Victim/Witness Counselor III - Sr-24

Duties Summary

Supervises the day-to-day activities of the victim/witness counseling and assistance program for the County of Hawai'i and regularly performs the most difficult and complex professional counseling work; and performs other related duties as required.

There are two (2) immediate vacancies with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney:

• one (1) temporary, not-to-exceed 06/30/2025 vacancy with the Victim Assistance Unit in Hilo
• one (1) temporary, not-to-exceed 06/30/2025 vacancy with the Victim Assistance Unit in Kailua-Kona

(Appointment may be made at any rate within the salary range advertised above at which appropriate qualified applicants can be recruited. Starting salary will be based on the qualifications of the person selected.)

The eligible list may be used for other permanent and temporary vacancies as they arise during the life of the list. Temporary appointment may lead to conversion to permanent appointment.

Examples of Duties

• Supervises the daily activities involved in providing professional counseling services and assistance to victims/witnesses of crimes.

• Monitors workload of subordinate counselors to ensure efficient and timely completion of assigned cases.

• Checks on work progress and provides subordinate counselors with guidance, advice, instruction, and assistance as required.

• Performs professional counseling and assistance to victims/witnesses of crimes that involve the most difficult and complex cases, including by not limited to felony abuse and assault, homicide, manslaughter, negligent homicide, or felony sex assault cases.

• Recommends and updates procedures for the victim/witness counseling and assistance program for review and approval by the director; consults with deputy prosecutors in formulating procedures.

• Interviews victims/witnesses of crimes to determine the nature and degree of immediate and long term assistance, such as medical, psychological, financial, or other needs.

• Informs victims of and makes referrals to appropriate governmental or community agencies for support services.

• Provides victims and/or witness with general information regarding Hawai'i County's victim/witness counseling and assistance program.

• Maintains communication, emotional support and progressive assessment of clients' needs as they proceed through the criminal justice system.

• Counsels the victims and/or witnesses as to their role in prosecution and the role of the prosecutor.

• Arranges witnesses' schedules and testimony times, and prepares them for the rigors of court proceedings.

• Arranges for transportation, hotel, and other travel accommodations.

• As appropriate, assists the director and deputy prosecuting attorneys in preparing restraining orders, affidavits, and other documents.

• Works with deputy prosecutors to provide assessment of clients' ability and strength as witnesses in a courtroom setting.

• Advocates on behalf of victims/witnesses in concurrence with attorneys, judges, and probation officers.

• Collects and compiles information concerning cases.

• Prepares correspondence, case records, reports, and other documents.

• Works with community organizations to establish aid to victims.

• Operates vehicle to meet victims and/or witnesses at various locations and/or to participate in public speaking engagements as required.

• Assist victims of crime with post-conviction needs, such as parole hearings, victim offender dialogues, etc.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Training and Experience:

A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to:

• graduation from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree in social work, sociology, counseling, psychology, or a related field (scan and attach your official college transcript to your application), and
• three (3) years of professional counseling or case management experience in a social service program that shall have included crisis counseling, such as experience with trauma informed care, direct therapeutic assistance with victims of crime, etc., and
• two (2) years of which shall have been related to the criminal justice system, and
• demonstrated supervisory aptitude*, and
• possession of a valid State of Hawai'i Driver License (Class 3) or any other valid comparable driver license at the time of filing. (You will be required to submit your valid driver's license at time of hire.)
• Supervisory aptitude is the ability or potential of an individual to perform supervisory duties as demonstrated:
• by the successful completion of regular or special assignments which involve some supervisory responsibilities or aspects;
• by serving as a group or team leader, or in similar work in which opportunities for demonstrating supervisory capabilities exist;
• by completion of training courses in supervision accompanied by application of supervisory skills in work assignments; or
• by favorable appraisals by a supervisor indicating the possession of supervisory potential.

Examination: All applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be assigned a score of 70 points. An education and experience evaluation will be conducted based on the applicant's training, education and experience as presented in the application.

Please read the minimum qualification requirements carefully. Be certain to list all pertinent training and experience, as this may be important in determining your examination score. It is essential that the applicant describe fully the duties and responsibilities of each position held, specify the date of each position held (from and to, month and year), and indicate the number of hours worked per week.

Attach all required documentation (e.g. official transcript, professional license(s)/certification(s), DD-214, etc.) at the time of submitting your application.

Note: In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawai'i County may be required at the discretion of the hiring department/agency. If in-person interviews and/or further testing are required, applicants who are referred to the hiring department/agency must be available to participate in person and at their own expense at that phase of the selection process.

Knowledge of: principles and practices of supervision; laws and regulations relating to the State Crime Victim Compensation Commission; public and private community resources providing services, benefits, and other human resources assistance; common characteristics traits of victims and witnesses; crisis intervention and counseling; interviewing techniques and methods; court procedures, and report writing.

Ability to: assign, supervise, and review the work of others; collect, analyze, and evaluate facts; utilize a wide variety of interviewing techniques in dealing with individuals of varying backgrounds who are under stress; interpret and apply the regulations and provisions of the law to the specific problem; speak and write clearly; prepare clear and concise reports; advocate for the victims and/or witnesses; multi-task and effectively manage large caseload; work effectively in a team environment; be flexible and adapt to constantly changing work environment; use standard office equipment including computer programs, and establish and maintain an effective working relationship with victim/witnesses and public and private agency representatives.

Physical Requirements: Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Physical Effort Grouping: Light

Supplemental Information

Please scan and attach these supporting documents to your on-line application,if required:

• an official college transcript,
• a valid driver's license,
• a temporary assignment verification,
• professional licenses, and/or
• certificates,

Veterans applying for veteran's preference points shall also scan and attach their DD-214 form and as needed, their VA claim letter to the on-line application.

PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY AS THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME.

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