THE POSITION
Washington County's District Attorneyis currently seeking a Victim Assistance Specialist to join the team!
The Position
The Victim Assistance Specialist Will Have a Varied Caseload Of All Types Of Criminal Cases And Will Work With Assigned District Attorneys Covering Their Caseloads. The Victim Assistance Specialist 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 rights and assist them in asserting them.
- 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.
- Meets with community partners to support joint efforts to assist victims of crime.
- Presents about the role of the victim advocate to community groups and partners.
- Keeps 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 Candidate
The ideal candidate for this position will have an in-depth understanding of the complexities of the criminal justice system and the roles of the various persons in that system. They will understand the resources in the community that are available to assist victims of crime, and possess exceptional communication skills. They will also be comfortable giving presentations and assisting in training s.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role, even if you believe you do not meet all of the hiring criteria described in the minimum qualifications.
Essential Job Duties
For a list of essential job duties and to learn more about this position’s knowledge, skills, and abilities, use this link:
Victim Assistance Specialist
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- 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
- Must pass a comprehensive background investigation.
Please be clear and specific in the applicable sections of the employment application about how your background is relevant. This information must also be consistent with your supplemental question responses if applicable.
Please note: Answers to the supplemental questions are typically evaluated
separately from your application.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
- A cover letter is required to apply for this position. **
Your Cover Letter Must
- Highlight key points of your application
- Provide a detailed explanation of your training, education, and experience working with victims of crime. Include information about the type of victims you worked with, your role in providing services to victims and the agency for which you worked
- Describe your experience working with diverse communities
Selection Process
- MQ Review: HR will screen applications for minimum qualifications after the posting closes.
- SME Review: Applications for candidates that meet minimum qualifications will be forwarded to a panel of subject matter experts (SME) who will review and score your cover letter and other application materials. This process may take up to 2 weeks.
- Panel Interview(s): Our goal is to schedule panel interviews with candidates that meet the minimum qualifications and pass the SME reviewas soon as possible.
Our Commitment to You
We are committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities. Washington County values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration and work-life harmony. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our diverse community. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and an inclusive workforce. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Bilingual Positions
Bilingual positions require that the incumbent have knowledge of the Spanish language, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Skill in writing Spanish accurately; ability to speak Spanish fluently; and ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing are required. Additional compensation is provided to staff members occupying positions designated as bilingual.
Veterans' Preference
If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for a Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review 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 503-846-8606, or e-mail:
Careers@washingtoncountyor.gov 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 e-mail of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. If you "opt out" or "unsubscribe" from email notifications from NEOGOV it will impact our ability to communicate with you about this and other recruitments.
Questions Regarding This Recruitment?
Contact Brighton Bohnenkamp, Talent Acquisition Business Partner at Brighton_Bohnenkamp@washingtoncountyor.gov
Additional Resources
- New to GovernmentJobs.com? Visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/home/applicationguide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on the application process.
- For technical support, contact Government Jobs' Live Application Support at 855-524-5627
- Washington County is a drug-free workplace *