Domestic Violence Victim Advocate (Bilingual-Spanish)

Starting Compensation:

$44,970.90/Annually

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Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

• Effectively and efficiently provide direct advocacy, support, and information to English and Spanish Speaking crime victims, family members, and witnesses in the justice systems. Accompany, assist, and intervene to ensure crime victims’ rights are upheld.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provide basic services to English and Spanish speaking crime victims, witnesses and significant others, including information about the justice systems and the protection from abuse process, information about victims’ rights and participation in the system, orientation and accompaniment of victims/witnesses to court, and assistance with restitution and property return.

• Maintain a domestic violence caseload and assist victims of other crimes as needed.

• Fulfill mandated responsibilities under the Crime Victim’s Act and to advocate for English and Spanish speaking victims’ rights.

• Research, generate, document, and maintain Victims Compensation Assistance claims.

• Assist with English and Spanish speaking witness notifications, orientation, and accompaniment to court proceedings.

• Act as a liaison between police, prosecutors and English and Spanish speaking victims.

• Refer English and Spanish speaking victims to other appropriate social service agencies and to follow-up on those referrals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must fluently speak both English and Spanish. Written proficiency in Spanish is required, AND

• Bachelor’s degree in a human service or criminal justice related field, OR

• Associate’s degree in a human service or criminal justice related field and a combination of work experience in a public or private agency providing direct human services to clients, OR

• Any equivalent combination of education, victim services experience and training that provides the knowledge and skills to do this job.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of and commitment to the rights of crime victims

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• Ability to plan, document and execute all responsibilities related to crime victims

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system, the juvenile justice system and the protection from abuse process

• Knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence

• Ability to manage conflicting priorities, multi-task and organize work

• Ability to communicate, problem-solve, work independently and follow directions.

• Ability to interact and establish a rapport with people from diverse backgrounds.

• Demonstrate excellent communication skills (written, phone and in-person) with clients and staff.

• Knowledge of basic computer skills and the ability to learn various programs required for completion and documentation of work.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Successful completion of a background investigation and a clean criminal record, child abuse clearance and FBI fingerprint check.  The pre-employment background investigation includes a drug screen, questionnaire and examination of the driving record and social history.

• Must complete specialized training in domestic violence

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have the use of a personal vehicle

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Does not pose a threat to the health and safety of the department

• Must have the ability to transport self to various locations for hearings, meetings, and other appointments and to access those locations with reasonable accommodations.

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees.  Read more about our benefits here.

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compen