Victim Advocate I

Summary

Under general supervision, to assist victims of crime by providing information support, referral and advocacy services. Assist victims in filing compensation claims and to work with related agencies to help the victims and witnesses through the Court processes and to perform related duties as required.

This recruitment is for level I.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

Under close supervision (Victim Advocate I) or general supervision (Victim Advocate II), provides assistance and support to violent crime victims, their family members as appropriate, and witnesses of violent crime by providing information, support, referral and advocacy services; serves in a direct assistance/support capacity for violent crime victims; serves as a liaison for, and coordinates services with, and provides outreach presentations to internal staff and external organizations; receives, reviews and processes a variety of documents relevant to assigned area of responsibility; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives close supervision (Victim Advocate I), or general supervision (Victim Advocate II) from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff, although Victim Advocate II may act as a lead, and/or provide training when appropriate.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This classification performs the full range of victim assistance and support duties as assigned, requiring knowledge of Marsy’s Law, the California Office of Emergency Services Victim Witness Program, the California Victim Compensation Board Program, including policies, procedures, and/or operating details. Incumbents have technical, clerical and para-professional responsibilities in accordance with state, local, departmental and program guidelines.

Victim Advocate I: This is the entry level in the Victim Advocate series. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Victim Advocate II level and provide victim services in criminal cases and exercise some discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained as they arise. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence.

Victim Advocate II: This is the journey-level class in the Victim Advocate series responsible for performing the full range of duties required of the classification. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative. Advocates at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Senior Victim Advocate in that the later is regularly responsible for training employees and performing work as a lead.

Positions in the Victim Advocate class series are flexibly staffed. Positions at the II level may be filled by advancement from the I-level; progression to the II-level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the Advocate is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the II-level.

Essential Job Functions

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Receives, reviews and processes a diverse range of documents relevant to specific case; documents include, but are not limited to, crime reports, medical reports, court records, and other documentation used to determine the level of services needed to support the crime victim.
• Provides crisis intervention to victims to assist in reducing trauma and facilitate adjustment; provides para-professional counseling on a short term and follow-up basis, in the field or program office.
• Performs outreach to identify victims eligible for assistance.
• Assists victims in the criminal justice system by offering information and updates about the criminal justice process, offering notification of criminal justice events, criminal advocacy and accompaniment to court appearances, assisting with property return, arranging interviews with law enforcement and attorney staff; offering assistance with impact statements and restitution requests.
• Facilitates communication with prosecutor and/or children and family services agencies as an advocate for the victim.
• Provides referrals to various support organizations to assist victims in obtaining counseling, medical and dental care, protective services, mental health services, shelter, and related community services.
• Explains court procedures and terms, notifies victims of court events, arranges transportation to court when appropriate, provides court orientation, accompaniment, and criminal case status to victims; assists victims or family members in attending Parole Hearings.
• Aids crime victims in completing forms and applications including the California Victim Compensation application and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Form 1707 and submits to the appropriate state agency.
• Provides educational presentations regarding the program and its service.
• When appropriate, serves as a liaison to, and coordinates services with, internal staff and external agencies or organizations including, but not limited to, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), law enforcement, court systems, medical providers, community-based organizations providing needed services, and other entities.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of records, correspondence, reports, and program information.
• Establishes and accurately maintains a calendar on multiple case files, including regular updates, communication and contacts with victims, court hearings, and restitution follow-up.
• Performs various administrative duties such as receiving telephone calls, processing forms, entering data into specialized computer systems, and maintaining appropriate files and records.
• Responds to incidents of mass violence/casualties as required.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Processes and procedures within the criminal justice system and laws, rules, and regulations including those governing the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Victim Witness Program.
• Operations and services provided within a comprehensive Victim Witness Program including the California Victim Compensation Program.
• Basic psychology and sociology related to victims of crimes and their needs, including the domestic violence cycle, and learned helplessness theories.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to victims and victims’ rights programs.
• Principles and techniques of personal trauma reduction and crisis intervention.
• Functions, processes, and terminology of the criminal justice system.
• Medical terminology and common procedures and medications.
• Principles and techniques of effective interviewing.
• Principles and practices of case management.
• Community resources for services, including housing, social services, and behavioral health resources.
• Methods and techniques of reviewing and/or preparing documents for assigned cases.
• Business mathematics.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Serve as an advocate for assigned victims with respect to needed services and court-related processes.
• Provide paraprofessional crisis intervention, trauma reduction and follow up counseling assistance to individuals who are victims of, or witnesses to, a violent crime.
• Interview effectively in a variety of settings, assess the needs of program clients and provide emotional support to reduce the trauma associated with being the victim of a crime.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to victims’ rights programs.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and concise correspondence, reports, and other written materials and effectively communicate with others.
• Coordinate services with internal and external groups on behalf of victims.
• Maintain confidentiality of all documents and records, as appropriate.
• Perform accurate mathematical calculations.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate ideas and legal issues clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to an associate degree in psychology, social services, criminal justice, or a closely related field, and

Victim Advocate I: One (1) year of experience in crisis intervention, counseling, or similar social service delivery work.

Victim Advocate II: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in crisis intervention, counseling, or similar social service delivery work.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
• 40 Hour Advocate I Training must be completed within a reasonable time of hire.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas is frequently required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 30 pounds.
• Mobility to travel and attend mandatory trainings and meetings.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Employees may interact with upset visitors, victims, members of the public, staff and/or public and private representatives.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes a motor vehicle, personal computer, and standard office equipment.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.