Victim Advocate

Title: VICTIM ADVOCATE - VRL

Location:

•  KINGMAN, AZ
•  LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ
•  PARKER, AZ
•  PHOENIX, AZ

Job Description:

DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SAFETY

The Arizona Department of child Safety (DCS) is a social and human services agency whose mission is to successfully partner with families, caregivers, and the community to strengthen families, ensure safety, and achieve permanency for all Arizona's children through prevention, services, and support.

VICTIM ADVOCATE

Job Location:

OFFICE OF ACCOUNTABILITY

3003 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85012

Posting Details:

Salary: $27.1410 HRLY/$56,453.28 Salary

Grade: 19

Job Summary:

This position provides information on victims legal rights and protections according to Arizona Constitution, Article II, Section 2.1, and ARS Title 13, Chapter 40 and Title 8, Chapter 3, Article 7 to provide information on the criminal justice process, and guidance on the process of victim rights advocates. Assists in understanding options regarding participating in criminal justice process. Supports the case manager to ensure minors in DCS custody are able to exercise their victims rights. Engages with prosecution and law enforcement based advocates regarding case status and facilitate interaction with DCS case manager. Researches case status using numerous computer databases, in person or by phone. Effectively manages large caseloads, document and present findings. Provides documentation related to grant finding tracking and performance measurements. Documents interaction between DCS, victims rights advocate and the child as well as the prosecutorial agency. Provides notice to the child victim as well as provide information to the prosecutorial agency within the mandates of ARS 8-807. Provides an open line of communication between the prosecutorial agency and DCS within the confines of ARS 8-807.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State's Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Job Duties:

• Provides information to case managers and victims concerning their victims' rights, procedures of the criminal justice system and facilitates communication with various representatives of criminal justice agencies.

• Documents services, contacts and referrals in designated databases; prepares and delivers training to DCS specialists regarding unit function, basic victims' rights, and criminal justice process.

• Serves as a liaison between the DCS specialist, advocate and attorneys and consults with prosecutors' offices regarding trial preparation/victim opinion. Evaluates cases and assists specialist and or victim advocate in applying for compensation through the local county victim compensation board.

• Maintains contact with DCS Specialist as needed and may accompany them to court to provide support and information.

• Develops and maintains sound working relationships with DCS staff and community justice partners. Participates in meetings and ongoing training.

• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Child welfare system and laws

• Criminal court proceedings, and the effects of victimization on crime victims

• Legal terminology

• Crisis intervention methods and techniques

• Principals and practices of case management

Skills in:

• Offering victims information about the different options available to them and support victims' decision-making

• Networking with community outreach organizations to keep updated resource information

• Operating computers and office equipment

• Working with individuals with diverse backgrounds

• Communicating both verbally and written

Ability to:

• Interpret and understand Arizona statutes related to victims' rights

• Prepare and deliver training

• Analyze and interpret information from multiple sources and evaluate cases to make appropriate decisions

• Inform, support and accompany victim through the criminal justice proceedings

• Educate individuals and agencies regarding the needs and rights of victims.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships

• Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the position

Selective Preference(s):

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or related field; and 2 years experience in counseling, social work, crisis intervention, criminal justice, or a related field which involves public contact.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

Must be able to secure and maintain clearance from DCS Central Registry.

Must be able to secure and maintain an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card.

This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits:

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans

• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans

• 10 paid holidays per year

• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years

• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly

• Deferred compensation plan

• Wellness plans

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement:

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

Contact Us:

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 602-255-3141 or by email at ADA@AZDCS.GOV. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Should you have any further questions regarding the interview process you can reach out to a member of our recruitment team at 602-255-2903 or by email at recruiting@azdcs.gov. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.