Victim/Witness Program Specialist (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL)

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/spokanecountywa/jobs/newprint/4495737)

Apply



Victim/Witness Program Specialist (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL)

Salary

$44,853.72 - $62,773.89 Annually

Location

WA 99260, WA

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

24-00115

Department

Prosecuting Attorney

Opening Date

05/03/2024

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Job Summary

This position works 37.5 hours per week.

This position performs is responsible program work in the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to assist victims and witnesses in understanding and participating in the criminal justice system. The position allocated to this class is responsible, under the general direction of the Supervising Attorney and the Office Administrator, for the efficient and effective administration of the Prosecutor's Victim/Witness Program. This class differs from classes in the clerical series by its primary assignment to provide direct assistance to and advocacy for citizens involved as victims or witnesses in the criminal justice system.

WHO MAY APPLY: This recruitment is open to all applicants meeting the minimum requirements. Priority consideration will be given to Spokane County employees in a position covered by the Master Contract (for a minimum of 6 months) submitting applications between 5/3/24 and 5/10/24. First consideration will be given to applicants working in the Prosecuting Attorney's Office in a position covered by the 1553 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA); second consideration given to County-wide applicants in a position covered by the 1553 CBA; third consideration given to applicants covered by the Master Contract CBA; fourth consideration will be given to all other applicants.

TOTAL COMPENSATION: $55,740 - $78,010 annually. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.

Examples of Duties

• Serves as an advocate for and provides trauma informed services and direct assistance to victims of and witnesses to crimes.

• Contacts victims of a crime to inform them of the charges, their rights, how the court process works, and gives them resources, such as crime compensation, VINELink - a victim notification system, etc.

• Coordinates "Meet and Greets" with the prosecuting attorney and victim(s) of each case assigned, which is the initial meeting between the victim, advocate, and attorney; and coordinates other meetings that involves the victim or witness, such as "Defense Interviews," and further interviews with the prosecutor.

• Accompanies victims to criminal justice offices and court hearings and transports victims and witnesses to court.

• Notifies victims and witnesses regarding trial dates and other hearings; and providing assistance with victim impact statements, including speaking in court on behalf of a victim if requested.

• Provides assistance with restitution requests; and crisis intervention.

• Assists victims with applying for Crime Victim Compensation benefits through the Department of Labor and Industries, which includes identifying and notifying crime victims of the availability of compensation and assisting them with application forms and procedures.

• Acts as liaison between different components of the criminal justice system and victims/witnesses.

• Maintains close contact with Deputy Prosecutors, paralegals and other office staff in order to notify victims and witnesses of case status and scheduled events.

• Inputs and updates contact information in case management database system (currently known as CaseMan).

• Maintains records and statistics on cases handled, services provided and volunteer hours donated for periodic reports.

• Coordinates travel arrangements for victims and witnesses for trails with the Court Administrator’s Office, including processing Auditor’s warrants for witness fees and travel expenses.

• Maintains files with current information about local, state and federal resources available to crime victims and witnesses.

• Assists in writing and publishing a newsletter, brochures and training materials that are distributed to victims, volunteers and community agencies.

• Facilitates bi-monthly Violent Crime Victims Support Group.

• Coordinates annual Crime Victim Rights Week activities.

• Recruits and trains volunteers to assist in the Adult and Juvenile Criminal Departments and Courthouse Information Booth.

• Assists in the development and presentation of forums to the public and to criminal justice agencies addressing victim’s rights and issues.

• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university degree in criminal justice, communications, counseling, social sciences or closely related field.

• One (1) year of related experience.

• May substitute work experience for up to two (2) years of college course work.

• Experience with legal advocacy or counseling is preferred.

• Possession of a valid Washington Driver's License at time of hire and for the duration of employment.

Selection Factors

• Knowledge of laws and regulations related to victim/witness rights and the criminal justice system. procedures of Superior, District and Juvenile Courts.

• Knowledge of procedures of Superior, District and Juvenile courts in the State of Washington.

• Knowledge of local, state, federal and private victim/witness program resources and agencies.

• Knowledge of research, interviewing and investigation techniques and methodology.

• Knowledge of office practices and procedures including data processing.

• Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.

• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with public clients and public and private officials, including attorneys, law enforcement, and court and social workers.

• Skilled in the use of computers and software related to the performance of the job.

• Ability to conduct interviews in person and by phone to accurately access the needs of victims and witnesses

• Ability to research and analyze data and formulate logical conclusions.

• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, laws and regulations.

• Ability to prepare complex reports, documents, notices and descriptions.

• Ability to give presentations.

• Ability to work independently within broad program goals and objectives.

• Ability to use standard office equipment including, phones, copiers, calculators, fax machines, computer and related software applications.

• Ability to work quickly, accurately and thoroughly with close attention to detail to meet deadlines.

• Ability to establish and maintain filing and record keeping systems.

SPOKANE COUNTY

Employee Benefits Summary

The following is a brief list of benefits available to Spokane County regular employees. Complete information is available from Human Resources Department. This information is subject to change.

PAID TIME OFF

Spokane County Observed Holidays

Up to 10 (ten) paid holidays are observed by Spokane County.

PTO

Non-represented and a select group of represented employees receive a bank of hours that combine both vacation and sick leave into a paid time off bank. There is no waiting period to use this time and it starts out at almost 2 days per month accrual increasing in accrual rates annually for first 5 years.

Vacation

For employees with less than five (5) years of continuous service, the accrual rate is 1 day of vacation each month for a total of 12 days per year. After six (6) months, employees are eligible to take accumulated vacation time. (Please note the vacation time accumulation may vary depending on contract language).

Sick Leave

Sick leave is earned at 1 day per month and can be taken as the days are accumulated.

Other Leaves

Spokane County provides several other paid leaves such as: bereavement leave, jury duty and military duty leave.

INSURANCE BENEFITS

Medical Insurance

Two plans are currently available: Premera Blue Cross (PPO) and Kaiser Permanente (HMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents. Premiums are deducted each pay period (pay periods: 15th and last day of the month).

2023 Rates:

Premera

Employee Only: $38.04 per month

Employee & Spouse: $149.52 per month

Employee & Family: $209.60 per month

Employee & Child(ren): $136.16 per month

Kaiser:

Employee: $35.92 per month

Employee & Spouse: $140.56 per month

Employee & Family: $196.06 per month

Employee & Child(ren): $128.58 per month

Dental Insurance

Two plans are currently available: Delta Dental of Washington (PPO) and Willamette Dental (DMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents.

2023 Rates:

Delta Dental Willamette Dental

Employee: $5.74 per month Employee: $5.98 per month

Family: $11.48 per month Family: $11.96 per month

Group Life Insurance

The County provides a $25,000 group life insurance policy to employees. The County provides a $10,000 benefit for those represented by 492, 492CS & 492CL. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.

Long Term Disability Coverage

Provides an income protection benefit in the event of a long-term illness or injury at rate of 60% of income up to a maximum of $5,000 per month. Spokane County pays the full premium for this plan. Deputy Sheriff's receive a benefit through their union for disability.

RETIREMENT

Retirement Plan (401a)

Spokane County employees are automatically included in the Washington State Retirement System. Both the employer and the employee contribute to the plan. This retirement plan provides a guaranteed lifetime monthly benefit once vested and eligible for retirement.

Additional Retirement Plan Option (457b)

Employees may supplement their retirement income and save money on taxes by participating in this optional County program. Roth (after-tax) option is also available through this retirement plan.

VOLUNTARY BENEFITS

AFLAC

Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay for benefits not covered by major medical insurance. The employee pays 100% of the premium.

Travel Assistance

Provides additional travel protections anytime you travel more than 100 miles from home. Includes pre-trip information, emergency ticket replacement, and emergency evacuation coverage. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.

Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)

Spokane County sponsors a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account to allow out-of-pocket Medical & Daycare Expenses to be paid with Tax Free Dollars. Premiums are automatically set up pre-tax under the FSA.

Voluntary Term Life Insurance

Voluntary Term Life Insurance is additional optional life insurance provided through The Standard Insurance. New employees are guaranteed up to $50,000 for self and $20,000 for a spouse with no medical underwriting needed.

WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS

Employee Assistance Program

Employees and their family members are eligible to receive free counseling. There are also benefits relating to financial and legal concerns.

Reduced Cost Bus Pass Program

Spokane County participates in a program with STA which discounts bus passes to $5 a month.

Wellness Programs

There are opportunities for nearby exercise programs at reduced cost and education programs around wellness themes including financial well-being, nutrition and stress reduction.

Discounts

There are local and national discounts available to Spokane County employees.

01

Do you have an Associate's degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university degree in criminal justice, communications, counseling, social sciences or closely related field AND one (1) year of related experience?

• Yes

• No

• No, I do not have a degree, but I do have an additional two (2) years of work experience which may substitute for the college course work.

  02

  Please check the box that applies to your current Union status (if you are not a current Spokane County employee, please select "I am not a Union member").

• I am in the open position's department and my position is covered by the 1553 collective bargaining agreement

• I am in another department and my position is covered by the 1553 collective bargaining agreement

• I am in a position covered by the Master Contract collective bargaining agreement (not 1553)

• I am in a position covered by another collective bargaining agreement (not 1553 or Master Contract)

• None of the above apply

  Required Question

Agency

Spokane County

Address

824 N Adams Spokane, Washington, 99260

Phone

509-477-5750

Website

http://www.spokanecounty.org/employment