What are the responsibilities and job description for the OAG - Criminal Prosecutions | Program Specialist IV-V | 25-0309 position at OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL?
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Criminal Prosecutions division is seeking a Program Specialist who will act as the Victim Assistance Coordinator for the division. Serves as a point of contact for victims of crimes being prosecuted by the Criminal Prosecutions Division and acts as a liaison between the victims, prosecutors, and investigators within the division. Ensure that crime victims are afforded their rights under the Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights. OAG employees enjoy excellent benefits along with tremendous opportunities to do important work at a large, dynamic state agency making a positive difference in the lives of Texans.
The OAG is a dynamic state agency with over 4,000 employees throughout the State of Texas. As the State’s law firm, the OAG provides exemplary legal representation in diverse areas of law. OAG employees enjoy excellent benefits (https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance) along with tremendous opportunities to do important work at a large, dynamic state agency making a positive difference in the lives of Texans.
ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS
Program Specialist IV
- Serves as liaison between victims and attorneys. Maintains contact with victims and their families. Refers victims to appropriate services. Maintains knowledge of appropriate victim services throughout the State. Provides direct victim assistance by notifying crime victims of cases status, rights as afforded by law and information on the Crime Victims’ Compensation fund. Accompanies victims to trials, hearings, oral arguments and executions as necessary. Works with Criminal Prosecutions staff to assist victims and victims’ families in booking appropriate travel accommodations for court hearings. Assist with researching and responding to questions from victims, victim advocacy groups, prosecutor’s offices, law enforcement agencies and other state and federal offices. Maintain and update regional contact phone and mailing lists to ensure the accurate dissemination of information.
Program Specialist V – All of the above functions for a Program Specialist IV, PLUS:
- May collaborate with staff in determining trends and resolving logistical issues.
- Reviews relevant legal statutes, literature, rules, and/or policies and prepares reports as needed.
May recommend and coordinate activities to produce a more effective workplace solution. - May train others.
- Performs related work as assigned
- Maintains relevant knowledge necessary to perform essential job functions
- Attends work regularly in compliance with agreed-upon work schedule
- Ensures security and confidentiality of sensitive and/or protected information
- Complies with all agency policies and procedures, including those pertaining to ethics and integrity
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Program Specialist IV
- Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; experience in the following (or closely related) fields may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis: mental health, social or behavioral sciences, criminal justice
- Experience: Five years of full-time experience working in the following (or closely related) fields: general mental health and behavioral counseling including clinical crisis intervention and/or trauma counseling. One year of internship or voluntary community service in a related field may substitute for 1 year of described work experience.
- Knowledge of Crime Victims’ Compensation Program
- Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines
- Skill in effective oral and written communication
- Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision making
- Ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback
- Ability to work cooperatively with others in a professional office environment
- Ability to provide excellent customer service
- Ability to work in person at assigned OAG work location, perform all assigned tasks at designated OAG work space within OAG work location, and perform in-person work with coworkers (e.g., collaborating, training, mentoring) for the entirety of every work week (unless on approved leave)
- Ability to arrange for personal transportation for business-related travel
- Ability to work more than 40 hours as needed and in compliance with the FLSA
- Ability to lift and relocate 30 lbs.
- Ability to travel (including overnight travel) up to 50%
Program Specialist V – All of the above functions for a Program Specialist IV, PLUS:
- Experience: One additional year of full-time experience working in the following (or closely related) fields: general mental health and behavioral counseling including clinical crisis intervention and/or trauma counseling. One year of internship or voluntary community service in a related field may substitute for 1 year of described work experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: Master’s degree in mental health, social or behavioral science discipline
- Experience: Prior employment as a Victim Assistance Coordinator
- Knowledge: Crime Victims’ Compensation program
- Skills: Working with multiple criminal justice organizations
- Other Language: Ability to proficiently read, write, and speak Spanish
TO APPLY
To apply for a job with the OAG, electronic applications can be submitted through CAPPS Recruit. A State of Texas application must be completed to be considered, and paper applications are not accepted. Your application for this position may subject you to a criminal background check pursuant to the Texas Government Code. Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at
https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf
THE OAG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
