Hate Crimes and Vulnerable Populations Victim Advocate (Internal Applicants Only)
- Summary
Internal Applicants OnlyThis position is open only to current employees of the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
Supervisor: Wendy Ross
Salary: Range 48- $29.95 (step one) - $37.97 (step ten) Hourly*
Location: In person/telecommuting hybrid: Downtown King County Courthouse, 5th Floor, Seattle and Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent.
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
The Hate Crimes and Vulnerable Populations Advocate will provide comprehensive victim advocacy to victims, family members of victims, and community members of hate crime and other vulnerable populations (i.e., vulnerable adult abuse, animal cruelty, or human trafficking, and complex fraud) as capacity permits. The advocate will provide independent support, uphold victim’s rights, and give a voice to crime victims within the criminal justice system. The advocate will be responsible for responding to victims during pre-filing status (while cases are under review) as well through the adjudication of any criminal charges that may be filed. The advocate will work closely with deputies in the in General Crimes Unit (GCU), Economic Crimes Unit (ECU), and Violent Economic Crimes Unit (VECU), and will provide advocacy to victims in both the King County Courthouse in Seattle, and the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. The advocate will coordinate community outreach efforts to our most marginalized and vulnerable communities who may experience higher rates of bias crime and victimization.
- Job Duties
Provide advocacy to victims, survivors and immediate family members of hate crime and elder abuse 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
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 and participate in outreach events related to caseload and impacts of victimization
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 DPA’s, 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?
Participate in appropriate Hate Crime and Vulnerable Populations task forces, workgroups, multi-disciplinary teams, community meetings in accordance with PAO objectives and roles/responsibilities
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.? Experience responding to victims of bias or elder abuse crime a plus
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
Application Process:
Interested individuals must submit a resume, cover letter and answer any supplemental questions.
Selection Process
Materials will be reviewed for qualifications, and the most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in a panel interview process.
*Employees with less than 2 years of service will receive .25 per hour less than the hourly salary table due to a mandatory contribution toward the Teamsters Pension Trust that was voted by members of Teamsters Local No. 117.
Tracking Number: 62S-2022-JUN-REG
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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01Are you currently employed by the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office?
- Yes
- No
02This position involves the review of police reports, viewing of photographs and videos and subject matter that may be violent, racist, or generally xenophobic. Is this something you are able to work with on a daily basis?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