Violent Crimes Victim Advocate

City of Seattle•Seattle, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Human Services, a department of the City of Seattle, funds and operates programs and services that meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable people our community – families and individuals with low incomes, children, domestic violence and sexual assault victims, homeless people, seniors, and persons with disabilities. We invest in programs that help people gain independence and success. Crime Survivor Services (CSS) is a unit within the Safe and Thriving Communities Division, comprised of two programs–the system-based Crime Victim Advocates (CVA) and a volunteer trauma response called Victim Support Team (VST). CSS work with survivors of crimes of coercive control such as domestic violence, elder abuse, sexual exploitation, sexual assault, human trafficking, internet crimes against children, child abuse as well as hate crimes and the family of victims of homicide. The Crime Victim Advocates are co-located in the Seattle Police Department investigative units, working closely with the detectives and prosecutors to ensure the survivors have a voice in the criminal process, and their rights are protected. Human Services, Crime Survivor Services is actively recruiting a Victim Advocate to work alongside the Violent Crimes Investigative Unit, Seattle Police Department and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. This system-based advocacy position will include providing comprehensive services to survivors of violent crime and surviving family members of homicide throughout the investigation and criminal proceedings to ensure their rights are protected, and to help them navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system. This position will report to the HSD Crime Survivor Services Advocate Supervisor and is co-located within the SPD investigative unit at SPD Headquarters.

Requirements

B.S. in Social Sciences, social work or a related field is required (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).
Two years of experience working with victimized populations, including direct management of individual cases (or a combination of education, training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).
WA State Driver's License.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual skills are highly desirable.
Knowledgeable of trauma informed, victim advocacy strategies and the principles and processes of emotional and mental support that respects victim autonomy and confidentiality.
Knowledge of the King County Court System and the ability to work collaboratively with professions within in the criminal justice system including detectives, prosecutors, officers and advocates.
Knowledge of criminal laws and processes and the ability to explain the criminal court process to a crime survivor.
Ability to work in collaborative work environments, including the ability to manage and share responsibilities with others.
Knowledgeable of WA state crime victims bill of rights.
Strong understanding of racial and social justice analysis.
Case management experience to include maintaining case notes, updating service delivery and crime data and developing statistical reports.
Possess strong customer service skills, and excellent verbal and written communication skills, in order to interact professionally and effectively with agency personnel, external partner organizations, and the diverse community victims you serve.
Possess the ability to change priorities based on workload and need.
The ability to work independently, be highly organized and detailed-oriented.
The ability to maintain confidentiality and follow strict procedures and protocol surrounding sensitive law enforcement data.
Ability to work in high stress environment while remaining professional and flexible.
Experience with individuals who may have mental health, substance abuse issues, experiencing homelessness, and/or have criminal record.
Extensive experience working with and supporting BIPOC communities.
Experience partnering with community-based organizations to address systemic inequities.

Responsibilities

Provide advocacy support and resources to survivors of physical assault and surviving family members of homicide to help address their emotional, physical, and financial needs to reduce the impacts of trauma.
Assist survivors and their families in the grief and bereavement process following a homicide, assess what the family’s needs are, including but not limited to: providing information about Crime Victims Compensation burial benefits and assisting with the application process; providing information about the Medical Examiner’s Office and supplying a list of funeral homes if needed; grief/trauma support counseling; interceding in media requests, assisting in making arrangements for family members to come to Seattle, and assisting in returning non-evidentiary property to the victim’s family.
Update families and victims on the status of the investigation and court proceedings and explain what to expect during various stages of the criminal justice process, as well as laws surrounding violent crimes.
Work closely with the King County Prosecutors and serve as an intermediary between the victim and the system, communicating to the prosecutor and the court the victim’s wishes/concerns in their case.
Ensure that the victim is kept informed about the case as the case proceeds through the system.
Accompany victims to arraignments, bond hearings, defense interviews, further interviews involving the prosecutor and assigned detective, trial when victim is called to testify and sentencings.
Coordinate with the Department of Corrections and provide case information to Community Corrections Officers and the DOC Victim Advocate Liaison, who then notifies and provides information and advocacy to victims whose offenders are currently serving time in state prison.
Provide the victim with community-based resources such as counseling, emergency financial assistance, children/youth resources, crisis information contact info.
Aid special populations, such as non-English speaking people, refugees, the deaf, blind and developmentally disabled clients and arrange for interpreters when needed.
Develop strong and effective working relationships with detective follow-up units and the King County Prosecutors Office to empower, support and educate families and victims throughout the Criminal Justice System process.
Maintain case files, records, and track statistics related to the cases.
On occasion, this position may require availability outside of established work hours.