LOWER ELWHA KLALLAM TRIBE
Crime Victim Advocate
Job Description
OVERVIEW: Navigates adult criminal and juvenile justice court proceedings and provides trauma informed and culturally sensitive direct services to adult and children victims and witnesses of crime and their families, including advocacy, support, information and referrals. Acts as a liaison between victims, prosecutors, law enforcement, courts and community resources to ensure that victims have meaningful access to their rights under applicable law. This is a non-supervisory position funded by a federal grant from the Office for Victims of Crime.
WORK LOCATION: Social Services Offices
SUPERVISED BY: Chief of Police / Police Dept. Office Manager
POSITION STATUS: Regular/full-time with benefits
SALARY LEVEL: $16.52 per hour/ DOQ
WORK SCHEDULE: 40 hours per week, non-exempt position / must be available to work nights or weekends as needed
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB:
- Service Integration
- Works directly with law enforcement as part of a first response team.
- Serves as a liaison between crime victim and prosecutors, law enforcement and the courts.
- Provides crisis intervention and emergency assistance by conducting immediate needs assessment and making referrals to other community resources.
- Conducts developmental age appropriate crisis interventions with children of all ages and educates parents/caregivers on how to recognize and mitigate crisis reactions.
- Analyzes new cases to identify crime victims requiring services; determines victim loss, including personal and/or property loss and evaluates need for available resources.
- Arranges continued service referrals determined necessary, including medical or therapeutic treatment.
- Provides limited and informal peer counseling relating to problems resulting from the crime.
- Assists law enforcement and prosecutor in cases with victim-related needs, including victim interviews and trial preparation as directed.
- Ensures that victim impact statements are timely provided to prosecutors, defense attorneys, and the court.
- Assists victims and prosecutors with victim health information needs by preparing medical releases and releases of information to speak with other agencies/entities providing services to victims.
- Provides information to prosecutor regarding lack of restitution payment as probation violations.
- Arranges transportation of victims/witnesses; coordinates their excused absence from employment; escorts and supports them for court appearances and interviews.
- Victim Rights and Resources
- Educates crime victims of the legal process and rights afforded them under applicable law.
- Notifies victims of case status, criminal proceedings, trials, other court hearings in a timely manner.
- Provides victims with all relevant documents, brochures, and contact information of agencies throughout case prosecution and post-disposition.
- Accompanies victims to appearances or attend on their behalf as requested and provide support and information about the judicial processes and court proceedings.
- Assists victims in generating court documents for protective orders, including but not limited to, domestic violence protection orders, sexual assault protection orders, harassment protection orders, stalking protection orders and vulnerable adult protection orders.
- Works collaboratively with the Tribe's DV/Family Advocacy Program and other crime victim advocacy service providers to ensure continuity of victim services across jurisdictions.
- Accurately and concisely documents all activities consistent with the Lower Elwha Police Department's case information policy.
- Addresses requests from the community about the objectives of crime victim assistance, reporting and the investigative process, dynamics of specific crimes, and victim's rights generally.
- General Duties:
- Participate in initial and on-going training opportunities to enhance skills in identifying, assessing needs, advocating for, and assisting crime victims.
- Willing and able to respond to professional supervision regarding self-care with respect to job stress and personal and/or professional detachment.
- Maintains appropriate security and confidentiality of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties.
- Participates in staff meetings.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Knowledge of appropriate Tribal, State, and Federal laws relating to victims of crime; legal terminology, court practices and procedures; office procedures to include personal computers and common office equipment.
- Knowledge regarding crime victim issues and resources.
- Knowledge of advocacy strategies and processes, prefer experience and proven effectiveness as an advocate and service provider to victims of violence.
- Knowledge of community resources.
- Skilled in dealing with the public in highly stressful situations and working quickly and calmly in emergencies.
- Skilled in working with clients and relaying empathy while providing information and support in a culturally sensitive manner.
- Skilled in maintaining client confidentiality.
- Ability to: interview victims and obtain relevant information; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; maintain appropriate boundaries; follow written and verbal instructions; prioritize tasks; work independently and apply good judgment in crisis situations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalency. Associates Degree or higher in Social Work, Legal Studies, Law Enforcement, Psychology, Sociology, and/or related health and human services degree preferred. Prior experience with crisis response or working with crime victims in the criminal justice system preferred.
- Must have excellent communication, empathy, listening, assertiveness and people skills.
- Must have good organizational skills and the ability to express thoughts clearly in verbal and written communications.
- Valid Washington State driver's license and insurable driving record within 30 days of hire.
- Must have reliable and insured transportation.
- Must be able to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Physical stamina to work in a variety of settings.
- Able to emotionally and cognitively detach, both professionally and personally from the client and family dynamics inherent in working with crime victims.
- Must be available for evening, weekend, and/or occasional travel.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check, including an FBI criminal background check.
- Strong interest in learning new skills.
- Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol test.
As with all positions of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, this position is Indian preference in hiring, in accordance with P.L. 93-638.
CONTACT: Human Resource Department
2851 Lower Elwha Road
Port Angeles, WA 98363
Phone: (360) 452-8471
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