VICTIM ASSISTANCE ADVOCATE
DEFINITION
Under direction, coordinates the
involvement of victims of crime through the criminal court system, to
coordinate support for victims of crimes and performs other work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This classification in the District
Attorney’s Office is responsible for coordinating and providing a variety of
services to victims of crime. Incumbents must be able to identify with, assess
and be sensitive to the needs of victims of crime, and relate well with
individuals from a variety of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
Incumbents are expected to independently carry assigned cases with minimal
guidance.
The class is distinguished from the
next higher classification of Victim/Witness Assistance Program Coordinator in
that the latter class has responsibility for program coordination and
supervision of the program staff.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
1. Provides immediate field and office
crisis intervention services to victims of crime by interviewing them,
identifying their needs and referring them to the appropriate community
resources; provides follow-up to assure victim’s needs are being met.
2. Interviews victims and gathers
information to determine their eligibility for reimbursement and restitution by
various federal and State programs and agencies; assists them in completing,
verifying and submitting reimbursement claims.
3. Advises and provides support for
victims in order to reduce their stress and anxiety by keeping them informed of
the status of cases, explaining criminal justice and police procedures, and
being available to respond to their questions and concerns regarding the
criminal justice process.
4. Prepares victims of crime for their
participation in the criminal justice system by educating them on the criminal
justice process and the various steps involved, escorting them to court and
community resource agencies for assistance, and providing reassurance when
having to face a defendant in court.
5. Establishes and maintains a list of
community referral and service agencies.
6. Keeps current of and interprets
rules, regulations and policy regarding State victim reimbursement and
restitution programs.
7. Serves as a liaison between the
victim and community resource agencies, police agencies and judicial agencies;
keeps attorneys up to date of the status, reaction, emotional states and
extenuating circumstances of a victim’s case; works with various federal and
state governmental agencies providing restitution and assistance concerning
program policies, procedures and client eligibility.
8. Keeps current of the court calendar;
coordinates victim and/or witness court appearances, arranges meetings with
police agents, attorneys and community resource agencies.
9. Conducts educational presentations on
the Victim/Witness Assistance Program for community groups, schools and law
enforcement agencies; answers public inquiries regarding the program; solicits
participation from volunteers.
10. Attends training and educational
conferences to stay current on issue, trend and developments in the field of
victim/witness assistance programs.
11. Completes forms; maintains case
files; calculates costs; writes reports and correspondence.
12. Performs administrative tasks such as
tracking and tallying workload statistics for the Victim/Witness Assistance Program
and compiles and summarizes program information for grant applications.
13. Trains and orients new program staff.
QUALIFICATIONS
A combination of experience,
education, and/or training which substantially demonstrates the following
knowledges, skills and abilities:
Knowledges and Skills:
Working knowledge of:
1. The laws, procedures and legal
terminology used in the criminal justice system pertaining to victim assistance
programs
2. The various community agencies,
organizations and individuals who provide assistance to victims of crime
3. The principles and techniques of
interviewing in order to gather factual information
4. State and federal agencies and
programs that provide reimbursement and assistance to victims of crime
Some knowledge of:
1. Standard office procedures and record
keeping practices.
2. Techniques used to counsel individuals under
emotional stress.
Skill and Ability to:
1. Gather and analyze data and draw
logical conclusions and/or recommend an effective course of action
2. Communicate orally for the purpose of
gathering sensitive, factual information from victims of crime and for speaking
before groups
3. Recognize the symptoms of emotional
stress and trauma of victims of crime and obtain the appropriate assistance
4. Exhibit tact, sensitivity and a
supportive attitude when dealing with victims of crime from a wide variety of
socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds
5. Gain the confidence and cooperation
of victims of crime
6. Write clearly and concisely
7. Work under minimal daily supervision
within a framework of policies and procedures and independently organize and
prioritize work
8. Work under pressure of deadlines
9. Read and interpret federal and State
laws and procedures pertaining to reimbursement and restitution for victims of
crime
10. Provide excellent and courteous customer
service and establish and maintain effective working relationships
EXAMPLES OF EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/TRAINING
The knowledges, skills and abilities
listed above may be acquired through various types of experiences, education or
training, typically:
Experience
Approximately two years of clerical or paraprofessional experience within
the criminal justice system
OR
Education
Coursework in a behavioral science such as psychology, sociology or other
related field.
REQUIRED
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
As a condition of employment, the incumbent will be required to:
1. Successfully complete a background
investigation that includes a fingerprint and DMV check.
2. Possess a valid California class C
driver license or be able to provide suitable transportation that is approved
by the appointing authority.
CLASS HISTORY
Class Code: 60K02 Bargaining
Unit: J
Established Date: February, 2000 EEO Category: PP
Work
Group: 13
9410
NT Approved
by:
5/6/99
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Date