Under general supervision, to assist victims of crime by providing information support, referral and advocacy services; to assist victims of crime in filing compensation claims with the State Board of Control; and/or assist in creating and managing a coordinated community plan to enhance immediate response and recovery efforts and establish community readiness for responses to mass victimization/terrorism incidents; to work with related agencies to help the victims and witnesses through the Court processes; and to perform related duties work as required.

Performs outreach to identify victims eligible for assistance.  Interviews and corresponds with victims, witnesses and others to coordinate court appearances.  Reviews crime reports, researches and collects information to determine the eligibility of the victim for victim compensation, notifies victims of eligibility and provides information about available program services.  Prepares and follows up on applications for compensation on behalf of victims. Assists victims in obtaining Court ordered restitution.  Keeps victims informed of court proceedings; explains the criminal justice system as it relates to the victims.  Maintains records, files and statistical data.  Transports, escorts and supports victims and witnesses during court appearances.  May visit victims in their homes or while hospitalized.  Facilitates communication with local law enforcement agencies, District Attorney and/or Children’s Protective Services as an advocate for the victim.  May be assigned to assist in developing a comprehensive crisis response/mass victimization assistance plan structured to identify and respond to victim needs such as: safety, food, shelter, and immediate services in the aftermath of a mass victimization/terrorism incident. The plan should include a needs assessment, emergency assistance measures, resource and referral information, and should be adaptable to support and enhance the existing community/county emergency response plan.  Develop victim assistance crisis response protocols.  Develop and implement mutual-aid memorandums of understanding (MOU’s) with VW.  Centers in neighboring counties and/or within your identified crisis response (CR) training region to leverage resources and facilitate a regional response to mass victimization/terrorism incidents.  Conduct outreach and participate in community meetings with leaders from the following fields: law enforcement, victim services, legal services (non-profit and private sector), prosecutors’ office, city government, emergency management, medical services, and schools to provide information about trauma informed response.  Establish MOU’s with allied service providers, including, but not limited to County/City government and local Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs). Identify VW’s role in the emergency response plan.  Conduct community outreach, and education. Utilize MVA funding for purchase of go-bags, management and technology supplies and/or other necessary resources required for deployment.

Principles and techniques of crisis intervention.  Procedures and processes of the criminal justice system. Problems, needs, attitudes and behavior patterns of victims of crime.  Law and procedures of criminal justice agencies as they affect the responsibilities and rights of victims and witnesses of crimes.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with individuals and groups; and a wide variety of agency staff and officials.  Interpret rules and regulations relating to the Victim/Witness Program.  Respond effectively and supportively to the needs of victims and witnesses.  Learn to use the State Board of Control computer system to access and input information and to use other computer software as required.  Obtain information through interview and observation.  Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.  Provide psychological and emotional support to victims of crime.

Any combination of experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Standards are typically attained with graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in behavior science, social science, criminology or a related field.

Standards are typically attained with one year of experience as a Victim Advocate I for Trinity County.

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Attend CalOES (California Office of Emergency Services) CCVAA (California Crime Victim Assistance Association) Entry Level Training, approved Crisis Response Advocate training and an appropriate Mass Victimization Advocate training within one year of this assignment.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Employee will need to operate a motor vehicle on a regular basis, and bend and stretch to reach files on a regular basis.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  The employee will be working with clients in crisis situations, and have multiple tasks with shifting priorities; interact and speak to the public.