Job Description

Victim Advocate Opportunity

The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office is seeking applications for Victim Advocates to join our team of dedicated professionals.

The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office is considered one of the nation's leaders in innovative specialty court programs. We strive for a fair, open and just system that promotes public safety through effective prosecution. The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office is committed to the open and balanced administration of justice one that honors and respects diversity in all of its forms. MCDA is committed to full implementation of Victims' Rights as embodied in Oregon law.

Your role as a Victim Advocate is to ensure crime victims are informed and supported in the criminal and juvenile justice system. This will be done in a professional, meaningful way to accord them due dignity and respect. You will provide advocacy assisting crime victims and family members through the aftermath of a crime, orienting them to the criminal justice system, keeping them informed and ensuring their rights are honored at every step of the process.

You will be working collaboratively with our Deputy District Attorneys, law enforcement, system and community partners to improve access, coordinate services and create system improvements to support victims and survivors.

These positions are typically Monday through Friday from either 8:00am to 4:30pm or 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, as assigned by the Supervisor. 8:00am to 5:00pm with an hour-long lunch is also an option.

The essential functions of this position include but is not limited to the following areas:

• Provide orientation to the criminal justice system, investigation process, and post-conviction systems.
• Prepare and accompany victims to court hearings, law enforcement interviews, and other related meetings. Explain complex processes in a trauma-informed manner that allows victims to make informed decisions, including applicable rights and options for exercising their rights.
• Assist victims with logistical issues to appear in court, such as transportation, interpreter services and childcare.
• Assist with applications for Crime Victims' Compensation and the Address Confidentiality Program. Provide referrals to other resources. Assist with restitution.
• Assist victims/survivors in reporting new and historical crimes to law enforcement, documenting injuries.
• Provide crisis intervention and conduct safety-planning as needed. This could include but is not limited to: working with victims/survivors to create personal safety plans, assisting victims/survivors with information about protective orders, communicating needs and perspectives to prosecutors, pretrial release and probation departments to support victims exercising their rights, increasing safety and keeping them informed.

Crime Victim Notifications

• Provide notice to victims of crime about their rights as soon as practicable. Explain how to request specific rights and document all rights asserted. Provide information and options for exercising rights at each stage of the criminal justice process. This includes providing information about post-conviction systems and notifications.
• Keep victims up to date on case status. Monitor cases for any qualifying action or hearing and provide timely notification over the phone, in person or in writing as appropriate.
• Communicate with the prosecutor and all appropriate parties, information about victim participation, needs, accommodations, statements to the court and rights asserted.
• Provide information about victim impact statements and other opportunities to address the court.
• Establish and maintain accurate and current contact information for victims including alternate contacts.

Community Engagement, Trainings and Reporting

• Assisting in the design and delivery of training, community outreach, and education for internal and external partners, members of the public and victims of crime. Participate in volunteer training and on-going volunteer meetings.
• Provide feedback and attend victim services meetings/work groups; contribute to system improvements to better serve victims/survivors.
• Complete required training including but not limited to State Victim Assistance Academy, Crime Victims' Compensation Program, Address Confidentiality Program and Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy trainings.
• Update computerized case tracking system. Maintain records, accurate case notes, data entry and communicate relevant case information.
• Submit memorandum of activities and statistics for grant reports or court hearings as requested.

Most Victim Advocate positions are full-time, however this list may be used to fill full-time, part-time, temporary, limited duration and on-call openings. If you are interested in joining our team of dynamic individuals, we encourage you to apply.

To qualify we will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page.

Required Minimum Qualifications / *Transferable Skills:

• Associate degree from an accredited college or university with course work in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field.
• (1) to four (4) years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. (Equivalency 3-6 years of qualifying training and/or experience).
• Ability to work with people in crisis and understand the impacts of trauma, abuse and vicarious trauma.
• Experience working with high level confidential information.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and manage multiple tasks to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work together as a team, collaborating and covering for coworkers.
• Flexible and able to work well under pressure with time sensitivity.
• Ability to promote a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values.

Preferred Special Qualifications/Transferable Skills:

• Advanced understanding of cultures, customs and social experiences of communities experiencing marginalization and barriers to opportunity, and the ability to apply this to program and system practices.
• Bilingual skill in any language is preferred.
• Knowledge of resources and agencies that support victims/survivors.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with course work in criminal justice, social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field.

*Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.

Other:

• Candidates must successfully pass a thorough criminal background check and post-offer urine drug screen.

You will be asked to sign a disclosure statement about the arrests and convictions of immediate family members and close relations pursuant to our policy regarding Outside Associations. Immediate family is defined to include parents, spouse, spouse equivalent, brother, sister, children, grandparents, or any individual where the relationship is close or intimate, or a roommate. An answer of "Yes" to any Outside Associates will not automatically disqualify an applicant.

The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:

• Initial review of application materials for minimum qualifications
• Oral exam
• Consideration of top candidates
• Background and reference checks

Pay Equity: Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, a pay equity analysis will be conducted to determine what pay step the successful candidate will be offered. The analysis will be based on the relevant experience, education, training, and certifications documented in the application materials. On average, candidates new to county service will most likely be offered compensation in the lower to possibly mid-level of the salary range.

Note: Please be mindful of checking your email inbox for messages upon submitting your application. You may be emailed requesting for additional items from the Recruiter or hiring manager. If a response is not received in a timely manner your application may not be considered.

Application Requirements: Please ensure all the items are included in the application as missing items may be deemed as incomplete application. Please be thorough, as these materials will be scored and determine your eligibility for an interview.

• An online application demonstrating you meeting minimum qualifications.
• Resume: Please include all related experience (paid or unpaid). Please be specific about your experience as it relates to the Essential Job Functions, To Qualify, and Specific KSAs sections above. Resume should include the following for each employer: name of employer, location, dates of employment, your title, and a brief summary of your responsibilities.
• Cover letter addressing: Why you are interested in the position, AND How you meet the required minimum

Multnomah County

Job Tags

Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Work experience placement, Immediate start, Trial period, Flexible hours, Monday to Friday,

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