Victim Advocacy Coordinator - Bilingual/Biliterate English/Spanish Required

The City of Yakima Legal Department is looking for a bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish service-oriented individual to join a team of dedicated individuals who take pride in public service.

The Victim Advocacy Coordinator plays an integral role in providing support, outreach and assistance to victims of domestic violence and other related crimes.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field plus one (1) year of experience providing services to victims and/or witnesses via social work; criminal, civil or municipal law; or related field.

OR

Associate's degree in paralegal studies or closely related field, and three (3) years' experience providing services to victims and/or witnesses via social work; criminal, civil or municipal law; or related field.  Two (2) years' additional experience may substitute for Associate's degree.

Must be able to type at least 35WPM. Prior experience and/or training in domestic violence or victim advocacy is strongly preferred.

Bilingual/Biliterate English/Spanish proficiency is required. Candidates will complete a bilingual/biliterate skills examination conducted under the Charter Civil Service Rules and Regulations and administered by the Civil Service Chief Examiner to determine proficiency.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License. Will need to obtain and maintain necessary domestic violence training as required. Must have the ability to become bonded as a notary public of the State of Washington.

Under the direction and limited supervision of the City Attorney or designee, provides support and assistance to victims of domestic violence and other related crimes. Provides outreach and conducts initial assessment interviews with victims and witnesses of domestic violence and other cases as determined by the City Prosecutor.

 Assesses and documents the reaction of the victim and the trauma impact associated with the crime.  Acts as a liaison between victims/witnesses and the criminal justice system, including but not limited to police and courts, to familiarize and educate them about legal processes in an effort to clarify options and minimize anxiety.  Prepares information to aid prosecutors in determining the viability of prosecution.

Provides victims with information about appropriate community resources and social service organizations including but not limited to crisis intervention, counseling, health and protective services, and Crime Victim's Compensation.  Responsible for locating and maintaining contact with victims and witnesses as needed.  Works with the Yakima Police Department, Prosecutor's Office, and private or non-profit services related to domestic violence.

 Provides support for prosecutions in Municipal Court.  May accompany victims or witnesses to court and is responsible for recruiting, screening and training volunteer legal advocates.

Performs work independently in compliance and under the guidance of state law and City and department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.

Provides assistance to victims of domestic violence with priority given to the safety of victims.

Makes or arranges direct contact with victims and witnesses of domestic violence and other crimes to provide assessment, support, referral, and comprehensive information regarding victim's rights, available options, community resources and the legal system.  Maintains ongoing contact with victims and witnesses in order to provide information.

 Assists in making arrangements for their attendance at court hearings, and assists in their preparation as witnesses.  Explains process of criminal prosecution to victims.  Locates witnesses who may be reluctant to cooperate and maintains contact.  Attends court as necessary.

Conducts victim assessment interviews to collect and analyze the information involving the immediate crime and any prior history of domestic violence.  Effectively documents observations and may collect evidence including but not limited to victim narratives, photographs of injuries, medical records, 9-1-1 tapes, police reports, or documentation regarding prior history.

 Makes recommendations for further reference, preparing and maintain intake forms and activity logs.  Provides information and feedback to prosecutors regarding the ability of victims and witnesses to assist with the prosecution. Works to ensure the victim's access and attendance to the court.

May assist in preparation of misdemeanor cases for prosecution in municipal court.

Facilitates the entry and rescission of no contact orders, restraining orders, or other similar legal instruments designed to protect victims or witnesses as appropriate.  Makes recommendations to the court as appropriate.

Communicates with police officials, jail personnel, private treatment agencies and other City legal and department personnel to obtain and relays information related to cases pending in court. Prepares correspondence and/or reports, tracks cases and uses a computer database to obtain, collects and evaluates information.  Researches, compiles and prepares reports for statistical data in an accurate and timely manner; performs case preparation and consults with the prosecutor on filing and prosecutorial decisions.

Provides professional customer service while performing all duties. Interacts and communicates in a positive, professional manner with other employees, agencies, elected officials, and other external individuals by phone, in-person and in writing.

 Maintains calm and reassuring manner with others at all times even during emergencies. Handles sensitive and confidential situations with tact and discretion.  Responds to inquiries maintaining the highest level of confidentiality both within and outside the workplace. Guards all communication closely and treats information learned in the course of daily work as highly confidential, avoiding any manner of inappropriate and/or unintentional disclosure.

Coordinates and organizes the regular meetings of the City Coordinated Response Team (CCRT). Completes inventory of current responses and compares inventory to model response; identifies evaluates and works to resolve gaps in response; and makes recommendations for long-term response changes. Measures and reports response success as directed.

Serves as liaison with community organizations and other governmental agencies regarding domestic violence issues as assigned.  Coordinates activities of the City Attorney's Office related to domestic violence identification and prevention and serves on committees to combat domestic violence within the community.

May be required to testify in court. Recruits, screens and trains volunteer advocates to provide advocacy services to victims and witnesses, and to accompany victims to court. Conducts outreach to community members and organizations as needed.

Utilizes computer software, including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases to prepare letters, documents and graphics to revise drafts and charts into business quality formats; and to compose letters. May perform routine clerical support within the legal department as necessary.

May pursue and submit grant applications and/or other sources of funding.  Tracks data and statistics as required by grant awards.

Engages in ongoing reading, research and professional networking to keep up with legal developments and available community resources pertinent to area of assignment.

Interprets and explains information to the Spanish speaking public.

Requires regular and reliable attendance.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of federal, state and city laws, codes, regulations and ordinances associated with domestic violence and related crimes, and City of Yakima policies and procedures. Knowledge of basic counseling and crisis intervention techniques; victim advocacy; investigatory and trial processes related to domestic violence and other criminal cases including methods, procedures, practices and techniques for interviewing and assessment, court rules and procedures; dynamics of domestic violence and community protocols developed for domestic violence cases; safety and sensitivity concerns, precautions, practices and procedures applicable to assigned area.

Knowledge of the organization, function and activities of municipal government, legal department and criminal justice system including court and law enforcement procedures; legal and law enforcement terminology; and legal instruments designed to protect victims and witnesses, including but not limited to no contact orders, restraining orders, and protection orders.

Knowledge of available State and Federal social service agencies and local community resources, with understanding of the services provided.  Knowledge of best principles and techniques of leadership; practices and principles of work flow and systems analysis. Demonstrates knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards, related to victim's rights, defendants, and service providers.

Strong working knowledge of: computer spreadsheets; databases; industry applications; Microsoft Office Suite including Excel; report writing tools; and office equipment; and professional office procedures and practices. Knowledge and ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer, fax machine, copy machine, telephone etc. Efficient and accurate keyboarding ability.

Knowledge of techniques and strategies for dissemination of complex and/or technical written and verbal information to a wide range of individuals, including but not limited to other employees, legal representatives, government or elected officials, and members of the public.  Knowledge of State and Federal laws regarding dissemination of criminal and non-criminal and other confidential information; department policies and procedures.

Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively in English and Spanish, with employees, members of the public representing diverse levels of education and background, and with officials at all levels of government utilizing well developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English, including but not limited to correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation.

Ability to communicate sensitive and graphically explicit information on abuse effectively, both orally and in writing, in clear, concise  language appropriate for the purpose and parties addressed, including correspondence, repots, and verbal testimony.  Ability to present complex information clearly and concisely in both written and verbal formats.

Must possess the ability to make informative and persuasive presentations to individuals and groups, conduct public meetings, and participate in public forums. Must routinely and regularly maintain confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication.

Ability to perform a variety of mathematical computations with ability to read, interpret and analyze complex and technical documents and to translate analysis into recommendations or reports.  Ability to read, understand, research, interpret, apply and explain laws, codes, rules, regulations, policies, procedures and/or protocols.  Must possess ability to identify and define complex problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

Ability to work independently with self-direction and  minimal direction or oversight; maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures; prioritize and assign workloads; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines. Excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands.

Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the public, community organizations and service providers, members of the legal community, and government agencies; to consistently and continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, discretion, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs. Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.

Ability to empathize and respond sensitively to cultural differences, and to listen well, be attentive to detail, ask pertinent questions and think logically to obtain and provide necessary information and assist in the solution of problems.  Ability to demonstrate appropriate initiative and use sound judgment in referring matters beyond the scope of knowledge and authority.

Ability to train and educate volunteers or other employees in best practices of victim advocacy methods, processes and procedures.

Ability to successfully work with people, some who may be upset, angry or frightened; make independent decisions regarding the disposition of calls for assistance. Ability to respond effectively in crisis and emergency situations and to exert a calming influence on, reassure and advise individuals in crisis.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed primarily in an office or courtroom setting with occasional traveling to different locations. While in the office, will be sitting at a desk or computer terminal for extended periods of time or standing for a period of time.

Occasionally needs to move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Constant use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/keyboarding and other fine skills manipulation while performing duties and operating computers.  Occasional heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds.

Occasionally ascends/descends stairs while maintaining balance. Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory.

May work in remote locations or in noisy work area. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS

May be in contact with angry, irate, upset or uncooperative people in high stress situations. Occasional extension of work day to meet deadlines.

May require travel from site to site to meet with victims or witnesses, or for attendance at meetings, including evening meetings. May be asked to attend remote training for specialized operations and skills.