Victim Advocate I

This position works as part of a legal support team handling administrative and legal support responsibilities. It is a full-time, highly responsible position that requires the individual to work independently with limited supervision. Strong organizational skills, excellent communication skills (both verbal and written), and the ability to multitask effectively are essential. This position operates in a fast-paced environment and assists a team of attorneys and investigators.

The ideal candidate will have strong spelling and grammar, proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, and either paralegal education or training, or experience working in a legal environment in a support role.

This position performs a variety of tasks to assist Assistant State Attorneys with the completion of required administrative duties not limited to:

• Promote education about and understanding victims' rights, both within the SAO and outside of the office.
• Act as point-of-contact for crime victims/survivors and liaison for staff and attorneys. Explain to victims/survivors the stages of their case including the purpose of their being subpoenaed and the importance of being available for trial on the date they are to appear
• Inform victims/survivors of rights to request, receive restitution, and assist the victim/survivor with documenting financial loss as a direct result of crime to determine appropriate amount
• Coordinate with local service providers for victims in need of emergency assistance and other related services
• Provide accurate, valid, and complete information to victims/survivors/next of kin (NoK)
• Efficiently and compassionately conduct daily victim/NoK interviews as needed by attorneys
• Build sustainable relationships of trust and empathy through open and interactive communication with the victim/survivor community
• Inform victims/survivors of their constitutional rights under Article I, Section 16 "Marsy's Law" and Chapter 960, F.S., including but not limited to the right to request court notifications, and/or provide a victim impact statement
• Coordinate and deliver the provision of other direct services (such as counseling and/or victim compensation) with other victim advocates and service providers throughout the community
• Provide criminal justice system advocacy to victims/survivors and their family members, to include regular in-person office and courtroom meeting, must be comfortable with crowds
• Extract, transform, analyze, record, and communicate data and information from SAO case management system
• Maintain required statistical data and monthly reports for VOCA
• Learn SAO policies, practices, and workflows
• Respond to ad-hoc requests for data and reports from all levels of the office
• Coordinate all SAO referrals for and follow-up from attorneys and/or support staff
• Verify all victim/survivor and affiliated individuals' contact information
• Attend regular victim services training to remain victim-centered and trauma-informed
• Incumbents in this position may be required to lift files (up to 25 lbs.)

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency

Experience in the area of criminal justice, social science, counseling, public contact or customer service; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Bachelor's degree may be substituted for required experience.

Preference may be given to applicants with:

• One or more years of experience working in a law firm, courthouse, or legal department in a legal support role.

Candidate Profile (application) must be completed in its entirety.

Include supervisor names and phone numbers for all periods of employment.

Account for and explain any gaps in employment.

It is unacceptable to use the statement "See Resume" in place of entering work history.

All applicants must ensure all employment and/or detailed information about work experience is listed on the application (including military service, self-employment, job-related volunteer work, internships, etc.) and that gaps in employment are explained.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (

). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Location: JACKSONVILLE, FL, US, 32202

Nearest Major Market: Jacksonville