Crime Victim Advocate

Suffolk-County-District-Attorney; Hauppauge (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office is seeking a Crime Victims Advocate who is fluent in Spanish to support crime victims and witnesses through the court process. The role emphasizes building trust, providing information on procedures and resources, and guiding individuals through the investigation and trial stages.

Under direct supervision, the advocate assists with case setup, maintains contact with victims, and coordinates supports such as interpreters and transportation.

Qualifications

• Good knowledge of criminal court procedures and District Attorney office structure.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with victims, witnesses and the public.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to explain hearing and trial procedures clearly.

Responsibilities

• Contact victims, witnesses and employers regarding pre-trial, hearing and trial times and dispositions.
• Escort victims and witnesses to court and attend cases from pre-trial through sentencing.
• Answer inquiries about case information and explain procedures.
• Send follow-up letters of notification when necessary.
• Restore evidence to victims/witnesses after trials.
• Perform general clerical tasks including filing and telephone coverage.
• Arrange interpreters, transportation, and lodging for victims and witnesses.

Skills

Communication skills

Interview techniques

Victim support

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work, or Sociology

Associate’s Degree + 2 years related experience

High School Diploma with 4 years related experience

Job description

CRIME VICTIMS ADVOCATE (SPANISH SPEAKING)

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office (SCDA) is one of the largest prosecutors' offices in the country and has recently launched a number of cutting-edge initiatives and reforms that have put it on the national stage for innovation. We are a team: one that is committed to making our community a safe place to live, work and raise a family. SCDAO is looking for the most qualified candidates to join our ranks, with the objective of recruiting those with diverse backgrounds, a strong work ethic, integrity and a commitment to public service and justice.

In furtherance of the Office’s mission of supporting victims of crimes, particularly child abuse and domestic violence victims, we are currently seeking at least one candidate for the position of Crime Victim Advocate. Crime Victim Advocates are tasked with developing a working relationship with the victims and witnesses, providing them with necessary information on court procedures, victim resources and accompanying them throughout the entire court process.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under direct supervision, an employee in this class performs paraprofes¬sional duties involving both initial and continuing direct, personal contact with victims and/or witnesses for the Victim Witness Assistance Program; and assists the professional staff in case file set-up and maintenance. The incumbent establishes a working relationship with the victims and witnesses, providing them with necessary information on court procedures and accompanying them throughout the entire court process. Direct supervision is received from an administrative supervisor. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

• Contacts victims, witnesses and employers by telephone and/or letter concerning pre-trial, hearing and trial times, cancellations, grand jury summonses, subpoenas and disposition of cases;
• Escorts victims and witnesses to and from trial; attends case from pre- trial hearing through verdict and sentencing;
• Answers calls and inquiries concerning case information; explains all hearing and trial procedures;
• Writes and sends follow-up letters of notification when necessary;
• Recovers evidence from trial that should be returned to the victim/witness;
• Performs general clerical activities such as filing and telephone coverage;
• Arranges for interpreters, transportation, baby-sitters, travel plans and lodging accommodations for victims and witnesses.

CRIME VICTIMS ADVOCATE (SPANISH SPEAKING)

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office (SCDA) is one of the largest prosecutors' offices in the country and has recently launched a number of cutting-edge initiatives and reforms that have put it on the national stage for innovation. We are a team: one that is committed to making our community a safe place to live, work and raise a family. SCDAO is looking for the most qualified candidates to join our ranks, with the objective of recruiting those with diverse backgrounds, a strong work ethic, integrity and a commitment to public service and justice.

In furtherance of the Office’s mission of supporting victims of crimes, particularly child abuse and domestic violence victims, we are currently seeking at least one candidate for the position of Crime Victim Advocate. Crime Victim Advocates are tasked with developing a working relationship with the victims and witnesses, providing them with necessary information on court procedures, victim resources and accompanying them throughout the entire court process.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under direct supervision, an employee in this class performs paraprofes¬sional duties involving both initial and continuing direct, personal contact with victims and/or witnesses for the Victim Witness Assistance Program; and assists the professional staff in case file set-up and maintenance. The incumbent establishes a working relationship with the victims and witnesses, providing them with necessary information on court procedures and accompanying them throughout the entire court process. Direct supervision is received from an administrative supervisor. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

• Contacts victims, witnesses and employers by telephone and/or letter concerning pre-trial, hearing and trial times, cancellations, grand jury summonses, subpoenas and disposition of cases;
• Escorts victims and witnesses to and from trial; attends case from pre- trial hearing through verdict and sentencing;
• Answers calls and inquiries concerning case information; explains all hearing and trial procedures;
• Writes and sends follow-up letters of notification when necessary;
• Recovers evidence from trial that should be returned to the victim/witness;
• Performs general clerical activities such as filing and telephone coverage;
• Arranges for interpreters, transportation, baby-sitters, travel plans and lodging accommodations for victims and witnesses.

COMPENSATION

Starting salary is approximately $47,000 per year, plus our benefits packagewhich includes, but is not limited to health insurance, including optical and dental benefits, vacation/personal/sick time, disability leave, deferred compensation, New York State Retirement, life insurance, legal and more.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKIL…

Good knowledge of the structure, organization and procedures of the criminal court system; good knowledge of the structure, organization and procedures of the District Attorney's office; working knowledge of the principles and techniques of interviewing; ability to develop and maintain satisfactory working relationships with victims, witnesses, supervisors, fellow employees and the general public; ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; good powers of observation and perception; good judgment; tact; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Open Competitive

Either:

(a) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by New York State with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work, or Sociology; or,

(b) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by New York State with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work or Sociology and two (2) years of experience in the delivery of health, social or community services, one (1) year of which must have been in crime victim advocacy; or,

(c) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and four (4) years of experience in the delivery of health, social or community services, one (1) year of which must have been in crime victim advocacy; or,

(d) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of the above.

The Office of the Suffolk County District Attorney reserves the right to change without notice any statement on this page concerning, but not limited to, rules, policies, eligibility, recruitment and terms of employment. The Office of the Suffolk County District Attorney is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and it is our policy not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or any other non-merit factor.

Division: Professional
This is a non-management position
This is a full time position