Advocate - Felony Competency & Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity TLT
- Summary
The mission of the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office (PAO) is to “Do Justice.” The hallmarks of service in the Office are Integrity, Compassion, Leadership and Professionalism. King County provides more than 2 million residents with excellence and equity in the essential services that make this one of the nations' best places to live, work, play and raise a family. The PAO values diversity and strives to hire a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We are committed to creating and maintaining an office that is diverse and inclusive.
The PAO employs over 500 deputies and staff with annual budget 80+ million dollars. We have five divisions: Criminal, Civil, Juvenile, Family Support and Administration. The Felony Competency and Forensic Mental Health Unit is responsible for handling cases where the defendant is pending determination of competency to stand trial, cases diverted from competency proceedings through the Legal Intervention and Network of Care (LINC) Program, and cases of persons found to be Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI). The cases handled by this unit range from lower-level crimes to violent felonies, including homicides. We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced advocate to support the victim services unit in responding to cases pending felony competency to stand trial determination, and cases where the court is supervising NGRI commitments. This position will support victims at both the King County Courthouse in Seattle as well as the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent.
The Felony Competency and NGRI Victim Advocate will provide comprehensive victim advocacy to victims, survivors, and family members. These cases are unique as they deal with victims whose cases are being transferred to and from Western State Hospital (WSH) or Eastern State Hospital (ESH) and are under review, supervision, and care of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). The advocate will provide independent support, uphold victim’s rights, and give a voice to crime victims within both the criminal justice system, as well as post adjudication when cases are referred to DSHS. The advocate will provide advocacy in three areas: 1.) Competency cases, 2.) Competency Diversion Cases, 3.) NGRI casesThis is a Term Limited Temporary assignment funded by COVID-8 relief money, and the assignment length is undetermined at this time but will likely last 2-3 years.
Who may apply: This position is open to all qualified applicants.
Salary: Range 48 - $29.95 (step one) – $37.97 (step ten) hourly*
Work Location: Telecommute optional, must be able to travel to Seattle and RJC as needed to meet with victim(s) in person for meetings, court proceedings, and other business reasons.
Work Schedule: This position works a 35-hour work week, typically Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m-4:30 p.m. This position is eligible for King County’s generous benefits package and is covered by the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Application Process*
Interested individuals must complete the four application components:
1) Fully complete King County application
2) Attach resume
3) Attach Cover Letter
4) Respond to the Supplemental Questions
*Applications and/or supplemental question responses that state "see my resume" or are blank are considered incomplete and will not be considered competitive.
Selection Process
Materials will be reviewed for qualifications, and the most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in a panel interview process.
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
PAO Human Resources - Attorney-HR.Prosecuting@kingcounty.gov
Special Requirements
Finalists must successfully submit to a criminal background check, reference check, and be fingerprinted.- Job Duties
- Provide advocacy to crime victims, survivors and immediate family members to help address their emotional, physical and financial needs to reduce the impacts of trauma and victimization.
- Communicate legal rights and case updates to victim/survivors and appropriate immediate family members; engage in victim rights enforcement.
- Deploy advocacy skills, crisis and case management, and de-escalation techniques as needed.
- Assess impacts and needs resulting from crime victimization and trauma, connect victims with community resources and service providers to address identified needs.
- Assist in developing coordinated safety plans with crime victims as appropriate.
- Utilize PAO facility dogs in accordance with PAO policy in support of victims, survivors and immediate family members associated with caseload.
- Develop strong and effective working relationships with DPAs, Case Development Specialists, Paralegals, Law Enforcement, and other system entities to empower, support and educate families and victims throughout the Criminal Justice System process.
- When needed, assist crime victims filing for civil protection orders, including drafting orders, completing declarations, and other legal documents for court hearings
- Attend trials and hearings as necessary, advocate and speak on behalf of victims and their families in and out of court; prepare victims for court testimony.
- Make appropriate warm handoff and referrals to community-based organizations and agencies to address relevant social service needs associated with their victimization.
- Update victims on cases pending competency determination, in coordination with unit staff and advocates.
- Contact victims before referral to diversion to LINC program and contact victims to get input regarding other alternatives.
- Attempt to locate victims and maintain on-going and semi-regular contact with victims on NGRI cases still under court review. Communicate needs of victims and establish coordination with DSHS notification program.
- Participate in appropriate task forces, workgroups, multi-disciplinary teams, community meetings in accordance with PAO objectives and roles/responsibilities.
- Coordinate outreach efforts to build and foster necessary community partnerships with community organizations to address the identified needs outlined by crime survivors.
- Conduct and produce trainings internally to PAO employees and other advocates regarding cases impacted by forensic mental health; Participate in outreach events related to caseload and impacts of victimization.
- Engage equity and social justice principles in regular job duties and decision making.
- Additional responsibilities and/or tasks may be incorporated, or existing ones modified as business needs evolve.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
- Demonstrated expertise in the areas of violent crime and criminal justice and court-based advocacy. Interest in responding to victims on cases going through the Washington State Forensic Mental Health System.
- Demonstrated ability to work with people in crisis.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written; ability to communicate professionally and effectively with individuals, groups and in the courtroom.
- Considerable knowledge of local related community resources.
- Demonstrated ability to work within and across systems including law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, community partners and the public.
- Skill in working with diverse populations.
- Ability to exercise independent initiative and judgment and also function as a team player.
- Ability to problem-solve and identify needed procedural and policy changes.
- Demonstrated ability to manage voluminous and sensitive caseloads.
- Any combination of experience/education/training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work.
- Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with co-workers, management, attorneys, court personnel, law enforcement, community partners and the general public.
- Actively participate in PAO equity work, attending equity trainings and discussion. Provide support for the Equity and Social Justice policy and principles, work with PAO colleagues and management to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Bilingual candidates and candidates with experience serving diverse survivors are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Supplemental Information
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
We are making the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
As of October 18, 2021, Prosecuting Attorney's Office employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If hired, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination by October 18th. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. Employees may make requests for a reasonable accommodation based on a medical disability or for sincerely held religious beliefs. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.
This directive applies to employees in the Executive branch*, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
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01What is your experience working directly with crime victims while navigating the criminal justice system?02Describe your experience providing case management and navigating high-needs individuals to community services.03Part of King County's values include making it a racially just and welcoming community where every person can thrive. Please describe how this aligns with your personal values.
Required Question