, acting as a liaison between the victim, prosecutors, law enforcement, and community resources. The Victim Assistance Specialist (victim advocate) will have a caseload of all types of cases. The victim advocate will primarily work with a few assigned Deputy District Attorneys and cover their entire caseloads. The victim advocate will work closely with the other victim advocates on the team in making sure that all of the cases and court appearances will be covered on a daily basis. The position requires in depth understanding of the complexities of the criminal justice system and the roles of the various persons in that system. The position requires the victim advocate to have an understanding of the effects of trauma and the appropriate response techniques and to understand the appropriate resources in the community that are available to assist victims of crime. The position requires a great deal of communication with victims both in person, on the phone, and in writing to inform them of their statutory and constitutional rights and assist them in asserting them. The advocate must keep detailed and intricate documentation in the case file and in the computer data base regarding the nature and frequency of the victim contacts. This position requires the victim advocate accompany the victim to various court appearances. This position will require some preliminary work with victims to assist in the documentation of possible claims for restitution. This position may require meetings with community partners to support joint efforts to assist victims of crime. This position may require giving presentations about the role of the victim advocate to community groups, partners, or trainings. This position will be expected to keep up on current laws, policies and skills in the area of victim assistance and will be given opportunities for additional training and professional growth and development.

Requirements

• Associate degree or equivalent in Criminal Justice, Corrections, Social Work, or related fields; and one (1) year of experience as an advocate in the justice system, probation, victim assistance, or other closely related areas serving vulnerable populations.
• OR Three (3) years of work experience as an advocate in the justice system, probation, victim assistance, or other closely related areas serving vulnerable populations.
• Possession of a Victim Service Professional certification within one (1) year of hire date (DA’s Office only).
• Must pass a comprehensive background investigation.
• Require oral and written fluency in Spanish.
• Precise writing skills (including spelling, grammar, and punctuation).
• Fluent speaking skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

• In-depth understanding of victim advocacy.
• In-depth understanding of the complexities of the criminal justice system and the roles of various persons within it.
• Understanding of community resources available to assist victims of crime.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Strong time management skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a high volume, fast-paced work environment.
• Understanding of the effects of trauma and appropriate response techniques, including crisis intervention.

Responsibilities

• Provide advocacy, education, and support to crime victims in felony and misdemeanor cases.
• Act as a liaison between the victim, prosecutors, law enforcement, and community resources.
• Manage a caseload of all types of cases.
• Work closely with assigned Deputy District Attorneys to cover their caseloads.
• Collaborate with other victim advocates to ensure daily coverage of cases and court appearances.
• Communicate with victims in person, on the phone, and in writing to inform them of their rights and assist in asserting them.
• Maintain detailed documentation in case files and the computer database regarding victim contacts.
• Accompany victims to various court appearances.
• Assist in the documentation of possible claims for restitution.
• Meet with community partners to support joint efforts to assist victims of crime.
• Give presentations about the role of the victim advocate to community groups, partners, or trainings.
• Stay updated on current laws, policies, and skills in victim assistance.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing in Spanish.

Benefits

• Award-winning benefits and wellness program
• Opportunity to serve and support our vibrant community
• Bilingual pay in the amount of five percent (5%) of their base pay rate, exclusive of any other incentive pay, or a flat rate of seventy-five dollars ($75) per pay period, whichever is greater.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree