Victim Advocate - 618Co

Summary of Duties

This Victim Advocate position is funded through a grant from the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy and provides advocacy services to victims of non-domestic violence and non-sexual assault crimes and their families, including assessment of victim needs, criminal justice system orientation, and referral to community resources, with a special emphasis on outreach activities throughout Thurston County.

From locations including the Thurston County Courthouse and Thurston County Family Justice Center, the Victim Advocate consults with and provides suggestions and information to assigned deputy prosecuting attorneys regarding the status of witnesses and expectations for court testimony. Makes recommendations to the court as requested by the court.

The candidate in this position performs specialized counseling and referral functions in support of victims and/or witnesses, working as part of a team to provide information, support, and referrals to victims about justice system procedures. The Advocate identifies the need for, and refers victims to community resources. Duties involve initiating contact with victims and/or witnesses, providing assistance and in-court support to victims, explaining court processes, and participating in interviews and potentially participating in case discussions.

• Establishes and maintains working relationships with the community, human and social service agencies to which victims may be referred, and with other agencies in the criminal justice system.
• Serves as the advocate assigned to the Crime Victims Advocacy Network (CVAN), working with other members of the team to provide services to victims and/or witnesses. Maintains detailed notes and files. Works as a team with other advocates to prepare reports and statistics as they are needed and may prepare annual reports.
• Recommends modifications to program objectives, policies, procedures and strategies to improve service quality. Keeps up-to-date on current trends and practices applicable to the area of assignment through continuing education (seminars, classes, meetings) and reading of applicable journals.
• Reviews completed cases by examining case records and reports; provides feedback and suggestions to other team members regarding case methodologies and procedures as they relate to victim services.
• Makes presentations to community groups to educate and inform the public about the services to and rights of victims.
• Provides victim counseling and makes appropriate referrals. Interviews and assesses needs of victims and/or witnesses; determines needed community resources such as counseling and support groups and refers victims and/or witnesses; educates victims and/or witnesses about justice system procedures and court proceedings, and may educate victims and/or witnesses of relevant laws. Escorts victims to court and explains procedures and forms.

Qualifications

• Must be able to meet all traveling requirements of the position and maintain a current Washington State Driver's License or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with victims, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, other agencies, co-workers, and the general public.
• Knowledge of the principles of mental health evaluation and diagnostic techniques.
• Ability to provide ongoing support services to crime victims, and interpret and apply applicable policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of the principles, techniques, and practices of interviewing and counseling.
• Thorough knowledge of crisis intervention methods.
• Thorough knowledge of laws and regulations related to victims' and/or witnesses' rights and the criminal justice and/or court system.
• Knowledge of the dynamics of sexual and physical abuse.
• Depending on assigned office, thorough knowledge of procedures of the Superior, District, Municipal and/or Juvenile Courts.
• Ability to appear for scheduled work and complete assigned tasks within a reasonable period of time; communicate clearly, both orally and in writing; prepare reports, maintain detailed records and make presentations; analyze and evaluate investigative material; and make sound decisions on difficult and unusual cases.
• Ability to effectively assess each child's developmental level and emotional state and to adapt interview techniques accordingly; and sensitively relate to and establish an immediate rapport with children of varying ages, developmental, emotional, and socio-economic levels.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with child victims and their families.
• Bachelor's degree with major course work in justice administration, counseling, psychology, social sciences or a related field. Three years of experience interviewing and counseling clients involved in the justice system. Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the work will be considered.
• Thorough knowledge of available community counseling resources and programs.
• Ability to provide initial evaluation and counseling services to crime victims; assess people and situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action; and conduct interviews to accurately assess client needs.

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