Victim Assistance Specialist – Department of Community Corrections Job Openings

Overview

Position Title: Victim Assistance Specialist

Company: City Of Co Washington Or

Location: Co Washington, OR, US

Job Description:

Washington County’s Community Corrections Department has an exciting career opportunity available for an experienced Victim Assistance Specialist. Become a part of our dynamic and passionate Counseling & Victims Services program by supporting victims of crime. The Victim Assistance (VA) Specialist offers information, education, resources, and safety planning to victims of felony and misdemeanor criminal cases prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Office. They also act as a liaison between the victim and Probation/Parole Officers and connect the victim to local government agencies and community partners who can further assist in providing ongoing services and support.

This position requires exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written. This position is responsible for entering and tracking data and case notes, including running reports and providing narrative to those reports. Because of this, great organizational skills and attention to detail are a must! This position also writes a lot of website content, keeping articles and resources current and relevant. The VA Specialist will meet with community partners to support joint efforts that assist victims of crime. All VA Specialists are expected to keep up on current laws, policies, and skills in the area of victim assistance and will be given opportunities for additional training and professional growth and development.

Responsibilities:

• Assists in creating a positive and supportive work environment; enforces a safe workplace; establishes a culture of teamwork and communication; creates a workplace that promotes the organizational values of workplace diversity, equity and inclusion and actively promotes an environment respectful of living and working in a multicultural society.
• Maintains detailed case notes and statistical information, as required, for state reporting and continuity of services.
• Educates victims about crime victim rights and criminal justice system processes and procedures, and the guidelines of probation, if applicable. Works with victims to assert and enforce those rights within the DA’s Office, to defense attorneys, and the court for the purpose of facilitating participation within the criminal justice system and promoting healing in the aftermath of a crime.
• Establishes and maintains contact with victims in relation to the status and disposition of the case; accompanies victims to court; and coordinates appearance in court or travels to court hearings when necessary.
• Provides crisis intervention, support, information and/or advocacy, and safety planning in the aftermath of a crime; and makes victim referrals for counseling, support groups, and other services.
• Monitors victim-oriented legislation and best practice services development from other victim assistance organizations.
• Collects and enters post-conviction victim information, case notes, and demographics into a confidential database; maintains the integrity of the database; runs reports and offers insight on measured outcomes; and forwards appropriate information to the Probation/Parole Officer or Board of Post-Prison Supervision.
• Works directly with employees, volunteers, and interns to provide mentoring and training.
• Helps victims identify and document financial losses for restitution; works closely with prosecutors to analyze and assess accurate claims for presentation to the court; and may set restitution hearings and testify in court.
• Makes presentations about victim advocacy to employees, volunteers, interns, local civic organizations, schools, and citizen groups as directed by management; represents the department and provides expertise in the area of victims’ services at various team, government, and community meetings; and participates in training and collaborative meetings with such groups and organizations to promote best practices, victim-oriented legislation, and new developments within the field.
• Serves as liaison between victims of crime and prosecuting attorneys, civil and defense attorneys, law enforcement officers, probation and parole officers, and other criminal justice partners. May also connect victims with other government agencies or community partners.
• Aligns duties and program activities with state and federal rules and regulations to maintain funding requirements.
• Establishes and maintains strong working relationships with community partners, government agencies, and other County departments to which victims may be referred.

Requirements:

• Must pass a comprehensive background investigation.
• Some positions may be required to pass a post-offer psychological assessment.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record per Washington County policy.
• May require oral and written fluency in another language.
• An associate degree or equivalent in Criminal Justice, Corrections, Social Work, or related fields; AND one (1) year of experience in a victim services role.