Victim Assistance Specialist

Note : This job will be posted through 11:59 PM of the day prior to the end date listed.

Current Washington County Employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

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About the Opportunity:

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 closely with assigned deputy district attorneys on their caseloads. They 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 their rights.

• 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.

• Meeting with community partners to support joint efforts to assist victims of crime.

• Presenting about the role of the victim advocate to community groups and partners.

• Keeping 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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Victim advocacy.

• The criminal justice system and the roles of the participants.

• Victim rights under Oregon law.

• The effect of trauma and appropriate response techniques.

Skills to:

• Assist victims in crisis, either in person or over the phone, using crisis intervention techniques while maintaining composure and professionalism.

• Maintain a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.

Ability to:

• Intervene with individuals in stressful situations and assess individual needs.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationship with deputy district attorneys and/or probation and parole officers.

• Investigate and document restitution claims.

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

To review the complete classification, including the full list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with this position, use this link:

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 (DA's Office only).

• Must pass a comprehensive background investigation

• Must obtain Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) certification within 30 days of employment.

Selection Process:

You can review our standard selection process here .

Our commitment to you:
Washington County is an equal opportunity employer committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We promote employee development and offer an award-winning benefits and wellness program as well as an opportunity to serve and support our vibrant community .

Veterans' Preference:
If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review the 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 View phone number on aiapply.co, or email: View email address on aiapply.co 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 email of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via email.

Notice: Washington County is currently undergoing a comprehensive classification and compensation study. The purpose of this project is to create new job descriptions and create new classification and compensation systems. Outcomes of the project will include changes to classification titles, which could impact compensation structures. No one will have their pay rate lowered because of this project. For represented positions, appropriate bargaining processes will be utilized prior to implementation.

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