Victim Advocate

Job Description

The salary for this position is: $4,902 - $6,521 monthly.

Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is seeking a professional, motivated, and dependable candidate for the position of Victim Advocate to join our team. A successful candidate will perform specialized counseling and referral functions in support of victims and/or witnesses; and work as part of a team to provide information, support, and referral to victims about justice system procedures.

• From locations including the Thurston County Family Justice Center and the Thurston County Courthouse, the Victim Advocate consults with and provides suggestions and information to assigned deputy prosecuting attorneys regarding the status of witnesses and expectations for court testimony. Makes recommendations to the court as requested.
• Serves as the advocate assigned to a specific team, working with other members of the team to provide services to victims and/or witnesses. Maintains detailed notes and files. Works as a team with other advocates to prepare reports and statistics as they are needed and may prepare annual reports.
• Provides victim counseling and makes appropriate referrals. Interviews and assesses needs of victims and/or witnesses; determines needed community resources such as counseling and support groups and refers victims and/or witnesses; educates victims and/or witnesses about justice system procedures and court proceedings, and may educate victims and/or witnesses of relevant laws. Escorts victims to court and explains procedures and forms.
• Reviews completed cases by examining case records and reports; provides feedback and suggestions to other team members regarding case methodologies and procedures as they relate to victim services.
• Establishes and maintains working relationships with the community, human and social service agencies to which victims may be referred, and with other agencies in the criminal justice system.
• Makes presentations to community groups to educate and inform the public about the services to and rights of victims.
• Recommends modifications to program objectives, policies, procedures and strategies to improve service quality. Keeps up-to-date on current trends and practices applicable to the area of assignment through continuing education (seminars, classes, meetings) and reading of applicable journals.
• Consults with and provides suggestions and information to assigned attorneys regarding the status of witnesses and expectations for court testimony. Makes recommendations to the court as requested.

• Work Environment – Work is performed primarily in an office environment. Minimal physical exertion is required.
• Schedule - Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Workload demands may occasionally require work outside the assigned work hours.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings.
• Customer Interactions - Substantial contact with the public, departmental staff, and other County departments. May come into contact with individuals who are irate, argumentative and in highly emotional situations.

The Prosecuting Attorney's Office performs its constitutional and statutory duties by serving as a highly skilled and innovative legal team advocating for public safety, seeking justice in criminal cases for victims and those accused, representing the interests of children, and providing effective legal services to Thurston County government.

We are committed to being proactive in our mission by partnering with local government and community organizations to prevent crime, increase public safety, and support for victims. We recognize that today's investments in education, mentoring, and other support services for children and families will yield significant returns in the form of less crime, reduced costs for criminal justice and social services, and an overall improvement in the quality of life for all Thurston County residents.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to…