Social Worker I - Non-Merit

Victim Advocate

Regular Schedule 34 hours per week. Plus County benefits.

A Non-Merit vacancy exists in the Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services, Community-Based Services.

Non-Merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plan.

Current and future vacancies occurring in this class may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested candidates must apply at this time. A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You must attach your transcript(s)/degree(s) and license(s)/certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and education must be submitted with each application.

Examples of Duties

Job Purpose

The Victim Advocate is responsible for advocating for the rights of victims of Domestic Violence. The Victim Advocate's role is to assist all victims in identifying their immediate needs such as shelter and counseling. The Advocate accompanies victims to court. The advocate helps victims reach resources. Additionally, the Victim Advocate interviews all victims pre-trial. The purpose of this interview is to collect for prosecution of cases in court and to give appropriate resource information to victims in crisis. The Advocate accompanies victims to court for criminal trials and offers emotional support, and he/she explains possible court dispositions and criminal sentences to the victim. Explains victim rights.

The Victim Advocate routinely accompanies victims to get a protection order and assists victims in navigating the very complex court system. The Advocate explains legal terminology but does not give legal advice. The Advocate explains criteria for protection orders and filing criminal charges and assists clients in designing a safety plan.

Essential Job Duties

• Interviews clients to gather case information to help with gathering information, and makes appropriate referrals to resources.
• Collects data on victim's cases.
• Identifies clients' immediate needs, links client to resources such as counseling services and shelters.
• Assists client in designing a safety plan.
• Completes grant reports, monthly reports, and annual reports.
• Accompanies Police Domestic Violence Coordinators on home visits when victims screen as "high danger" on Lethality Assessment tool.
• Assists clients/victims in filing for Protection Orders or filing for criminal charges.
• Provides community education.
• Offers presentations for schools, women's clubs, community groups, criminal justice personnel.
• Provides court accompaniment for criminal charges.
• Reviews police reports to identify underserved clients.

Examples of Other Duties

• Case consultations with agency staff
• Data entry into our computer system
• Sending letters to victims
• Helping client access benefits

Qualifications

Training and Experience

Possession of a master's degree in social work from a college or university approved by the Council of Social Work Education.

Experience: Interviewing, experience with court system, knowledge of domestic violence. Experience working with courts and crime victims preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Role of DSS agency
• Role of an advocate
• Available resources
• Court system
• Criteria and eligibility to obtain protection order
• Penalty of violation of protection order
• Department policies/ procedures
• Dynamics of domestic violence resources
• Psychology of both victim and perpetrator
• Interviewing
• Navigating the court system
• Oral and written communication
• Ability to problem-solve
• Ability to organize and conduct trainings and workshops
• Communicate effectively
• Write clearly and concisely
• Interact with others
• Solve problems and motivate others
• Work with shelter and other community partners
• Provide outreach

Licenses and Certificates

Possession of a valid license, issued by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners, as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) is required at the time of application.

Possession of a valid license equivalent to a non-commercial, class C Maryland driver's license may be required for some positions at the time of appointment.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education

Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and/or education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and/or Education will result in your application not being considered.

Proof of Degree Equivalency

Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. ( Mail or deliver documents to: ATTN: Social Worker I - Non-Merit Office of Human Resources Baltimore County Government 308 Allegheny Ave. Towson, MD 21204

You must attach your transcript(s)/degree(s) and license(s)/certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

Examination Procedure

Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Conditions of Employment

Some positions in this classification may be required to respond to emergency situations and work overtime with little or no notice.

Some positions in this classification require completion of an approved training program, and must pass a competency test by the second training available after appointment to this classification.

Physical and Environmental Conditions

The work of this classification is essentially sedentary but may include occasional walking, standing, and/or other limited physical activities.

Some positions within this classification require traveling between work sites.

Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation

Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening and employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education certification and fingerprinting checks.

Employment Benefits

For Non-Merit or Non-Classified, Part-Time Employees

Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to part-time, non-merit or non-classified employees. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants.

Smoke free workplace

All Baltimore County offices are smoke free.

Drug free workplace

Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination.

Employee Assistance Program

Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life.

Health Insurance

In order to qualify for health insurance benefits (medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance), part-time employees must be scheduled for four (4) full work days plus two (2) hours each week. Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include: Medical,