Victim Advocate - Domestic Violence Unit | Criminal Division

With more than 200 attorneys and professional staff, the Seattle City Attorney's Office is one of the largest law offices in Seattle and is the third-largest public law office in the state. Our office is committed to making Seattle a safe, healthy, empowered, and thriving community for everyone. We strive to address historical injustices within the court system with self-examination and to pursue justice in Seattle with integrity, creativity, and fairness. We believe working transparently, innovatively, and in collaboration with our partners in the community is necessary to achieve outcomes that promote equity, accountability, and healing.

Join a team of passionate prosecutors and advocates working together to address gender-based violence in Seattle by holding abusers accountable and providing victims with information, support, and resources. The Seattle City Attorney's Office Domestic Violence Unit prosecutes crimes of misdemeanor intimate partner domestic violence, family violence involving adult children, elder abuse, and child abuse/neglect cases. The Domestic Violence Unit provides support and resources for child, adult, and elder victims. 

The Domestic Violence Unit comprises experienced prosecutors, victim advocates, and dedicated support staff. The Unit is proud of its diversity and is represented by people of various cultures and ethnic/racial backgrounds. Our Division includes an Advocate who speaks Vietnamese and Chinese, and our Unit has three Spanish-speaking Advocates. We would like to continue to expand our cultural and language capacities to serve our clients better.

Advocates work closely with prosecutors to give victims the best possible assistance and representation in both arrest and non-arrest incidents of domestic and family violence, elder, and child abuse/neglect. This position will handle intimate partner, family violence, sexual assault, and stalking cases. Family violence cases are primarily between parent/adult child but can involve any family member. 

In addition to this opportunity to join a team that is dedicated to public service, the City Attorney's Office offers a generous benefit program which includes paid leave benefits, paid parental and family leave, low-cost health benefits, and the opportunity to participate in a defined benefit retirement program.

Job Responsibilities:

• Contact victims of intimate partner, family violence, sexual assault, and stalking to conduct risk assessments, provide crisis counseling, make referrals to social service agencies, and educate victims about domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse, and the criminal justice process. Use a motivational interviewing approach to discuss the pros and cons of participating in the criminal justice system, giving a realistic picture of what that experience might look like and the limits of the criminal justice system to respond to their needs.

• Allow victims to make informed decisions about their participation throughout the process, explaining their rights and offering opportunities to give input.

• Act as a representative of the prosecutor's office, explaining the decisions made by the prosecutor as to whether cases are filed or not, and the outcome of cases in court.

• Coordinate with the prosecuting attorney to ensure the victim's voice is heard throughout the process, advising the prosecutor on the victim's goals for prosecution and their input about the possibility of testifying.

• Advocate for the victim's position with the prosecutor, probation counselors, and the court. The position does include speaking on behalf of victims in court hearings.

• Assist a wide variety of individuals including adults, children, the elderly, refugee populations, the physically or mentally disabled, and those suffering from substance abuse as well as homelessness.

• Assistance is offered primarily through outreach over the phone following police intervention.

• Exercise diplomacy and patience with victims who may have mixed feelings about criminal justice intervention.

• Utilize interpreter services when needed.

• Attend court hearings with victims both virtually and in person.

• Maintain a caseload of criminal misdemeanor cases, tracking the progress of the case and updating victims along each step of the case.

• Utilize time and case management skills to prioritize and respond to case needs appropriately.

• Document all victim contact and summarize in written format any exculpatory or discoverable information.

• Assist victims with drafting victim impact statements and requesting restitution.

• Advise victims of their rights under RCW 7.69.030.

• Serve as liaison between victim and social service and domestic violence agencies.

• Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, one of the social sciences or a related area, and two years of experience working with victimized populations, including direct management of individual cases (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform this work).

Desired Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of the criminal justice system and experience in the field of domestic and family violence and victim services

• Knowledge of the mental health system and substance use issues

• Ability to work well in a team setting with individuals of different disciplines

• Ability to work with resistant clients, excellent crisis management and communications skills

• Ability to work with individuals from various backgrounds without judgment

• Strong case management skills and ability to prioritize competing demands

• Strong writing skills and case documentation

• Ability to work with supervision, receive and respond to feedback, follow policies and procedures

• Fluent language capability beyond English. Particularly Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, Somali, Amharic, Korean, and Tagalog.

Application Process

- For your application to be accepted you must:

• Complete the online City Application.

• Attach a cover letter describing your interest in the position.

• Attach a resume detailing your relevant experience.

Application Submission Guidelines

• All applicants are required to apply on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, etc. will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the Government Jobs site.

The required documents listed in the above "Application Process" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure full consideration for the application submitted.  Please contact the Office of Human Resources on or before the closing date indicated above at Law_HR@Seattle.gov should you need assistance with the online application process.

Race and Social Justice Initiative

• The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

Compensation and Benefits -  The full salary range for this position is $37.87 - $44.04. This position is part of a stepped salary program with an initial Step 1 placement ($37.87/hour). Advanced initial step placement may be considered under limited circumstances, but step salaries are not subject to negotiation.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, 12 official holidays and 2 floating holidays, sick, and paid parental leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees.  City Attorney's Office employees also have the opportunity to participate in a defined benefits retirement program. More information about benefits can be found at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans. 

The City of Seattle offers a monthly stipend for those who meet the qualifications and are assigned work that utilizes their language capabilities.

Workplace Environment

- The Seattle City Attorney's Office has implemented an Alternative Work Arrangements Policy.  Most work is performed in a normal City work/office or courtroom environment. Advocates enjoy offices on the 18th floor of the Columbia Tower. Current work is hybrid 2 days per week in office, 3 days optional working from home (laptop, cell phone and monitors provided). Court appearances are primarily at Seattle Municipal Court. Work environment is subject to change. Field work is rare but may include meeting in client's homes or transporting clients to incident-related appointments. 

Saturday coverage may be required. Holiday coverage will be required and is covered on a rotating basis with other advocates. 

This position includes exposure to individuals who are distraught, violent, or abusive.

Background Check Requirements (Excluding Civil positions) - All positions are security sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the verification of credentials and/or other information required by the municipal corporation's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Who may apply

- This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications.  The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy.  The Seattle City Attorney's Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Questions?  Contact our Human Resources team at LAW_HR@seattle.gov.