Victim Advocate - San Juan County, WA : Job Details

This position is responsible for providing information and support to crime victims consistent with the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy Crime Victim Service Center Grant Program (the grant  ). This position is 100% grant funded.Services may include one or more of the following: crisisintervention, information and referral, advocacy, outreach, and awareness. The advocate will attend court with the person harmed, assist them in understanding their rights, and work to keep them informed and comfortable with financial, medical, legal, and other procedures. Services will be culturally appropriate and accessible to all communities without regard to immigration status, race/ethnicity, language, gender, age, sexual orientation, social class, marital status, religious affiliation, residency, and HIV status. The Advocate will coordinate the provision of information, training, and news releases to increase awareness of other services available in the community and among service providers regarding persons who have been harmed by the commission of a crime.Provides support to people who are harmed, regardless of when it occurred, whether it was reported to law enforcement, or whether any charge or resolution is made through the criminal justice system. Services may include crisis intervention, information and referral, advocacy, legal advocacy, medical advocacy, and outreach and awareness.As the budget allows, consistent with grant documents, provide emergency financial assistance to permit the person harmed to obtain emergency food, shelter, clothing, and transportation; short-term residential care; window, door, or lock replacement or repair; or other repairs to home to ensure comfort and safety, and medical assistance.Keep the person harmed informed of their rights; charging decisions; protection orders; conditions that may be imposed by the courts; and the progress of cases such as arraignments, changes of plea, trials, and sentencing. Accompany persons harmed to court. Inform and provide guidance as needed with the preparation of victim impact statements at sentencing; restitution paperwork; and necessary paperwork for financial benefits with the Office of Crime Victim Compensation.When requested, will be a legal advocate and provide services to liaise and communicate with those harmed, prosecutors, and courts; schedule and participate in prosecutor and defense attorney interviews with the person harmed.Coordinates with private and public organizations for services to victims harmed by crime, including emergency assistance. Makes referrals as appropriate to local, state, and federal agencies for services, being mindful that the victim/witness advocate is part of the prosecutor's office and cannot promise or necessarily maintain communications as confidential.Coordinates training to support, inform, and provide outreach to individuals about available services and the statutory and constitutional rights of persons harmed by crime.Provides information to the community and directly to community groups to increase understanding and awareness of services available to victims and the impact of crime on victims and the community. Write and distribute printed and website materials and news releases focusing on victim rights and issues related to the crimes of rape, sexual assault, child abuse, homicide, and domestic violence. Develop and provide educational materials to crime victims.Under the direction of the Prosecuting Attorney, prepares and administers victim case files (paper and electronic), maintains current data in InfoNet, and assists in the preparation of the county budget for the grant program.Reports child abuse and adult protective services cases to DSHS when required by law.As required by applicable grants, attends training to stay current on legislation related to victims and victim issues.Prepares and submits annual grant proposals to support the program.Acts within the scope of responsibilities, working as a public employee with courtesy and professionalism, and adhering to the highest standard of ethics in a manner consistent with RCW 42.52.Other services as required by the Prosecuting Attorney consistent with grant requirements.Perform other related duties as assigned. Bachelor's degree with emphasis in counseling, social services, and psychology, OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job functions. Strong verbal and written communication skills necessary. Ability to relate to and work well with those harmed by emotional and damaging criminal events, and effectively coordinate services with other local and state agencies. Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills required. Prior to providing services, a 30-hour pre-advocacy course is required, with 10 additional hours required in the first year and annually thereafter 12 hours of training is required.PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:Work requires continuous sitting and operation of a computer including keyboard and mouse operation.Frequent standing and walking.Involves talking and hearing in person and on the phone.Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to differentiate colors and read computer monitor.Ability to climb in and out of small airplanes and automobiles.Ability to understand and relate well with victims of crime and cooperate with a variety of personnel from other County departments, agencies, and community groups.WORKING CONDITIONS:Works primarily in an office environment although some travel to other locations may be required by boat or by air, including for field operations, which may involve inclement weather conditions. Work will also require some home visits to victims and travel to other islands and the mainland for meetings, training, and interviews.#J-18808-Ljbffr