Victim Assistance Advocate

Application Filing Deadline: July 29, 2022
Exam #: 22/60K02/06CC The Office of the District Attorney is responsible for attending court and conducting all local criminal prosecutions. The District Attorney is a State Constitutional Officer when prosecuting crimes defined under State Law. Additionally, the Office provides legal advice to all law enforcement agencies and provides training programs for their personnel; thus, increasing the probability of successful prosecutions.
The mission of the Office is to promote justice, ensure that the rights of victims are upheld by treating them with dignity, respect and compassion, and aggressively and fairly prosecute those who violate the law.
The Office employs individuals of high ethical standards, character, and professional courage. The Office is seeking a talented, self-directed Victim Assistance Advocate. Under direction, the incumbent will coordinate the involvement of victims of crime through the criminal court system and coordinate support for victims of crimes.

IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Victim Assistance Advocate will be assigned to mass criminalization victimization incidents at local, state and domestic levels and may be responsible for coordinating community response to these incidents. This position will develop, organize and coordinate plans that support and enhance immediate response and recovery efforts for victim/witness services. The ideal candidate should be flexible and able to immediately respond following a mass incident with essential supplies, and possess the ability to lead and coordinate other victim assistance responders during a critical incident.
The Eligible List established by this recruitment may be used to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis.

Examples of Duties

• 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.
• Interview victim(s) to determine eligibility for state reimbursement program and assisting them with applications.
• Accompany victim(s) to court, advise victim(s) of current status of criminal case and explain criminal justice system and law enforcement procedures for the duration of the case.
• Keeps current of the court calendar; coordinates victim and/or witness court appearances, arranges meetings with police agents, attorneys and community resource agencies.
• Maintain victim contacts through the case management system, statistical reports that relate to mandated victim services, calculate costs, write reports and correspondences.
• Attends training and educational conferences to stay current on issue, trend and developments in the field of victim/witness assistance programs.
• 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.

To view the complete job description, please visit the Monterey County website:
http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/human-resources/human-resources/class-specifications

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
In addition, a combination of experience, education and/or training which substantially demonstrates the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• The laws, procedures and legal terminology used in the criminal justice system pertaining to the legal process and victim assistance programs.
• Gather and analyze data and draw logical conclusions and/or recommend an effective course of action.
• Standard office procedures and record keeping practices to include computer
• Communicate orally for the purpose of gathering sensitive, factual information from victim(s) of crime and for speaking before groups and committees.
• Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing
• Write clearly and concisely.
• Read and interpret federal/state laws and procedures pertaining to reimbursement and restitution for victim(s) of crime.
• Provide excellent and courteous customer service and establish and maintain effective working relationships with victim(s), community agencies and co-workers.
• Work under minimal daily supervision with a framework of policies and procedures and independently organize and prioritize work.
• Exercise sound judgment, diplomacy and discretion under difficult circumstances.

Examples of Experience/Education/Training

The knowledge, 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.

Additional Information

Required Conditions of Employment

• Successfully complete a thorough background investigation which will include a record of any criminal convictions.
• Possess a valid California class C driver license or be able to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.

Physical and Sensory Requirements
The physical and sensory abilities required for this classification include:

• Incumbents are required to lift and carry boxes weighing up to 25 pounds

BENEFITS:
Monterey County offers an excellent benefits package. To view the J Unit Benefit Summary please visit our website Link. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution Link or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Link prevail over this listing.

COVID-19:
On July 30, 2021 the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors took action to mandate COVID-19 vaccination for all employees to include new hires. The vaccination requirement is in accordance with Section 25 of the County of Monterey Emergency Response Manual and COVID-19 Prevention Program Link. Applicants who accept employment with the County of Monterey, will be required to be fully vaccinated. However, individuals may request medical Link or religious Link exemptions and will be required to complete the appropriate request and certification forms for review and approval no later than their start date.

NOTES:
As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions. Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9. If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.
Application and Selection Procedures

Apply On-Line!
Our website: www.co.monterey.ca.us/personnel

Applications may also be obtained from and submitted to:
Monterey County, Human Resources Department
Attn: Channelle Ceralde Senior Personnel Analyst
168 W. Alisal Street, 3rd Floor
Salinas, CA 93901
Email:[email protected] | Phone: 831-755-5162
The selection process is tentative and applicants will be notified if changes are made. The competitive selection process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application packet will include:

• A completed County of Monterey Employment Application
• Responses to all of the Supplemental Questions

Applicants who fail to provide all required materials by the final filing deadline will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
Monterey County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Channelle Ceralde, Senior Personnel Analyst at (831) 755-5162, or [email protected]