Victim Services Specialist (Internal Applicants Only)

King County • Seattle, WA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Victim Service Specialist will provide comprehensive victim advocacy to the surviving family members of homicides and vehicular homicides, and victims of felony assault and felony property crimes. The Victim Service Specialist provides independent support, upholds victims’ rights, and gives a voice to crime victims within the Juvenile Justice System. A Victim Service Specialist offers support and resources from referral to our office (investigations/first appearance) through the adjudication of any criminal charges that may be filed.

Requirements

• Demonstrated expertise in the areas of violent crime and criminal justice and court-based advocacy.
• Demonstrated ability to work with people in crisis.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written; ability to communicate professionally and effectively with individuals, groups and in the courtroom.
• Considerable knowledge of local-related community resources.
• Skill in working with diverse populations; lived experience is a plus.
• Ability to exercise independent initiative and judgment while also functioning as a team player.
• Ability to problem-solve and identify needed procedural and policy changes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage voluminous and sensitive caseloads.
• A combination of education and/or lived experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the job duties of the position.
• Commitment to Race, Equity and Social Justice work, including ongoing cultural competence development.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates with experience serving LGBTQIA+ survivors are strongly encouraged to apply.
• 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

• Engage race, equity, and social justice principles in regular job duties and decision-making.
• Provide advocacy to family members of homicide and survivors of violent crimes to help address their emotional, physical, and financial needs to reduce the impacts of trauma and victimization.
• Communicate legal rights and case updates to victim(s)/survivors; engage in victim rights enforcement.
• Deploy advocacy skills, crisis and case management, and de-escalation techniques as needed.
• Assess impacts and needs resulting from crime victimization and trauma.
• Connect victims with community resources and service providers to address identified needs.
• Assist in developing coordinated safety plans with crime victims as appropriate.
• Assist survivors and their families in the grief and bereavement process following a homicide.
• Develop strong and effective working relationships with DPAs, Juvenile Probation Officers, Law Enforcement, and other system entities to empower, support, and educate families and victims throughout the Juvenile Justice System process.
• When needed, assist crime victims filing for civil protection orders, including drafting orders, completing declarations, and other legal documents for court hearings.
• Attend trials and hearings as necessary, advocate and speak on behalf of victims and their families in and out of court; prepare victims for court testimony.
• Actively participate in PAO equity work, attending equity trainings and discussions.
• Provide support for the Race, Equity, and Social Justice policy and principles, and work with PAO colleagues and management to identify opportunities for improvement.

Benefits

• PAO employees who are represented by Teamsters Local No. 117 will receive priority consideration.
• Employees with less than 2 years of service will receive .25 per hour less than the hourly salary table due to a mandatory contribution toward the Teamsters Pension Trust that was voted by members of Teamsters Local No. 117.

What This Job Offers

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