Domestic Violence & Violent Crime Victim Advocate; Internal

Domestic Violence & Violent Crime Victim Advocate

Internal Applicants Only This position is open only to current employees of the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Applicants must serve and pass their six-month probation period in their current position in order to be eligible to apply.

Supervisor:
Wendy Ross

Salary:
Range 50 - $38.88 (step one) - $49.28 (step ten)

Work Schedule:

Monday – Friday, our core business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Work Location:

In-person/telecommuting (hybrid) – King County Courthouse (Seattle) and Maleng Regional Justice Center (Kent). Must be able to travel into courthouses as needed to meet with victims for meetings, court proceedings, and other business reasons.

The Domestic Violence & Violent Crime Victim Advocate will provide comprehensive advocacy services to victims of crime, ensuring they are informed, supported, and engaged throughout the criminal justice process. The advocates in these roles will be cross trained in both domestic violence and violent crime victim advocacy. Having cross-trained advocates will ensure that our office has the flexibility to deploy support and resources to victims to meet caseloads as they evolve.

The advocate will serve as a vital link between victims, prosecutors, and community resources, ensuring that survivors' rights, safety concerns, and voices are heard and upheld. The advocate will take notes on their work with victims and enter data as required to allow for coverage, review performance (evaluations include both quantitative and qualitative components), help identify opportunities and challenges and implement efficiencies.

• Provide direct advocacy to victims of Domestic Violence or Violent Crime, which will include reassignment based on caseload and community need.
• Provide flexible, cross-unit advocacy to ensure timely, victim-centered support, with assignment adjusted based on service needs.
• Provide direct advocacy to victims of crime to address emotional, physical, and financial needs, and reduce the impacts of trauma and victimization. Notify and engage with victims upon filing and through case disposition; provide regular case updates and facilitate engagement during critical stages and decision points.
• Manage the Victim portal queue by responding to victim's inquiries, monitoring requests, and ensuring timely follow-up and service delivery.
• Collaborate with the PAO Data and Analytics team to identify opportunities for continuous improvements and enhance the Victim Portal experience.
• Communicate legal rights, safety options, and available resources to victims; assist with enforcement of victim rights.
• Assess eligibility and assist victims in filing Crime Victim Compensation claims.
• Deploy crisis intervention, de-escalation, case management, and advocacy techniques.
• Assess victim needs and impacts resulting from crime and connect survivors to appropriate community services.
• Develop coordinated safety plans in collaboration with victims.
• Utilize PAO facility dogs in accordance with policy to provide comfort and support to victims.
• Build strong working relationships with Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys, Case Development Specialists, Paralegals, Law Enforcement, and other partners in the criminal justice system.
• Assist crime victims in filing for civil protection orders, including drafting documents and declarations.
• Attend trials and hearings as necessary; prepare victims for testimony and advocate on their behalf in and out of court.
• Provide warm handoffs and referrals to community-based organizations to address social service needs.
• Conduct outreach to foster partnerships with community organizations and address survivor-identified needs.
• Participate in trainings and community events related to domestic violence advocacy and the impacts of victimization.
• Engage in equity and social justice practices in daily work and decision-making.
• Ensure accurate data entry and service documentation in the PAO's case management system, PBK, by taking notes and entering data on victim interactions, information needed for other advocates to provide coverage, services provided/referred to, and attempts to contact victims.
• Perform…