Crime Victim Advocate

About the Office: Tommy Humphries is the District Attorney for DA District 4, which includes Blaine, Canadian, Garfield, Grant and Kingfisher Counties. Our mission is to protect the public by vigorously prosecuting violent crime, protecting and serving crime victims, timely processing cases, diverting appropriate offenders to treatment, and maintaining the highest levels of ethics and professionalism to ensure the communities we serve remain healthy and safe.

Position Summary: The Crime Victim Advocate is responsible for ensuring that our office provides all victims with meaningful services that help them understand and enforce their rights; promote hope, healing, restoration, and empowerment; and honor their respect and dignity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The Crime Victim Advocate is responsible for supporting victims and witnesses through the prosecution of a criminal case and facilitating their participation in the criminal justice process. Duties to fulfill these responsibilities are outlined below:

· Assist victims with the assertion and enforcement of their crime victim rights to facilitate participation in the criminal justice system and to promote healing.

· Arrange direct contact with victims and witnesses of crime to provide support, referral, resources, and information, and maintain regular contact at their discretion.

· Inform crime victims of all rights afforded to them in the state of Oklahoma.

· Liaise between the victim and/or witness and law enforcement, prosecutors, parole and probation, and other community resources.

· Provide crisis intervention, support, information, safety planning, and referrals to crime victims and/or witnesses.

· Maintain positive and collaborative relationships internally with District 4 personnel, as well as externally with court representatives, law enforcement agencies and other partner agencies.

· Provide referrals to resources that reflect the diversity of populations within District 4, including culturally and linguistically specific resources.

· Arrange for interpretation and translation services as needed.

· Provide general information about the criminal justice system to all victims and witnesses in criminal cases.

· Help victims identify and document financial losses and provide the court with documented financial loss for victims so that the court can address restitution.

· Assist victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, stalking and/or harassment in filing protective orders, including referrals to victim service agencies for safety planning and 24-hour crisis hotlines.

· Advise victims of specific, up-to-date, information pertaining to their cases, such as hearing dates, plea negotiations, continuances, disposition, restitution, and delays in the court system.

· Accompany victims to court when requested or needed.

· Provide emotional, trauma-informed, support, including continuous contact during all court appearances in homicide, rape, sexual assault, child abuse, and physical assault cases.

· Provide victim assistance where no charges have been filed or in those instances where the suspect is unknown.

· Collects and enters victim information, case notes, and demographics into a confidential database; maintains the integrity of the database; runs reports as requested.

· Maintain accurate and ethical record keeping, including documentation of interactions with crime victims.

· Uphold basic legal, ethical, and behavioral standards related to the provision of victim services.

· Perform works independently under the guidance of state law and City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

· Complete other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements and Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate degree or equivalent in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or related field, and 2 years of experience in related work.
• Demonstrated knowledge about victim advocacy, the criminal justice system, and appropriate resources for crime victims,
• Embody the following work habits: self-starter, reliable, collaborative, kind, uplifting, respectful, accountable, ethical, and able to multi-task.
• Possess skill in crisis intervention techniques, rapport building, and referring for supportive services.
• Display ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation.

To Apply: applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and references to Anna Picone, by email to: anna.picone@dac.state.ok.us.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $37,000.00 - $42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $37,000 - $42,000