Victim Advocate

JOB SUMMARY

Effectively and efficiently provide direct advocacy, support, and information to victims of crime, family members, and witnesses in the juvenile and criminal justice system. Evaluate, research and document restitution figures for juvenile cases. Prepare original and amended restitution orders. Accompany, assist, and intervene to ensure crime victims' rights are upheld.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The supervisor for this position is the program director of Victim/Witness Services. There are no staff positions that report to this individual.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provide basic services to crime victims, witnesses and significant others of crimes committed by juvenile and adult offenders, providing information about the juvenile and criminal justice systems and the protection from abuse process, information about victims' rights and participation in the system, orientation, and accompaniment of victims/witnesses to court, and assistance with restitution and property return.

• Fulfill mandated responsibilities under the Crime Victim's Act and advocate for victims' rights.

• Evaluate cases for the applicability of restitution. Investigate the amount and the payees for each case and provide documentation for the decisions reached and for utilization at restitution hearings.

• Prepare a restitution summary for the Court's approval at the time of sentencing. Enter data accurately and precisely into the computer.

• Prepare amended restitution orders for the Court's approval, if required.

• Assess, initiate, and manage Victims Compensation Assistance Program claims.

• Assist in witness notification, orientations, and accompaniment to court proceedings.

• Provide coverage of general cases as staffing needs require.

• Serve as a liaison between police, prosecutors, and victims.

• Refer victims to other appropriate social service agencies and follow-up on those referrals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a human service or criminal justice related field, OR
• Associate degree in a human service or criminal justice related field and a combination of work experience in a public or private agency providing direct human services to clients, OR
• Any equivalent combination of education, victim services experience and training that provides the knowledge and skills to do this job.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Bilingual preferred, not required.

• Commitment to the rights of crime victims

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to plan, document, and execute all responsibilities relating to crime victims.

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system, the juvenile justice system, and the protection order process

• Ability to manage conflicting priorities, multi-task and to organize work.

• Ability to problem-solve, work independently, and follow directions.

• Ability to interact with people of varying socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.

• Demonstrate excellent communication skills (written, phone and in-person) with clients and staff.

• Financial or mathematics skills or experience preferred.

• Knowledge of basic computer skills and the ability to learn various programs required for completion and documentation of work.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Successful completion of a background investigation and a clean criminal record, Child Abuse clearance and FBI fingerprint check. The background investigation includes a questionnaire, drug screen, and examination of the driving record and social history.

• Must possess a valid driver's license and have the use of a personal vehicle.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Does not pose a threat to the health and safety of the department.

• Must have the ability to work independently.

• Must have the ability to transport self to various locations for hearings, meetings, and other appointments and to access those locations with reasonable accommodations.

• Work is primarily sedentary in nature.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees. Read more about our benefits here.

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.