STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, 4TH CIRCUIT- VICTIM ADVOCATE I - 21009296

State of Florida•Jacksonville, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position works as part of a legal support team handling administrative and legal support responsibilities. It is a full-time, highly responsible position that requires the individual to work independently with limited supervision. Strong organizational skills, excellent communication skills (both verbal and written), and the ability to multitask effectively are essential. This position operates in a fast-paced environment and assists a team of attorneys and investigators. The ideal candidate will have strong spelling and grammar, proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, and either paralegal education or training, or experience working in a legal environment in a support role.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency
Experience in the area of criminal justice, social science, counseling, public contact or customer service; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Bachelor’s degree may be substituted for required experience.

Nice To Haves

One or more years of experience working in a law firm, courthouse, or legal department in a legal support role.

Responsibilities

Promote education about and understanding victims’ rights, both within the SAO and outside of the office.
Act as point-of-contact for crime victims/survivors and liaison for staff and attorneys. Explain to victims/survivors the stages of their case including the purpose of their being subpoenaed and the importance of being available for trial on the date they are to appear
Inform victims/survivors of rights to request, receive restitution, and assist the victim/survivor with documenting financial loss as a direct result of crime to determine appropriate amount
Coordinate with local service providers for victims in need of emergency assistance and other related services
Provide accurate, valid, and complete information to victims/survivors/next of kin (NoK)
Efficiently and compassionately conduct daily victim/NoK interviews as needed by attorneys
Build sustainable relationships of trust and empathy through open and interactive communication with the victim/survivor community
Inform victims/survivors of their constitutional rights under Article I, Section 16 “Marsy’s Law” and Chapter 960, F.S., including but not limited to the right to request court notifications, and/or provide a victim impact statement
Coordinate and deliver the provision of other direct services (such as counseling and/or victim compensation) with other victim advocates and service providers throughout the community
Provide criminal justice system advocacy to victims/survivors and their family members, to include regular in-person office and courtroom meeting, must be comfortable with crowds
Extract, transform, analyze, record, and communicate data and information from SAO case management system
Maintain required statistical data and monthly reports for VOCA
Learn SAO policies, practices, and workflows
Respond to ad-hoc requests for data and reports from all levels of the office
Coordinate all SAO referrals for and follow-up from attorneys and/or support staff
Verify all victim/survivor and affiliated individuals’ contact information
Attend regular victim services training to remain victim-centered and trauma-informed
Incumbents in this position may be required to lift files (up to 25 lbs.)

Benefits

Health insurance (over 80% employer paid)
Basic life insurance policy (100% employer paid)
Dental, vision and supplemental insurance options
Choice of FRS Pension Plan or FRS Investment Plan
104 paid annual leave hours accrued each calendar year
104 paid sick leave hours accrued each calendar year
Thirteen paid holidays per year
One personal holiday per year
Tuition waiver program within the state university and community college systems
And more!