Victim Advocate I

Butte County•Oroville, CA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Under close supervision, this classification provides assistance and support to violent crime victims, their family members as appropriate, and witnesses of violent crime by providing information, support, referral and advocacy services. The role serves in a direct assistance/support capacity for violent crime victims, acts as a liaison for, and coordinates services with, and provides outreach presentations to internal staff and external organizations. Responsibilities include receiving, reviewing, and processing a variety of documents relevant to assigned area of responsibility. This is the entry-level position in the Victim Advocate series, where work is usually supervised while in progress. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence.

Requirements

Knowledge of processes and procedures within the criminal justice system and laws, rules, and regulations including those governing the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Victim Witness Program.
Knowledge of operations and services provided within a comprehensive Victim Witness Program including the California Victim Compensation Program.
Knowledge of basic psychology and sociology related to victims of crimes and their needs, including the domestic violence cycle, and learned helplessness theories.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to victims and victims’ rights programs.
Knowledge of principles and techniques of personal trauma reduction and crisis intervention.
Knowledge of functions, processes, and terminology of the criminal justice system.
Knowledge of medical terminology and common procedures and medications.
Knowledge of principles and techniques of effective interviewing.
Knowledge of principles and practices of case management.
Knowledge of community resources for services, including housing, social services, and behavioral health resources.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of reviewing and/or preparing documents for assigned cases.
Knowledge of business mathematics.
Knowledge of techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Knowledge of modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability to serve as an advocate for assigned victims with respect to needed services and court-related processes.
Ability to provide paraprofessional crisis intervention, trauma reduction and follow up counseling assistance to individuals who are victims of, or witnesses to, a violent crime.
Ability to interview effectively in a variety of settings, assess the needs of program clients and provide emotional support to reduce the trauma associated with being the victim of a crime.
Ability to understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to victims’ rights programs.
Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and concise correspondence, reports, and other written materials and effectively communicate with others.
Ability to coordinate services with internal and external groups on behalf of victims.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of all documents and records, as appropriate.
Ability to perform accurate mathematical calculations.
Ability to independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
Ability to effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Ability to communicate ideas and legal issues clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Ability to use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Equivalent to an associate degree in psychology, social services, criminal justice, or a closely related field.
One (1) year of experience in crisis intervention, counseling, or similar social service delivery work.
Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application.
Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
40 Hour Advocate I Training must be completed within a reasonable time of hire.

Nice To Haves

Victim Advocate II may act as a lead, and/or provide training when appropriate.
As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence.

Responsibilities

Receives, reviews and processes a diverse range of documents relevant to specific case; documents include, but are not limited to, crime reports, medical reports, court records, and other documentation used to determine the level of services needed to support the crime victim.
Provides crisis intervention to victims to assist in reducing trauma and facilitate adjustment; provides para-professional counseling on a short term and follow-up basis, in the field or program office.
Performs outreach to identify victims eligible for assistance.
Assists victims in the criminal justice system by offering information and updates about the criminal justice process, offering notification of criminal justice events, criminal advocacy and accompaniment to court appearances, assisting with property return, arranging interviews with law enforcement and attorney staff; offering assistance with impact statements and restitution requests.
Facilitates communication with prosecutor and/or children and family services agencies as an advocate for the victim.
Provides referrals to various support organizations to assist victims in obtaining counseling, medical and dental care, protective services, mental health services, shelter, and related community services.
Explains court procedures and terms, notifies victims of court events, arranges transportation to court when appropriate, provides court orientation, accompaniment, and criminal case status to victims; assists victims or family members in attending Parole Hearings.
Aids crime victims in completing forms and applications including the California Victim Compensation application and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Form 1707 and submits to the appropriate state agency.
Provides educational presentations regarding the program and its service.
When appropriate, serves as a liaison to, and coordinates services with, internal staff and external agencies or organizations including, but not limited to, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), law enforcement, court systems, medical providers, community-based organizations providing needed services, and other entities.
Prepares and maintains a variety of records, correspondence, reports, and program information.
Establishes and accurately maintains a calendar on multiple case files, including regular updates, communication and contacts with victims, court hearings, and restitution follow-up.
Performs various administrative duties such as receiving telephone calls, processing forms, entering data into specialized computer systems, and maintaining appropriate files and records.
Responds to incidents of mass violence/casualties as required.
Performs related duties as assigned.