District Attorney's Office - Victim Advocate

Victim Advocate

The Victim Advocate works under general direction to assist victims with services in stabilizing their lives after victimization, processing them through the criminal justice system, and providing victims with safety and security.

Acceptable Experience and Education Associate Degree in Psychology, Sociology or Social Sciences is preferred with three (3) years of experience in victim services;
Or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Certificates, Licenses, and other Requirements Must have or obtain by date of hire a valid driver's license applicable to job responsibilities, with a driving record acceptable to the County of El Paso. In order to access the County's network and systems, a personal mobile smart device is required by the hire start date.

Typical Duties Monitors and assists the victims to follow through on service providers that have been identified as a source of support for them to help promote long term success and by helping them stabilize their living environment;
Responds to the emotional and physical needs of the crime victims;
Provides crisis intervention and assistance to the victim and their family and advising them of available services and assistance programs;
Advises the crime victim and/or their family on the criminal justice system, their rights under the Crime Victim's Rights Bill, and accompany victims to court, as requested;
Assists victims with submission of paperwork;
Assists Attorneys and Investigators in interviewing victims and witnesses and coordinating appointments and trial appearance;
Maintains statistical data on number of victims served, referrals, etc.;
Accompanies crime victims or victim families to court, and provides them with an orientation of the criminal justice system;
Maintains updated information of area agencies that provide victim services, counseling programs, emergency housing and shelter, and legal assistance;
Writes letters or otherwise makes referrals on behalf of the victim to obtain services related to the criminal incident;
Refers victims to community based providers and monitor service engagement;
Provides supportive guidance; provide post adjudication support and referrals;
Works with victims with regard to linking them to community based providers;
Monitors quality and efficiency of services in gaining progress toward stated goals;
Maintains effective and timely communication with team members to facilitate service implementation;
Works with community support services to ensure linkage and communication;
Performs all client record documentation in a quality and timely manner;
Follows up on cases, and data collection;
Evaluates activities in a timely manner;
Works as an integral member of team in other program projects as needed;
Advocates on behalf of each victim;
Conducts presentations on awareness and community outreach programs;
Demonstrates respect and dignity towards team members and victims at all times;
Provides bi-lingual translation;
Assists prosecutors when providing pre-trials to victims; documents pre-trials;
As assigned on a rotation basis to answers the dedicated phone line;
Assists walk-ins, victims and the public, and provides guidance;
Substitutes, if assigned, during temporary absences by performing delegated duties sufficient to maintain continuity of normal operations;
Commits self to providing excellent customer service and demonstrate commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts; and Creates a high quality work culture through participation in and emphasis on training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, and technical skills in self and all employees, including safety related training and skills. Other Important Duties * Performs such other related duties as may be assigned.

May be required to travel to client homes for home visits, hospitals, jail, supporting agencies as necessary. As members of the County of El Paso Emergency Response System, all El Paso County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may…