Extra Help - Victim Witness Worker I

County of Tulare•Visalia, CA

15h•Onsite

About The Position

This is an extra help position, meaning employment hours and duration vary by assignment. Extra help employees can work in various County departments and locations, but are limited to 1,559 hours per fiscal year (July to June). Applications are active for six months, and reapplication is required for continued employment after a work assignment. Extra help positions do not offer benefits. This role involves providing victim assistance services, liaising with public and private agencies, conducting presentations, offering court support, and explaining victim rights and court procedures.

Requirements

Equivalent to completion of two (2) years of college, including 15 units of criminal law, sociology or related area.
Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in interviewing or obtaining information in fields similar to the criminal justice system.
Knowledge of interviewing, counseling, and recordkeeping techniques.
Knowledge of the Criminal Justice System in order to assist victims.
Knowledge of public and private agency resources available to victims, and to the Victim Witness Program.
Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures.
Ability to work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers.
Ability to operate contemporary office equipment inclusive of computer, keyboard, and all applicable electronic equipment.
Ability to interview and counsel effectively in a variety of crisis situations and settings.
Ability to accurately gather, record, and correctly evaluate data necessary for the determination of eligibility for benefits in the Victim Witness Program.
Ability to elicit information from and give information to applicants in difficult circumstances involving emotional disturbance.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.

Responsibilities

Provide victim assistance services to a broad base of the public via self-initiated activities.
Contact public departments and private agencies to inform them of the Victim Witness Program and solicit their involvement as a referral agency.
Maintain a working relationship with other referral departments and agencies.
Give presentations to law enforcement agencies and civic groups to explain the Victim Witness Program.
Through referral systems, contact crime victims to offer services and benefits of the program.
Offer court support to victims of sexual assault and families of homicide victims by attending court with them, explaining the court system and procedures, and their rights as victims/victims' families.