Victim/Witness Advocate

Salary : $45,260.80 - $54,995.20 Annually
Location : Ukiah, CA
Job Type: Full-time Permanent
Job Number: 24.56
Department: District Attorney - Victim/Witness Assistance
Opening Date: 02/13/2024
Closing Date: 3/12/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
The Position
The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions, should they occur.
Primary responsibility is to provide a wide range of direct services to victims, witnesses and their families involved in the criminal justice system; work consists of responsible paraprofessional and administrative duties.
Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply. Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.
Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications
All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents:

• Responds in person or by telephone to victim's immediate needs; provides emergency assistance in response to a victim's immediate needs
• In emergencies, refers or places victims of crimes of domestic violence in a temporary, safe living environment.
• Contacts victims and provides assistance with financial losses that result from the commission of a crime, including claims with Victims of Crime Program.
• Refers victims to appropriate agencies for a broad range of services and resources, including medical or therapeutic treatment.
• Assists law enforcement and District Attorney's Office in interviewing crime victims, providing emotional support and physical resources as necessary.
• Arranges transportation for victims and witnesses; coordinates their excused absence from employment; arranges lodging and other accommodations.
• Provides informal peer counseling relating to problems resulting from the crime.
• Assists in obtaining the return of a victim's property held as evidence.
• Provides information to victims/witnesses about the criminal justice system; provides information regarding the status and disposition of cases.
• Provides assistance, escort and support to victims/witnesses for court appearances and interviews.
• Notifies and informs families and friends of the status and condition of victims of crime.
• Intercedes on victim's behalf informing creditors of the victim's inability to meet current financial obligations and informing providers of services of the status of the victim's claim with Victims of Crime Compensation Program.
• Intervenes on behalf of the victims in informing employers of temporary inability to meet employment obligations due to proceedings related to the criminal justice system.
• Assists with the arrangement of temporary child care while a victim or witness is taking part in the criminal justice process.
• Provides crime prevention information through brochures, counseling, public presentations and/or referrals to appropriate criminal justice agencies.
• Provides aid and information to victims and witnesses in completing forms necessary for obtaining temporary or ex-parte restraining orders.
• Develops a strong liaison with law enforcement and human service agencies to provide effective service to victims.
• Advocates for victims' rights in contacts with criminal justice representatives, community organizations and/or the public.
• Notifies witnesses of known cancellation or changes in scheduled court appearances
• Assists the supervisor with the recruitment and training of program volunteers.
• Assists a deceased victim's immediate family member with funeral arrangements.
• Assists with Sexual Assault Response Team coordination, scheduling exams and chairing meetings as needed.
• Maintains records; prepares memorandums, letters, reports and/or other documents.
• Reads and reviews crime reports.
• Serves as Victim/Witness Coordinator in his/her absence.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education and Experience:
Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college in criminal justice, behavioral science, social science or a related field; and, one year of experience providing supportive counseling to victims and witness of crime, or related work in a private or public agency working with the criminal justice system; or, any combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Licenses and Certifications:
Valid Driver's License
Successful completion of Entry Level Advocate Training within one year of hiring.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Dynamics of victimization and domestic violence, child abuse survival and the stages of grieving following a homicide.
• Structure and function of the California criminal justice system.
• General office procedures, policies and practices, as well as basic knowledge of computer/VDT and other general office equipment.
• Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
• Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations.
• All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.

Skill in:

• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Using a computer terminal to accurately and rapidly enter and retrieve data and information.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.

Mental and Physical Abilities:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups and respond to questions.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, and speak and hear.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Selection Procedure & Other Important Information
Important Application Information:

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply.
• You must complete all sections of the application. A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application. Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference "see résumé" will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application.
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character.
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards. Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process: All complete applications will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, applicants meeting the job requirements and qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral examination (weight 100) or an unassembled exam, consisting of an evaluation of education and experience as stated on the application form. The examination process will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list.
Special Testing: If you require special testing arrangements to accommodate a disability or religious conviction you must contact Human Resources at 707.234.6600 prior to the test date to make your requirements known. You must provide enough advance notice to allow Human Resources to properly review and evaluate your request.
Special Requirements: Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.
This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.
The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer
This information is a summary of general benefits. Benefits listed in Mendocino County Resolutions or Memorandums of Understanding prevail over this listing. This information is not legally binding, nor does it constitute a Contract.
SALARY
Compensation is based on a five-step salary range, with annual merit-based increases within the salary range.
RETIREMENT
Covered under Social Security and the 1937 act; both employees and the County pay into the retirement fund. For the most current information regarding County Retirement please go to:
HOLIDAYS AND PERSONAL LEAVE
Mendocino County observes 11 paid holidays per year. Employees are granted 24 - 48 hours of personal leave annually, depending upon Bargaining Unit.
VACATION
Accrues at the rate of two weeks per year for three years. Three weeks per year after three years, four weeks after eight years and five weeks after 15 years.
SICK LEAVE
Paid sick leave accrues at the rate of 1.25 days per month, or 15 days per year. Accruals are pro-rated for part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week. Part-time employees working less than 20 hours per week, and extra-help employees receive up to 24 hours (or 3 days) of paid sick leave annually.
MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, AND LIFE INSURANCE
The County and the employee share the cost of an employee selected health care plan; enrollment in the plan includes $20,000 Life Insurance.
HEALTH INSURANCE
For the most current information regarding Health Insurance please go to:
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Assistance please go to:
EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Wellness please go to:
LABOR CONTRACTS
For the complete list of most current labor agreements please go to:
01
This position requires possession of a valid driver's license. Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question