Victim/Witness Advocate

Victim Advocate

The current vacancy is in Ukiah and Fort Bragg. This position supports victims and witnesses of crime, including survivors of human trafficking, by providing court accompaniment, safety planning, and connections to emergency housing, victim compensation, and other supportive services.

The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions, should they occur. Pursuant to current bargaining unit agreements, employees regularly assigned to the coastal region or in Covelo are eligible to receive a 5% assignment premium.

Under general supervision provides a wide range of direct services to victims, witnesses and their families involved in the criminal justice system; work consists of responsible paraprofessional and administrative duties.

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply. Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications

All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents:

• Responds in person or by telephone to victim's immediate needs; provides emergency assistance in response to a victim's immediate needs
• In emergencies, refers or places victims of crimes of domestic violence in a temporary, safe living environment.
• Contacts victims and provides assistance with financial losses that result from the commission of a crime, including claims with Victims of Crime Program.
• Refers victims to appropriate agencies for a broad range of services and resources, including medical or therapeutic treatment.
• Assists law enforcement and District Attorney's Office in interviewing crime victims, providing emotional support and physical resources as necessary.
• Arranges transportation for victims and witnesses; coordinates their excused absence from employment; arranges lodging and other accommodations.
• Assists in obtaining the return of a victim's property held as evidence.
• Provides information to victims/witnesses about the criminal justice system; provides information regarding the status and disposition of cases.
• Provides assistance, escort and support to victims/witnesses for court appearances and interviews.
• Notifies and informs families and friends of the status and condition of victims of crime.
• Intercedes on victim's behalf informing creditors of the victim's inability to meet current financial obligations and informing providers of services of the status of the victim's claim with Victims of Crime Compensation Program.
• Intervenes on behalf of the victims in informing employers of temporary inability to meet employment obligations due to proceedings related to the criminal justice system.
• Assists with the arrangement of temporary child care while a victim or witness is taking part in the criminal justice process.
• Provides crime prevention information through brochures, counseling, public presentations and/or referrals to appropriate criminal justice agencies.
• Provides aid and information to victims and witnesses in completing forms necessary for obtaining temporary or ex-parte restraining orders.
• Develops a strong liaison with law enforcement and human service agencies to provide effective service to victims.
• Advocates for victims' rights in contacts with criminal justice representatives, community organizations and/or the public.
• Notifies witnesses of known cancellation or changes in scheduled court appearances
• Assists a deceased victim's immediate family member with funeral arrangements.
• Assists with Sexual Assault Response Team coordination, scheduling exams and chairing meetings as needed.
• Maintains records; prepares memorandums, letters, reports and/or other documents.
• Reads and reviews crime reports.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED Education and Experience: Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college in criminal justice, behavioral science, social science or a related field; and, two (2) year of experience providing supportive counseling to victims and witness of crime, or related work in a private or public agency working with the criminal justice system; or, any combination of higher education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Licenses and Certifications: Valid Driver's License Successful completion of Entry Level Advocate Training within one (1) year of hiring.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Dynamics of victimization and domestic violence, child abuse survival and the stages of grieving following a homicide.
• Basic functions of public law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system.
• General office procedures, policies and practices, as well as basic knowledge of general office equipment
• Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
• Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations.
• All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.

Skill in:

• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Using a computer terminal to accurately and rapidly enter and retrieve data and information.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Maintaining professional ethics and personal boundaries.

Mental and Physical Abilities:

• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups and respond to questions.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, and speak and hear.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Selection Procedure & Other Important Information

Important Application Information:

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply.
• You must complete all sections of the application. A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application. Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference "see résumé" will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application.
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character.
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards. Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process: All complete applications will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, applicants meeting the job requirements and qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral examination (weight 100) or an application appraisal exam, consisting of an evaluation of education and experience as stated on the application form. The examination process will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list.

Special Testing: The County of Mendocino is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), if special accommodations for a disability or religious conviction are necessary at any stage of