Victim Assistance Specialist

THE POSITION

Washington County's District Attorneyis currently seeking a Victim Assistance Specialist to join the team!

The District Attorney’s Office has rewarding career opportunities on a dynamic and passionate team of Victim Advocates. The Victim Assistance Specialist will provide advocacy, education, and support to crime victims in felony and misdemeanor cases, acting as a liaison between the victim, prosecutors, law enforcement, and community resources.

The Position

The Victim Assistance Specialist Will Have a Varied Caseload Of All Types Of Criminal Cases And Will Work With Assigned District Attorneys Covering Their Caseloads. The Victim Assistance Specialist Will Also Work Closely With The Victim Assistance Team To Ensure That All Of The Cases And Court Appearances Will Be Covered On a Daily Basis. The Primary Functions Of The Victim Assistance Specialist Include

• Communicating with victims in person, on the phone, and in writing to inform them of their constitutional and statutory rights and assist them in asserting them.
• Documenting in the computer database the nature and frequency of the victim contacts.
• Accompanying the victim to various court appearances if requested.
• Assisting in the documentation of possible claims for restitution.
• Meets with community partners to support joint efforts to assist victims of crime.
• Presents about the role of the victim advocate to community groups and partners.
• Keeps up on current laws, policies and skills in the area of victim assistance and will be given opportunities for additional training and professional growth and development.
  
  

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for this position will have an in-depth understanding of the complexities of the criminal justice system and the roles of the various persons in that system. They will understand the resources in the community that are available to assist victims of crime, and possess exceptional communication skills. They will also be comfortable giving presentations and assisting in training s.

Essential Job Duties

For a list of essential job duties and to learn more about this position’s knowledge, skills, and abilities, use this link: Victim Assistance Specialist

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• An associate degree or equivalent in Criminal Justice, Corrections, Social Work, or related fields; and one (1) year of experience as an advocate in the justice system, probation, victim assistance, or other closely related areas serving vulnerable populations. OR
• Three (3) years of work experience as an advocate in the justice system, probation, victim assistance, or other closely related areas serving vulnerable populations.
  
  

Additional Requirements

• Possession of a Victim Service Professional certification within one (1) year of hire date
• Must pass a comprehensive background investigation.
  
  

Please be clear and specific in the applicable sections of the employment application about how your background is relevant. This information must also be consistent with your supplemental question responses if applicable. Please note: Answers to the supplemental questions are typically evaluated separately from your application.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

• A cover letter is required to apply for this position. **
  
  

Your Cover Letter Must

• Highlight key points of your application
• Provide an overview of your qualifications, including any relevant experience, education, training and skills
• Address how you meet the ideal candidate profile
  
  

Selection Process

• MQ Review: HR will screen applications for minimum qualifications after the posting closes.
• SME Review: Applications for candidates that meet minimum qualifications will be forwarded to a panel of subject matter experts (SME) who will review and score your cover letter and other application materials. This process may take up to 2 weeks.
  
  

Panel Interview(s): Our goal is to schedule panel interviews with candidates that meet the minimum qualifications and pass the SME reviewas soon as possible.

Bilingual Positions

Bilingual positions require that the incumbent have knowledge of the Spanish language, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Skill in writing Spanish accurately; ability to speak Spanish fluently; and ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing are required. Additional compensation is provided to staff members occupying positions designated as bilingual.

Veterans' Preference

If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for a Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points .

Accommodation Under The Americans With Disabilities Act

Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or e-mail: Careers@washingtoncountyor.gov at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.

Status of Your Application

You will be advised by e-mail of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. If you "opt out" or "unsubscribe" from email notifications from NEOGOV it will impact our ability to communicate with you about this and other recruitments.

Questions Regarding This Recruitment?

Contact Brighton Bohnenkamp, Talent Acquisition Business Partner at Brighton_Bohnenkamp@washingtoncountyor.gov

Additional Resources

• New to GovernmentJobs.com? Visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/home/applicationguide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on the application process.
• For technical support, contact Government Jobs' Live Application Support at 855-524-5627
• Washington County is a drug-free workplace *