5751 - Victim Advocate

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Salary Grade: 7

Pay Range

Hiring Range: $21.11 - $24.80 Per Hour

Full Range: $21.11 - $28.49 Per Hour

Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification.  

   

Establishes communication with victims/witnesses, provides crisis intervention services, advises victims of their statutory rights, keeps victims/witnesses informed regarding their cases, provides referrals to appropriate community resources, and serves 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, and 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 who 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:

* basic 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.

Skill in:

* 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 good judgment in crisis situations;
* working with individuals from diverse backgrounds;
* operating a computer and other common 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 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. 

Selection Procedure:

Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum/desired qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum/desired qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidates from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.

Licenses and Certificates: A valid driver's license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver's license is required at the time of the 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: The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County.   

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.