Victim Advocate

Job Posting Title

Agency

Supervisory Organization

Job Posting End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full/Part-Time

Job Type

Compensation

Job Description

Title:  Victim Advocate

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience and qualifications

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Location:  Oklahoma City, OK

The Oklahoma Office of the Attorney General is currently seeking a full-time Victim Advocate in our Criminal Appeals Unit.

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Director of Victim Advocates, the Criminal Appeals Victim Advocate will be required to inform the citizens of Oklahoma of their rights under the Oklahoma Constitution and to provide stable, professional-level victim advocacy and assistance services to crime victims in the State of Oklahoma throughout the criminal justice process.  This encompasses all appellate cases including death penalty cases as well as life without parole, life, etc.  Duties include, but are not limited to:

Essential Functions: 

• Victim notification system: Death Penalty and Appellate Cases - Assist in maintaining the Oklahoma Attorney General’s (OAG) database notification system including preparing files on new cases.
• Maintain the case files with updates and notification letters to homicide victims’ families in death penalty cases as well as other appellate case notifications.
• Provide materials regarding the appellate process. 
• Update the OAG Appellate and Death Penalty Processes books.
• Provide information about the clemency and execution processes to be distributed to victims’ family members and other interested parties.
• Ensure that all clemency hearings are recorded for presentation to the Governor’s office if clemency is granted.
• Utilize the OAG database for notifying victims of the appellate process in life without parole and life sentence cases.
• Attend oral arguments, evidentiary hearings, and other hearings with family members to provide professional and emotional support as needed.
• Provide direct contact and support to family members with emotional issues through the duration of the appellate process.
• Facilitate return of evidence used in the prosecution of death penalty cases to victims’ families following the executions, as requested.
• Coordinate with other units within the office for victim-related needs.
• Inform and assist victims with Victim Compensation information and other resources available.
• Assist citizens with the Pardon and Parole Board process and when requested attend monthly meetings.
• Receive and respond to victims’ call to the OAG by identifying victims’ needs and referring and/or connecting them to the appropriate resources and/or unit.
• Document and maintain a log of all phone calls and emails received to assist with any subsequent contact.
• Assist with special projects as requested.
• Provide personal support at interviews, court hearings, Pardon and Parole Board hearings, or other victim service-related events/needs.
• Assist victims with enrollment into notification programs as relevant to their expressed needs.

Required Qualifications: 

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of experience for each year of the required degree. Excellent organizational and communication skills are essential. The ability to maintain a high level of security and confidentiality is crucial. A valid Oklahoma driver’s license is required. Preference will be given to:

• Experience and knowledge in the area of crime victimization
• An understanding of the court processes at the state and appellate levels
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Adobe and PowerPoint computer programs

All applicants must agree in writing to complete, and satisfactorily pass, a background investigation.

The Oklahoma Office of the Attorney General is an equal employment employer and does not make hiring decisions on the basis of race, sex/gender, color, age, national origin, genetic information, religion, or disability, so long as the disability does not render the person unable to perform the essential functions of the position for which employed with a reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodations are needed to apply for this position, please contact OAG Human Resources at (405) 521-3921 or HR@oag.ok.gov. All employees of the Oklahoma Office of the Attorney General are “at will” employees.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.