Victim Advocate (2) (Internal Applicants Only)

King County•Multiple locations in King County, WA

20h•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is open only to current employees of the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Applicants must serve and pass their six-month probation period in their current position in order to be eligible to apply. The Victim Advocate provides direct advocacy to victims of crime to address emotional, physical, and financial needs, and reduce the impacts of trauma and victimization. This role involves notifying and engaging with victims upon filing and through case disposition, providing regular case updates, and facilitating engagement during critical stages and decision points. The advocate will communicate legal rights, safety options, and available resources to victims, and assist with the enforcement of victim rights. Responsibilities include assessing eligibility and assisting victims in filing Crime Victim Compensation claims, deploying crisis intervention, de-escalation, case management, and advocacy techniques, and assessing victim needs and impacts resulting from crime. The advocate will connect survivors to appropriate community services, develop coordinated safety plans, and utilize PAO facility dogs for comfort and support. Building strong working relationships with Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys, Case Development Specialists, Paralegals, Law Enforcement, and other criminal justice partners is essential. The role also involves assisting crime victims in filing for civil protection orders, attending trials and hearings, preparing victims for testimony, and providing warm handoffs and referrals to community-based organizations. Outreach to foster partnerships with community organizations and participation in trainings and community events are also key components. The position requires engaging in Race, Equity and Social Justice practices and maintaining accurate data entry and service documentation in the PAO’s case management system, PBK.

Requirements

Demonstrated expertise in victim advocacy and the criminal justice system.
Experience responding to victims of crimes strongly preferred.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals in crisis.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate clearly and professionally with victims, community partners, and in court settings.
Knowledge of local community resources and services available to victims of crime.
Ability to work effectively within and across systems (law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, community agencies).
Experience working with diverse populations and commitment to culturally responsive advocacy.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, initiative, and independence while functioning as part of a collaborative team.
Strong problem-solving skills with the 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 equity and social justice; willingness to engage in equity work, training and discussions.
Candidates with experience serving diverse survivors are strongly encouraged to apply.

Nice To Haves

This position may be eligible for the bilingual premium pay of $1 per hour for all hours worked. Desired languages include Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin, Shanghai, Other), Dari, Russian, and/or Vietnamese. To qualify for the bilingual pay premium applicants must demonstrate sufficient language proficiency.

Responsibilities

Provide direct advocacy to victims, which will include reassignment based on caseload and community need.
Provide flexible, cross-unit advocacy to ensure timely, victim-centered support, with assignment adjusted based on service needs.
Provide direct advocacy to victims of crime to address emotional, physical, and financial needs, and reduce the impacts of trauma and victimization.
Notify and engage with victims upon filing and through case disposition; provide regular case updates and facilitate engagement during critical stages and decision points.
Communicate legal rights, safety options, and available resources to victims; assist with enforcement of victim rights.
Assess eligibility and assist victims in filing Crime Victim Compensation claims.
Deploy crisis intervention, de-escalation, case management, and advocacy techniques.
Assess victim needs and impacts resulting from crime and connect survivors to appropriate community services.
Develop coordinated safety plans in collaboration with victims.
Utilize PAO facility dogs in accordance with policy to provide comfort and support to victims.
Build strong working relationships with Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys, Case Development Specialists, Paralegals, Law Enforcement, and other partners in the criminal justice system.
Assist crime victims in filing for civil protection orders, including drafting documents and declarations.
Attend trials and hearings as necessary; prepare victims for testimony and advocate on their behalf in and out of court.
Provide warm handoffs and referrals to community-based organizations to address social service needs.
Conduct outreach to foster partnerships with community organizations and address survivor-identified needs.
Participate in trainings and community events related to the impacts of victimization.
Engage in Race, Equity and Social Justice practices in daily work and decision-making.
Maintain accurate data entry and service documentation in the PAO’s case management system, PBK, by taking notes and entering data on victim interactions, information needed for other advocates to provide coverage, services provided/referred to, and attempts to contact victims.
Perform additional duties as assigned, as business needs evolve.