Victim-Witness Advocate (Community Services Representative Iii)

The hourly salary for this classification as of July 1, 2024 will be $23.9695 up to $29.9269 or $49,856.56 up to $62,247.95 annually.

The City of Pasadena is currently seeking an energetic, diplomatic, and caring Victim-Witness Advocate (Community Services Representative III). This vacancy is in the City Attorney/City Prosecutor's Office

• Prosecution Division, and will help to ensure that the Department continues to support victims and witnesses fairy and with respect, which includes informing victims and witnesses of their rights under Marsy's Law and providing sensitive and supportive services. The Victim-Witness Advocate works with victims, witnesses, and their families throughout the criminal justice process.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing; will exercise a high degree of diplomacy, tact, professionalism, initiative, and independence; will maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive situations with understanding, compassion, and thoughtfulness; will have strong organizational skills and attention to detail; will be able to research, identify, and specify information, resources, and programs that promote the needs of victims and witnesses; will have solid interpersonal and problem solving skills; will be able to develop and maintain the confidence and collaboration of emotionally vulnerable individuals; will have basic counseling and crisis intervention techniques; and will have a strong knowledge of the criminal justice system.

Essential Functions

The major responsibilities of this position are listed below. For additional information, please review the generic job description.

• Contacts victims, witnesses, and families at the time criminal charges are filed to explain the criminal justice system, confirm contact information, obtain preliminary information about restitution, and connect to services, including medical, counseling, and housing.

• Provides referrals and facilitates access to emergency intervention services.

• Serves as liaison between the Prosecution Division attorneys and victims/witnesses; stays in regular contact to better ensure victim/witness collaboration and appearance in court, as needed, and to ensure questions are answered that arise.

• Ensures that victims and witnesses are treated fairly and are heard and supported throughout the process.

• Ensures that Marsy's Law requirements are satisfied, including providing case status notifications.

• Serves as a contact for victims and witnesses and provides emotional support, as needed; will also provide resource and referral assistance, as needed.

• Arranges for and accompanies victims and witnesses to case preparation meetings.

• Accompanies victims and witnesses to court; assists in notifying employers if court appearances require victims and witnesses to miss work.

• Assists victims with making victim impact statements.

• Assists victims and witnesses in submitting restitution requests to the court, including applications to the Victim Compensation Board (VCB).

• Assists victims and witnesses with return of property requests to the court.

• If needed,, assists victims and witnesses in an emotional crisis as a result of a crime, and provides resources and referrals.

• Provides information from victims and witnesses t assigned attorney to provide, as appropriate, in discovery.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualification Guidelines

COMPETENCIES

The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in this position.

• Actions and Results Focus

• Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment.

• Oral Communication

• Engaging effectively in dialogue.

• Relationship Building

• Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships.

• Professional Integrity & Ethics

• Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability.

• Informing

• Proactively obtaining and sharing information.

• Teamwork

• Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.

• At least three years of experience providing community service to victims, witnesses, and/or others needing resources related to impact services such as, legal, counseling, community support, customer service, case management, housing, etc.

• Knowledge of the Pasadena community and resources.

• Completion of 40 hour entry-level victim advocacy course is preferred.

• Bachelor's degree is highly preferred.

• Prior experience as a victim-witness advocate for a District Attorney's Office or City Attorney/City Prosecutor's Office is highly preferred.

• Fluency in Spanish is preferred.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process may consist of a training and experience evaluation, written test, interview panel, and/or departmental interviews.

VACANCY INFORMATION

There is currently one vacancy in the City Attorney/City Prosecutor's Office. The resulting eligibility list from this recruitment may be used to fill this vacancy and similar vacancies in the future.

Candidates selected for this position are subject to a one year probationary work period.

Special Requirements

Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license and comply with the City's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy during the course of employment.