Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Advocate I

Description

Work for Jefferson County and take advantage of six month’s worth of vacation and sick leave upfront and low-cost family health insurance! Enjoy work-life balance.

Essential Duties

• Establish contact with victims as soon as possible (preferably in person). Check in-custody list and District Attorney’s intake of new cases.
• Provide support and comfort the victim as he/she participates in the various stages of the investigation and prosecution.
• Keep the victim informed of the case status either by phone, in person or through regular written notification. Advise the victim of their rights either verbally or by providing the rights in the notification packet. Document contact with victims in the District Attorney’s case file.
• Provide information and referrals to victims that will further assist them with their needs (counseling, legal aid, etc.).
• Assist the victim in identifying issues about which he/she will need to make personal and practical decisions. (i.e. safety/security, children, etc.).
• Keep the District Attorney handling the case advised as to the victim’s status and of any problems or concerns that may arise.
• May assist the victim with preparation for Grand Jury by explaining the court process and providing a safe waiting area.
• Assist the victim to prepare for testifying in court by taking them to the courtroom and explaining the trial process. Accompany the victim to court hearings. Assist with logistics so that victims may appear in court (i.e. transportation, babysitting, etc.)
• Assist in establishing financial losses of the victim for restitution purposes. When appropriate, assist the victim in applying for Crime Victim’s Compensation. Make sure the information is documented in the District Attorney’s case file.
• Be a liaison with law enforcement officers, prosecutors, social service agencies and the victim.
• Accompany and assist the victim in making a verbal statement to the court at sentencing and/or submitting a written statement.
• Send sentencing order packets to victims.
• Facilitate awareness and prevention activities in coordination with community partners. May teach classes.
• Assist victims with orders of protection. Follow up with Restraining Orders and No Contact Orders, and update staff.
• Update Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking materials that are distributed to victims.
• Keep the Director aware of any problems or concerns that may arise. (e.g., personality conflicts).
• Research new or “good” addresses for victims on returned notifications.
• Maintain statistics regarding victim contact to be submitted in a monthly report to the Director of Victim Assistance. Provide surveys to victims.
• Actively participate on various committees that deal with victims’ issues.
• Work on-call after regular working hours as part of the Emergency Victim Assistance Response Program. Assist victims in crisis by phone or in person at the hospital or a public place.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of the position.
• Perform other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position and the furtherance of prosecutions.

Qualifications

Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of legal system and rights of victims. Excellent communication skills. Public speaking skills are desirable.

Abilities
Ability to maintain a non-judgmental attitude toward others whose values and beliefs may be in direct contrast to the advocate’s values and beliefs; be able to work independently yet provide regular feedback to supervisor and other staff. Ability to communicate professionally and effectively; act professionally and ethically at all times and to strive to maintain positive and productive working relationships with colleagues. Must be able to abide by the laws, policies and procedures that govern the District Attorney’s Office, Jefferson County, and the Victim Assistance Program. Must possess the ability to keep information confidential.

Physical Abilities
Ability to sit or stand at a computer screen, using rapid finger, hand, and arm movements for extended periods of time. Ability to sit, speak and listen effectively. Ability to stand and lift, push or pull greater than 30 pounds occasionally. Must be able to work with people who are extremely upset.

Education and Experience
High School Diploma or equivalent. Experience in criminal justice, social service, or public agency helpful.

Licenses and Certificates
Valid Oregon Driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Supplemental Information

• Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield Medical, with Vision and Dental coverage - low-deductible plan with low premium for employee family
  • Deductible: $200 single / $600 family
  • Employee monthly premium (Single, Married, or Family coverage) $149.08 (July 2026 – July 2027 rates)
• VEBA HRA Account – $1,000 annual employer contribution
• Vacation Leave – option to front-load 6 months of vacation leave on start date
  
  Length of Service

  Hours per Month

  Days per Year (based on 8 hr/day)
  

  
  

  First 2 Years (0-24 Months)

  9.34

  14.0

  
  

  2 Years (25-48 Months)

  11.0

  16.5

  
  

  4 Years (49-72 Months)

  12.67

  19.0

  
  

  6 Years (73-96 Months)

  14.34

  21.5

  
  

  8 years (97-120 Months)

  16.0

  24.0

  
  

  10 Years (121-144 Months)

  16.67

  25.0

  
  

  12 Years (145 Months)

  17.34

  26.0

  
  
• Sick Leave - 8 hours per month (option to front-load 6 months of vacation leave on start date)
• 11 Paid Holidays, plus Christmas Eve Day holiday when Dec 24th falls on Monday-Thursday
• Oregon PERS Retirement (employer/employee participation varies)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 457(b) Deferred Comp Plans Available
• Supplemental Insurance Plans (Life, Short Term Disability, Accident, Cancer, Critical Illness, Dental, Hospital, and Vision)
• Flexible Spending Plans (FSA) - healthcare and dependent care
• Discounted Air Ambulance membership available

• Life Insurance, up to $40,000 employer paid: $20,000 if enrolled in LIUNA health plan. An additional $20,000 policy from Mutual of Omaha for the 2026 calendar year; continuation of this policy is an annual decision by the Board of County Commissioners.