Victim Witness Advocate I/II

EEO Statement The County of Siskiyou is an affirmative action / equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of any race, religion, or ancestry. For exact salary information please refer to the current salary schedule on the County website. Victim Witness Advocate I ($20.82 - $26.58) General Statement of Duties: Under supervision, to provide a variety of services to victims and witnesses of crimes in accordance with the Victim/Witness Program in the County District Attorney's Office; to learn to interview victims and witnesses, assessing needs and making referrals; to assist with the development of community resources for victim/witness assistance; to represent the Victim/Witness Program with community organizations and agencies; and to do related work as required. This classification is a for cause, non‑exempt position. Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the entry and first working level in the Victim/Witness Advocate class series. Incumbents learn and perform a variety of basic victim/witness and program support services. This class is distinguished from the Victim/Witness Advocate II in that incumbents perform a lesser scope of assignments that do not require the same level of knowledge of the Victim/Witness Program. When an incumbent becomes familiar with the department and the Victim/Witness Program policies and demonstrates good sustained work performance, he or she may be promoted to the Victim/Witness Advocate II level. Reports to: District Attorney Administrator – Criminal Division Classifications Supervised: This is not a supervisory class. Essential Functions I Lears to interview victims and witnesses of crimes, advising them of restitution rights and the availability of services. Lears to assess client’s needs and make referrals to appropriate community resources and organizations. Keeps program clients aware of the status and disposition of cases. Provides transportation for persons unable to get to court. Explains program procedures, policies, and services. Lears to work with community organizations to develop resources and appropriate referral services for victims and witnesses. Lears to make presentations as necessary. Maintains liaison with law enforcement agencies. May provide some basic counseling and crisis intervention support for Program clients. Maintains program records and enters data into a computer system. Performs a variety of Victim/Witness Program administrative and support functions. Knowledge of I Basic knowledge of rules and regulations governing victim/witness services and programs. Basic knowledge of the functions of public law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system. Interviewing and record keeping techniques. Desired Skills I Learn to provide a variety of client and program support services for the Victim/Witness Program. Learn to interview people, identify needs, and make appropriate referrals. Learn to analyze and interpret laws and regulations related to victim/witness services. Gather, organize, analyze, and present a variety of data and information. Prepare clear, concise and accurate records and reports. Communicate with others from diverse socio‑economic and cultural backgrounds. Elicit factual information from applicants and recipients in difficult circumstances of deprivation or emotional disturbance. Assist with development of community referral resources for the Victim/Witness Program. Learn to effectively represent the Victim/Witness Program in contacts with service providers, the public, community organizations, and other government agencies. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. Training and Experience I Previous responsible work experience in a social service/public assistance, criminal justice, or law enforcement agency. Advanced training in social or behavioral science, criminology, or public administration is desirable. Special Requirements I Possession of a valid and appropriate driver's license and reliable transportation. Victim Witness Advocate II ($22.55 - $28.79) General Statement of Duties: Under general supervision, to provide a variety of services to victims and witnesses of crimes in accordance with the County Victim/Witness Program; to interview victims and witnesses, assessing needs and making referrals; to assist with the development of community resources for Victim/Witness assistance; to represent the Victim/Witness Program with community organizations and agencies; and to do related work as required. This classification is a for cause, non‑exempt position. Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the second working level in the Victim/Witness Advocate class series. Incumbents have responsibility for performing a variety of victim/witness and program support services. This class requires comprehensive knowledge of program services and policies, distinguishing it from Victim/Witness Advocate I. Reports to: A variety of County supervisory or management positions, depending upon the department or program area where assigned. Classifications Supervised: This is not a supervisory class. Essential Functions II Interviews victims and witnesses of crimes, advising them of restitution rights and the availability of services. Assesses needs and makes referrals to appropriate community resources and organizations. Keeps program clients aware of the status and disposition of cases. Provides transportation for persons unable to get to court. Explains program procedures, policies, and services. Works with community organizations to develop resources and appropriate referral services for victims and witnesses. Makes presentations as necessary. Maintains liaison with law enforcement agencies. Provides basic counseling and crisis intervention support for Program clients. Maintains program records and enters data into a computer system. Performs a variety of Victim/Witness administrative and support functions. Desired Skills II Provide a variety of client and program support services for the Victim/Witness Program. Interview people, identify needs, and make appropriate referrals. Analyze and interpret laws and regulations related to victim/witness services. Gather, organize, analyze, and present a variety of data and information. Prepare clear, concise and accurate records and reports. Communicate with others from diverse socio‑economic and cultural backgrounds. Elicit factual information from applicants and recipients in difficult circumstances of deprivation or emotional disturbance. Assist with development of community referral resources for the Program. Effectively represent the Victim/Witness Program in contacts with service providers, the public, community organizations, and other government agencies. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. Knowledge of II Rules and regulations governing victim/witness services and programs. Functions of public law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system. Principles of providing assistance to victims and witnesses of crimes. Client problems requiring referral to other organizations and support services. Interviewing and record keeping. Training and Experience II One year of responsible work experience in dealing with victims and witnesses of crimes, or performing criminal justice work comparable to that of a Victim/Witness Advocate I with Siskiyou County. Successful completion of Entry Level and Advanced Victim Advocate Training as approved by the state of California, Office of Criminal Justice Planning in accordance with California Penal Code Section 13835.10. Advanced training in social or behavioral science, criminology, or public administration is desirable. Special Requirements II Possession of a valid and appropriate driver's license. Typical Physical Requirements Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye‑hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX; and operate a motor vehicle. Typical Working Conditions Work is performed in an office environment; may occasionally drive to other locations; continuous contact with other staff and the public. #J-18808-Ljbffr County-of-Siskiyo