VICTIM/WITNESS ADVOCATE - SPECIAL ASSAULT UNIT

Snohomish County

  • Everett, WA
  • $71,122-86,372 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 7 days ago
DescriptionAbout the OfficeThe Criminal Division is responsible for prosecuting all adult and juvenile felonies that occur within Snohomish County, as well as misdemeanor and gross misdemeanors that occur in unincorporated areas.The Snohomish County Prosecutor's Office is committed to the responsible exercise of its prosecutorial discretion in ways that best serve our diverse community. We do so by supporting and advocating for crime victims and their families, holding individuals who harm others and commit crimes accountable, and preserving and protecting the rights of the accused. It is our mission to pursue justice fairly, firmly, and ethically, and to help create safe and livable communities for everyone while maintaining the trust and respect of those we humbly serve. We are also dedicated to pursuing innovative alternatives to traditional prosecution that include embedded therapeutic programs designed to address the root causes of criminal behavior. As an office, we highly value hard work, teamwork, and a healthy work-life balance.Snohomish County is in northwest Washington State between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. Just15 miles north of Seattle, the county is rich in scenerywithabundantopportunitiesforoutdooractivitiesandhasathrivingeconomy. It is a great place to live, work, raise a family, and play. https://snohomishcountywa.gov/Snohomish County offers a generous total compensation package. For example, total compensation for a full time first year victim/witness advocate is $102,878.00. This includes a gross annual salary of $71,122.00 and annual benefits with a current approximate value of $31,756.00. These benefits consist of medical, dental, vision, FICA, Medicare, Washington State Paid Family and Medical Leave, PERS (pension), disability insurance, and a limited employer-matching contribution for deferred compensation plan. This position may qualify for school or federal student loan forgiveness programs.In addition to these benefits, first-year employees receive 96 hours of annual paid sick leave, 96 hours of annual paid vacation leave, 16 additional hours of annual floating holiday leave, and 11 paid holidays.SELECTION PROCESS:
  • Applications received
  • Review for minimum qualifications
  • SME Review of Supplemental Questions
  • Interviews of most qualified applicants
  • Second Interviews may be given at management's discretion
  • Offer
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONSApplicants are required to answer all of the supplemental questions. Please answer the supplemental questions in detail. They are scored based on the depth and range of experience you have for each activity/function.SALARY RANGEThe salary range listed in this positing non-negotiable. The successful applicant will be unable to negotiate for higher than the maximum salary in the pay range.BASIC FUNCTIONTo provide support services to the victim/witness services program provided through the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Advocates for children and adults who are referred to the Prosecutor's Office as victims or witnesses of crimes, usually crimes of physical or sexual assault, domestic violence or homicide. The current opening is for a vacancy in our Special Assault Unit, which is responsible for the prosecution of crimes against children and sexual assaults.Job DutiesSTATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES: * In individual cases provides emotional support, guidance, information on criminal justice procedures, referral and advocacy services to victims and their non-offending family members, after they have been referred to the Prosecutor's Office, as defined first by statute and second by policies and practices of the office.
  • Schedules, supports and advocates for victims through interviews related to the criminal justice process.
  • Accompanies victims to any court proceedings they wish to attend and to all interviews with prosecutors and defense attorneys or investigators.
  • Observes and advocates for all other victim rights as related to the criminal justice process.
  • Establishes supportive human relationships with victims and families and helps resolve issues following case disposition.
  • Consults with deputy prosecuting attorneys regarding victim needs and case dynamics; tracks case status; advocates for rapid, smooth case management; writes reports and materials as relevant.
  • Coordinates with individuals and agencies working on specific cases.
  • Maintains case records and prepare require reports and documents.
  • Participates in activities such as training, consultation and in community based committees or activities that relate to the essential functions.
STATEMENT OF OTHER JOB DUTIES * Performs related duties as required.Minimum QualificationsA Bachelor's degree in a human service field; AND, one (1) year of experience in mental health, social services, or criminal justice; OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge and ability.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
A valid Washington State Driver's License, unrestricted except as to vision may be required.Additional InformationKNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIESKnowledge of:
  • judicial and criminal justice systems
  • victim rights as defined by law
  • community and social service systems and resources in the area
  • dynamics of families, human development, and interpersonal abuse and violence
  • interviewing, counseling/guidance and assessment skills
Ability to:
  • effectively communicate verbally and in writing to a variety of groups and individuals from diverse backgrounds
  • articulate and represent clients in an advocate role
  • respond effectively in crisis and emergent situations and establish a trusting and supportive environment among staff and for victims
  • read, interpret and apply work related laws, rules and regulations
  • establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials of the criminal justice system, community organizations, agency staff and associates, and the general public
  • apply professional values in a practical host environment
  • maintain all ethical and professional standards of the Office
  • observe strict confidentiality regarding all information obtained in course of employment
  • produce work product that meets professional standards of quality, neatness, accuracy, and promptness
  • demonstrate ability to manage a caseload characterized by traumatic life events
  • maintain records and prepare reports
  • comfortable with basic computer programs such as word processing, data bases, spread sheets
  • interact and deal with distraught or difficult individuals in an adversarial environment
SUPERVISIONEmployees in this class report to the Unit Lead and are supervised by the Assistant Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. The work is performed with a high degree of independence and is reviewed through meetings, periodic status reports, periodic written evaluations, and results obtained.WORKING CONDITIONSAfter your initial training is complete, advocates are permitted to choose an in office/work from home hybrid arrangement. However, advocates are required to be in the office in person as required for victim/witness meetings, hearings or other work that must be performed in person.Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.Snohomish County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees that receive a regular appointment who work at least 20 hours a week.
Visit to learn more about the following benefits.County Benefits
  • Medical Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Retirement
  • Basic Group Term Life Insurance/ Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
  • Long Term Disability (LTD)
  • Commuting Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Partners for Health Employee Wellness Program
  • Leave & Holidays
Voluntary Benefits
  • Deferred Compensation 457(b)
  • Supplemental Group Term Life Insurance
  • Additional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Supplemental Individual Insurance Policies
Healthcare Premiums
  • Regular full-time employees: If you work 35 or more hours per week, you will pay these
for medical insurance. The County pays the for vision, dental, and basic life insurance. * Regular part-time employees: If you work between 20 and 34 hours per week, you will pay
for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. The County's contribution toward the premium for an employee in a regular part-time appointment will be pro-rated in an amount equal to the F.T.E. percentage the employee is assigned. Note: Temporary employees, seasonal employees and paid interns may be eligible for medical insurance benefits. Review the County's to learn more.

Snohomish County