Advocate

Maricopa County, AZ; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Excellent work-life balance

Retirement benefits

Healthcare for you and dependents

Job summary

Maricopa County is seeking an Advocate to support crime victims by providing information on the justice system, rights, and protections. You will accompany victims to court, offer crisis intervention, and connect them with resources through referrals to social service agencies.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed practices, collaboration with the prosecutor, and maintaining caseloads with meticulous documentation for reporting and accountability.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience with victim advocacy, social work, crisis intervention, or a related field.
• Internal candidates with experience in positions such as Claims Specialist, Restitution Specialist, or Victim Assistance Specialist within the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will have that experience counted toward the required two years of total experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, family studies, psychology, or other closely related behavioral or social science field.

Responsibilities

• Provide information on the criminal justice system, victims' legal rights, and protections.
• Attend court proceedings with, or on behalf of a victim, while providing support and guidance to empower victims to exercise their rights.
• Identify resources for victims and make referrals to social service agencies.
• Assist the prosecutor with case turn-downs whenever practical.
• Provide crisis intervention/short-term counseling.
• Research case status using computer databases.
• Manage large caseloads and document information.
• Prepare reports and present findings.
• Develop positive working relationships with co-workers and crime victims.

Skills

Victim advocacy

Crisis intervention

Public service

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field

Tools

PbK

Job description

About the Position

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of crime victims? Would you like a career in the criminal justice field?

Crime victims deserve the chance to be heard, and you can help by becoming an Advocate in our office! We advocate for victims’ rights and participation in the criminal justice system!

As an Advocate, you will provide professional support to crime victims. In this role, you will offer information and resources and assist victims in court by helping them assert their rights. You have an opportunity to advocate for those experiencing trauma and the complexities of the criminal justice system. To assist victims, advocates employ trauma-informed intervention techniques and serve as liaisons between the prosecutor and victims of crimes

Do you want to empower and make a positive impact on others? If so, this is the job for YOU!

About Us

We believe in integrity. We believe in justice for all. We are also proud to deliver high-quality prosecution, comprehensive victims' services, crime prevention programs, and more to the residents of Maricopa County. If you would like to utilize your talents and skills to stand up for Maricopa County, and join our team!

Proud to Offer

• Work with a greater purpose
• Tuition reimbursement
• Exceptional work-life balance
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Child care benefits, including access to the Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families
• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
• Extensive wellness program, including an incentive
• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 11.98% per paycheck contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1
• Want to learn more about the County’s Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more! Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

• Two years of experience with victim advocacy, social work, crisis intervention, or a related field
• Internal candidates with experience in positions such as Claims Specialist, Restitution Specialist, or Victim Assistance Specialist within the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will have that experience counted toward the required two years of total experience
• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, family studies, psychology, or other closely related behavioral or social science field

Other Requirements

• Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a current, valid AZ Driver's License at time of hire
• Selected candidates must complete and pass a criminal background check. MCAO is also authorized to test prospective employees for the presence of illegally accessed drugs. Drug testing is conducted once an offer has been extended and before placement

We Value

• Experience in case management
• Experience working in a criminal justice system
• Public service experience working in an advocate-related capacity
• Bilingual skills in English and Spanish

Job Contributions

• Provide information on the criminal justice system, victims' legal rights, and protections
• Provide information on the criminal justice process
• Attend court proceedings with, or on behalf of a victim, while providing support and in-depth guidance to empower victims to exercise their crime victims’ rights
• Identify resources for victims, assess the practical needs of victims, and make referrals to various social service agencies
• Assist the prosecutor with case turn-downs whenever practical
• Provide extensive crisis intervention/short-term counseling
• Research case status using numerous computer databases
• Manage large caseloads and document information
• Prepare reports and present findings
• Work in the presence of or with a trained canine that comforts victims
• Develops and maintains positive and productive working relationships with co-workers and crime victims using principles of good customer service
• Compliance with all Victim Services mandated requirements
• All actions, rights, and services are documented and timely in PbK
• All case management activities are recorded and entered in PbK
• Responsible for submitting timely monthly reports to the assigned supervisor
• Responsibility for oversight and management of all assigned cases
• Provide community outreach through presentations, partnerships, and finding additional resources
• Participation and mentorship of all VOCA interns
• May receive referrals or victims from Victim Assistance Specialists, where Advocate-level guidance needs to be provided to a victim

Working Conditions

• Office environment includes bright lighting and working in close proximity to others
• Position requires sitting for prolonged periods of time and repeating motions with wrists, hands, and fingers
• Position requires accuracy, concentration/vigilance, decision making, responding to emergencies/acting urgently, frequently changing tasks, high volume of work, handling multiple or complicated tasks, interruptions, contact with the public, stressful situations, teamwork, time pressures, and unscheduled tasks
• Exposure to noise is possible in courtroom settings, along with exposure to emotionally charged and potentially dangerous situations. Exposure to traumatic subject matter (crime scenes, accidents, etc.)
• May work in a cramped or confined space such as a courtroom, victim room, or conference room
• Ability to travel, via walking or other method, up to 0.50 miles between job-related locations
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and carry up to 10 pounds for up to 0.50 miles. Ability to push/pull up to 5 pounds up to 0.50 miles.
• Ability to stand up to 2 hours due to limited court seating and/or the jury selection process
• Requires travel, via driving, to and from job-related locations during the course of a scheduled workday, subject to County policies regarding the use of County or private vehicles used on County business. This includes exposure to the heat when commuting between job-related locations. Job-related locations include various courthouses, home or medical facility visits, and attending off-site trainings and meetings
• Some teleworking may be offered after six months of employment, based on business needs
• Bureau assignment cannot be guaranteed and is based on business need
• Mandatory work schedule is 8 am to 5 pm with a 1-hour lunch to ensure office coverage for victim support and court coverage

Selection Procedure

• Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications

• Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile

• Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact [e-mail] to initiate the interactive process.

JR22168