Victim Advocate - County Attorney

This position is in the County Attorney's Office.

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The Victim Advocate establishes communication with victims/witnesses, provides crisis intervention services, advises victims of their statutory rights, keeps them informed about their cases, offers referrals to community resources, and acts as a liaison between victims/witnesses and the Pima County Attorney's Office personnel.

(Work assignments may vary depending on the department's needs and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the manager.)

Responds to requests by law enforcement and other concerned parties to provide crisis intervention services for crime victims and witnesses;

Assists clients in meeting immediate needs including, but not limited to, safety, medical care, legal services, food, transport, clothing, and shelter;

Refers clients, when appropriate, to other public or private service providers;

Conducts developmental-appropriate crisis interventions with children of all ages and educates parents/caregivers on how to recognize and mitigate crisis reactions;

Provides information to victims and witnesses concerning their statutory rights, procedures of the criminal justice system and facilitates communication with various representatives of criminal justice agencies;

Maintains contact with victims and witnesses as needed and accompanies them to court to provide support and information;

Serves as a liaison between the victim and attorneys and consults with attorneys regarding trial preparation/victim opinion;

Assists victims in applying for compensation through the Pima County Crime Victim Compensation Board;

Documents client services, contacts, and referrals in a designated database;

Prepares and delivers training to volunteers, law enforcement, social service agencies, and the public regarding crime victim issues;

Performs staff backup duties to support and advise volunteers during weeknights, weekends, and holidays;

Coordinates and directs volunteers that are performing crisis intervention services or court duties;

Maintains appropriate security and confidentiality of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties;

Develops and maintains sound working relationships with county attorney staff as well as personnel from law enforcement, medical, and social services agencies;

Participates in staff meetings and ongoing training.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Knowledge of:

• fundamental criminal law and procedure and its application to crime victims;
• relevant federal and state laws, rules, and procedures;
• crime victim's rights;
• available community resources for social, medical, and economic purposes.

• utilizing the current crisis intervention model with victims;
• dealing with the public in highly stressful situations;
• working with clients and relaying empathy while providing information and support;
• maintaining the confidentiality of clients;
• preparing and delivering training to volunteers and other personnel;
• working quickly and calmly in emergencies;
• working independently and applying sound judgment in crisis situations;
• working with individuals from diverse backgrounds;
• operating a computer and other standard office equipment;
• communicating effectively both verbally and in writing;
• establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in social or behavioral science, criminal justice, public administration or a closely related field as determined by the appointing authority at the time of recruitment and one year of experience in the area of assignment or other closely related field.

(One calendar year of experience in the Pima County Victim Witness Volunteer Program, which encompasses a minimum of 240 volunteer hours, would satisfy the experience in the area of assignment requirement.)

(Additional relevant education from an accredited college or university or experience may be substituted for any or all of the aforementioned education or experience.)

Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.):

• Graduate of the Pima County Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Basic Crisis Training.
• Experience working with victims of crime in the criminal justice system.
• Experience in crisis response/intervention.
• Experience in social service or mental health service provision.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Licenses and Certificates: Valid driver's license is required at the time of application. Valid AZ driver's license is required at the time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine the applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record.

Special Notice Items: All applicants must pass a criminal history background investigation prior to the appointment. Some positions may require bilingual incumbents (English/Spanish) as determined by the appointing authority at the time of recruitment.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: Physical and sensory abilities will be determined by position.

EEO Information: Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.