Victim Advocate Counselor

Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia invites applications for a GS-12 level position to support crime victims and witnesses in federal and local court settings. This role requires strong coordination with attorneys, support staff, and law enforcement partners to safeguard victims and ensure access to services.

You will provide direct victim/witness support, help develop training materials, interview individuals to assess needs, and maintain advocacy across agencies.

Qualifications

• Basic requirement: degree in behavioral or social science, or equivalent education/experience.
• Combination of education and experience providing knowledge of behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major.
• Four years of appropriate experience demonstrating knowledge equivalent to a major in the field.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct victim/witness support in local or federal courts.
• Assist in developing or providing training, information, or resources to attorneys or support staff.
• Interview victims and/or witnesses to assess needs and determine services.
• Maintain communication with victims or witnesses to advocate with agencies.

Skills

Victim/witness support

Interviewing victims/witnesses

Training/Resource development

Education

Degree in behavioral or social science

Combination of education and experience

Four years of related experience

Job description

The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia mission is to enforce the criminal laws of the United States and the District of Columbia, represent the interests of the United States in civil litigation, and respond to the public safety needs of the community by leading an effective, well-coordinated law enforcement effort that contributes to the overall goal of improving the quality of life in the District of Columbia.

Minimum Qualifications

To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required basic requirement and specialized experience for the respective grade level in which you are applying: Basic Requirement: You must meet one of the items listed below (A, B, or C):

• A. Possess a degree in behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position. (Must provide transcripts)
• B. Possess a combination of education and experience -- that provided you with the knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. (Must provide transcript)
• C. Possess four years of appropriate experience that demonstrates acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

AND To qualify at the GS-12 level, you must possess:

• Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors) performing (3) of the (4) duties listed below:
• • Providing direct victim/witness support in local or federal courts demonstrating knowledge of legislation and successful navigation of the court system to benefit and support crime victims and witnesses.
  • Assisting in developing and/or providing training, information, or resources to attorneys or support staff.
  • Interviewing victims and/or witnesses of crimes to assess their needs and determine services needed.
  • Maintaining communication with victims or witnesses to advocate on their behalf with federal, state, and local agencies.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here.