Victim Advocate

Announcement# 2024-009

Closing Date: March 20, 2024

Salary: $3,881 - $4,803 per month

The VICTIM ADVOCATE position is full-time, 37.5 hours, Civil Service, and Union represented.

Columbia County is looking for an individual familiar with the criminal justice system, adaptable, organized and dependable to join our compassionate team. The Victims Assistance department assists victims of crime and helps them recover in the aftermath of their experience. Our highly-trained advocates are available to provide victims with accurate information, advocacy services, and resource information, to promote participation in the criminal justice system by educating them about their rights and to advocate for the enforcement of these rights, and to coordinate with other community agencies to ensure continuity of support. Every effort is made to ensure crime victims are treated with dignity and respect, that their rights are honored, and they are informed throughout the criminal justice process.

DUTIES: Perform duties as an advocate for victims of crime before, during, and after court proceedings.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: Equivalent to a high school diploma with experience working as an advocate. Any satisfactory combination of experience and training, which demonstrates the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted for the above requirements.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Previous experience in a prosecutor's office or in the court system preferred. Team player willing to work collaboratively toward shared goals and be open to diverse ideas and perspectives. Receive constructive feedback in a positive manner.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Possession of, or ability to possess within one year of hire, State Victims Assistance Certification. Should possess a valid driver's license and be insurable under the County's liability policy.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY: Knowledge of problems confronting victims of crime and short-term crisis intervention techniques. Knowledge of community resources for assisting crime victims, counseling practices and techniques, and the financial and legal problems confronting crime victims. Knowledge of law enforcement prosecution and court procedures. Knowledge of office practices and procedures.

Skill in case management programs and Microsoft Office products.

Ability to:

• Organize, prioritize and produce an accurate work product and meet deadlines.
• Express ideas effectively, both verbally and in writing. Use sound judgment.
• Adapt to change or new situations and acknowledge and work through conflict openly. Accept responsibility and be able to work well with ambiguity.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Act in such a manner as to maintain the confidentiality of the records and issues and other matters which may be encountered.
• Develop and maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, County officials and the general public.
• Interview victims and evaluate appropriately the victim's needs and problems. Effectively deal with people in crisis.
• Remain calm and use good judgement during confrontational or high-pressure situations.

Join our team - Columbia County online application must be completed - Apply today!

www.ColumbiaCountyOR.gov