Victim/Witness Advocate

County of Mendocino•Fort Bragg, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The current vacancy is in Fort Bragg. This position supports victims and witnesses of crime, including survivors of human trafficking, by providing court accompaniment, safety planning, and connections to emergency housing, victim compensation, and other supportive services. The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions, should they occur. Pursuant to current bargaining unit agreements, employees regularly assigned to the coastal region or in Covelo are eligible to receive a 5% assignment premium. Under general supervision provides a wide range of direct services to victims, witnesses and their families involved in the criminal justice system; work consists of responsible paraprofessional and administrative duties. Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply. Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

Requirements

Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college in criminal justice, behavioral science, social science or a related field; and, two (2) year of experience providing supportive counseling to victims and witness of crime, or related work in a private or public agency working with the criminal justice system; or, any combination of higher education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Valid Driver's License
Successful completion of Entry Level Advocate Training within one (1) year of hiring.
Knowledge of: Dynamics of victimization and domestic violence, child abuse survival and the stages of grieving following a homicide.
Basic functions of public law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system.
General office procedures, policies and practices, as well as basic knowledge of general office equipment
Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations.
All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.
Skill in: Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
Using a computer terminal to accurately and rapidly enter and retrieve data and information.
Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
Maintaining professional ethics and personal boundaries.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before groups and respond to questions.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, and speak and hear.
While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish

Responsibilities

Responds in person or by telephone to victim's immediate needs; provides emergency assistance in response to a victim's immediate needs
In emergencies, refers or places victims of crimes of domestic violence in a temporary, safe living environment.
Contacts victims and provides assistance with financial losses that result from the commission of a crime, including claims with Victims of Crime Program.
Refers victims to appropriate agencies for a broad range of services and resources, including medical or therapeutic treatment.
Assists law enforcement and District Attorney's Office in interviewing crime victims, providing emotional support and physical resources as necessary.
Arranges transportation for victims and witnesses; coordinates their excused absence from employment; arranges lodging and other accommodations.
Assists in obtaining the return of a victim's property held as evidence.
Provides information to victims/witnesses about the criminal justice system; provides information regarding the status and disposition of cases.
Provides assistance, escort and support to victims/witnesses for court appearances and interviews.
Notifies and informs families and friends of the status and condition of victims of crime.
Intercedes on victim's behalf informing creditors of the victim's inability to meet current financial obligations and informing providers of services of the status of the victim's claim with Victims of Crime Compensation Program.
Intervenes on behalf of the victims in informing employers of temporary inability to meet employment obligations due to proceedings related to the criminal justice system.
Assists with the arrangement of temporary child care while a victim or witness is taking part in the criminal justice process.
Provides crime prevention information through brochures, counseling, public presentations and/or referrals to appropriate criminal justice agencies.
Provides aid and information to victims and witnesses in completing forms necessary for obtaining temporary or ex-parte restraining orders.
Develops a strong liaison with law enforcement and human service agencies to provide effective service to victims.
Advocates for victims' rights in contacts with criminal justice representatives, community organizations and/or the public.
Notifies witnesses of known cancellation or changes in scheduled court appearances
Assists a deceased victim's immediate family member with funeral arrangements.
Assists with Sexual Assault Response Team coordination, scheduling exams and chairing meetings as needed.
Maintains records; prepares memorandums, letters, reports and/or other documents.
Reads and reviews crime reports.
Performs other related duties as assigned.