Victim/Witness Advocate - (Human Services Worker II), State's Attorney Office
Howard County Government See More Job Openings by This Employer
- POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION
To assist crime victims and witnesses through the criminal justice system by answering their questions and concerns, making referrals to agencies that would provide additional assistance and provide courtroom accompaniment. Assist the prosecutors by contacting victims and witnesses, scheduling appointments and coordinating victims' and witnesses' courtroom appearance.
***This is a State Authorized Exempt position and is ineligible for membership in a collective bargaining unit.***
STARTING SALARY $51,382 ANNUALLY/$24.70 HOURLY
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs advanced technical level human services work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under regular supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes providing services needed to carry out human service programs or the operation of a medium sized center with extensive regional responsibility and daily programs. Work also includes performing supportive casework services needed to carry out an alternative sentencing program, and placing adult offenders into community service organizations according to court specified sentencing instructions.- ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
Serve as a link of communication between the State's Attorney's Office and victims and witnesses of crime in District Court cases handled by the Special Victims Unit.
Ensure that victims are treated with dignity and respect. Keep victims and witnesses well informed of the status of their case.
Answer questions, explain court procedures, and ensure courtroom proceedings are as comfortable as possible for victims and witnesses. Arrange transportation to and from court when necessary.
Alert prosecutors to any developments/concerns realized by contact made with victims and witnesses. Coordinate and attend meetings with the prosecutors and victims and witnesses.
Provide information and assistance with understanding the Protective/Peace Order process, VINE system, filing a CICB claim, and restitution requests. Advise victims of their right to submit a Victim Impact Statement, explain importance, and assist in writing, if needed.
Make necessary referrals to appropriate Social Service agencies or other organizations assisting with counseling, financial support, temporary housing, etc.
Search for and compile information on any previous Domestic Violence related history a defendant may have in the court system.
Monitor the daily bail review schedule and alert victims of the outcome.
Mail letters and necessary correspondence to victims and witnesses.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.- MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Associate degree and one (1) year related experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:Bachelor’s degree in Criminal justice or Social Science/Human Services related field and experience working directly with the public in legal, social service m or customer service setting.
Thorough knowledge of victim's rights.
Bilingual Spanish Speaking.
Thorough knowledge of the criminal justice system, laws, regulations and procedures related to this position.
Ability to exercise good judgment in deciding when to act independently and when to refer situations to a higher authority.
Ability to work on a cooperative, courteous and effective basis with associates, officials and representatives from other public and private agencies.
Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced, high volume environment.
Ability to pass a background check.
Possess a valid Driver’s License
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of victims, witnesses or employees of organization.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.- CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS
Possession of a valid driver's license.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted.
Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.
At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).
Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at HiringPreference@howardcountymd.gov. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.
- $51,382 - $99,027/year
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