Position Description

Human Services, a department of the City of Seattle, funds and operates programs and services that meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable people our community – families and individuals with low incomes, children, domestic violence and sexual assault victims, homeless people, seniors, and persons with disabilities. We invest in programs that help people gain independence and success.

Human Services, Crime Survivor Services is actively recruiting a Victim Advocate to work alongside the Domestic Violence Investigative Unit, Seattle Police Department and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. This advocate provides comprehensive services to survivors of felony domestic violence crimes throughout the criminal proceedings to ensure their rights are protected, to help them navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system, to inform them of upcoming court dates and accompany them to hearings. This position will report to the HSD Crime Survivor Services Advocate Supervisor, and is embedded within the Seattle Police Department (SPD) investigative unit.

Job Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison between victims and their families regarding Seattle Police investigations and court proceedings.
• Contact felony level Domestic Violence (DV) victims as soon as possible once a Detective is assigned to provide safety planning (i.e., shelter recommendations, protection order information, jail custody status information).
• Advise them of their rights as a crime victim.
• Work closely with the King County Prosecutors Domestic Violence Unit and serve as an intermediary between the victim and the system, communicating to the prosecutor and the court the victim’s wishes/concerns in their case.
• Ensue that the victim is kept informed about the case as the case proceeds through the system.
• Accompany victims to DV arraignments, bond hearings, defense interviews, further interviews involving the prosecutor and assigned detective, trial when victim is called to testify and sentencings.
• Coordinate with the Department of Corrections and provide case information to Community Corrections Officers and the DOC Victim Advocate Liaison, who then notifies and provides information and advocacy to victims whose offenders are currently serving time in state prison.
• Work with landlords or Section 8 housing to address any safety issues or concerns the victim may have regarding a DV incident and to educate landlords regarding DV housing laws that protect victims.
• Will provide the victim with community-based resources such as emergency shelter, housing, counseling, legal assistance, family law issues, eviction concerns, emergency financial assistance, children/youth resources, stalking resources and information, crisis information contact info.
• Provide assistance to special populations, such as non-English speaking people, refugees, the deaf, blind and developmentally disabled clients and arrange for interpreters when needed.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: B.S. in Social Sciences, social work or a related field is required(or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Experience: Two years of experience working with victimized populations, including direct management of individual cases (or a combination of education, training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Certification/License: WA State Drivers License. An SPD background check will be required for candidates selected for this position.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledgeable of trauma informed, victim advocacy strategies and the principles and processes of emotional and mental support that respects victim autonomy and confidentiality.
• Proven ability to assess victim’s safety needs and possess a working knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence.
• Knowledge of the King County Court System and the ability to work collaboratively with professions within in the criminal justice system including detectives, prosecutors, officers and advocates.
• Knowledgeable of WA state crime victims bill of rights.
• Strong understanding of racial and social justice analysis.
• Ability to explain the criminal court process to a crime survivor, as well as the laws surrounding felony level domestic violence crimes.
• Case management experience to include maintaining case notes, updating service delivery and crime data and developing statistical reports.
• Possess strong customer service skills, and excellent verbal and written communication skills, in order to interact professionally and effectively with agency personnel, external partner organizations, and the diverse community victims you serve.
• Possess the ability to change priorities based on workload and need.
• The ability to work independently, be highly organized and detailed-oriented.
• The ability to maintain confidentiality and follow strict procedures and protocol surrounding sensitive law enforcement data.
• Ability to work in high stress environment while remaining professional and flexible.
• Experience with individuals who may have mental health, substance abuse issues, experiencing homelessness, and/or have criminal record.
  
  

Additional Information

Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.

The hourly rate for this role is: $39.65 - $46.11

This opportunity is required to be in the office a minimum of 3 days per week.

Hiring Process

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:

• Completed NEOGOV online application.
• Current résumé indicating relevant experience and education.
• Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications. Please describe how you have the relevant experience and skills to be successful in this position in your cover letter.
• Supplemental questionnaire responses
  
  

Applicants moving onto an interview will be required to complete a written skills test prior to the interview.

Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, which may include a detailed background check, pre-placement physical exam, and/or full driver's abstract, dependent upon position.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, 12 official holidays, two floating holidays, sick leave, 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.

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Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Who may apply: This role is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. We value different view-points and life experiences. Your application will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The City 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.