DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ADVOCATE

Domestic Violence Advocate

This is a non-union, non-exempt level position with the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Coordinates domestic violence intervention activities with the courts, probation staff, prosecutor's office, counseling agencies and related community resources. Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 1 year professional experience with domestic violence required. Easily apply by entering your personal contact information in our application and uploading your cover letter and resume.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Victim Rights Coordinator, acts as a victim's advocate by providing a safety net for the victim, coordinating domestic violence intervention actions between the victim, the courts and other agencies. Conducts interviews with victims, conducts domestic violence education and makes referrals to appropriate agencies. Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Attempts to contact the victim of domestic violence within 48 hours of the incident and performs initial victim interview, including crisis intervention, domestic violence education and referrals to appropriate community agencies. Encourages victims to take steps to ensure their safety and maintain contact with the Domestic Violence Advocate. Explains the parameters of no contact orders and conditional release. Accompanies victims to court upon request.
• Coordinates domestic violence intervention activities with the courts, probation staff, prosecutor's office, counseling agencies and related community resources. Provides Assistant Prosecutor with information regarding the victim for review and consideration in the pending prosecution. Coordinates and exchanges information with the offender's Probation Officer. Reports any violation of the conditions of bond or indications of misconduct to the courts for their review.
• Coordinates with community resources to assist the victim in finding available counseling and various other services, as needed.
• Maintains records on each victim to include assistance provided or needed and information on the effect of counseling and its impact between the victim and offender. Prepares reports for the court as necessary.
• Performs general tasks in support of the Victim Rights Unit.
• May serve subpoenas to domestic violence victims for pending cases.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or related area. Experience: Prior experience in law enforcement or other related aspect of the criminal justice system providing some background on domestic violence (minimum of one (1) year). At the County Prosecutor's discretion, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Other Requirements and Information

Good working knowledge of the Michigan Crime Victim Rights Act – PA 87 of 1985 (MCL 780.751). Good working knowledge of the operation of the Michigan Victim Information & Notification Everyday (VINE) system. Good working knowledge of the criminal and civil court process in the district, circuit and family courts. Good working knowledge and experience regarding the role and function of the prosecuting attorney in a criminal case. Thorough working knowledge of: human behavior patterns, family dynamics and domestic violence. Good working knowledge of community resources available to victims and their families. Knowledge of public and private community resources available to crime victims and their families. Thorough interviewing skills. Thorough working knowledge of counseling and crisis intervention skills, including safety planning for victims and families. Computer literacy and familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, JIS, and OnBase systems. Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills, and oral and written communication skills. Ability to interact with victims, prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, law enforcement officers, officers of the court, social and human service agency staff and members of the general public from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and with varying cognitive abilities.