Felony Competency and NGRI Victim Advocate; Internal
Listed on 2026-03-12
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Social Work
Family Advocacy & Support Services, Human Services/ Social Work, Public Health, Child Protection -
Government
Human Services/ Social Work, Public Health
Internal Applicants Only
This position is open only to current employees of the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
Applicants must serve and pass their six-month probation period in their current position in order to be eligible to apply.
Supervisor:
Wendy Ross
Salary:
Range $38.88 (step one) - $49.28 (step ten) hourly*
Work Schedule:
Monday – Friday, core business hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; alternative schedule subject to supervisor approval.
Work Location:
In-person/telecommuting hybrid:
King County Courthouse in Seattle & Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent.
The Felony Competency and Forensic Mental Health Unit is responsible for handling cases where the defendant is pending determination of competency to stand trial, cases diverted from competency proceedings through the Legal Intervention and Network of Care (LINC) Program, and cases of persons found to be Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI). The cases handled by this unit range from lower-level crimes to violent felonies, including homicides.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced advocate to support the victim services unit in responding to cases pending felony competency to stand trial determination, and cases where the court is supervising NGRI commitments. This position will support victims at both the King County Courthouse in Seattle as well as the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. The Felony Competency and NGRI Victim Advocate will provide comprehensive victim advocacy to victims, survivors, and family members.
These cases are unique as they deal with victims whose cases are being transferred to and from Western State Hospital (WSH) or Eastern State Hospital (ESH) and are under review, supervision, and care of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). The advocate will provide independent support, uphold victim's rights, and give a voice to crime victims within both the criminal justice system, as well as post adjudication when cases are referred to DSHS.
The advocate will provide advocacy in three areas: 1.) Competency cases, 2.) Competency Diversion Cases, 3.) NGRI cases.
- Provide advocacy to crime victims, survivors and immediate family members to help address their emotional, physical and financial needs to reduce the impacts of trauma and victimization.
- Communicate legal rights and case updates to victim/survivors and appropriate immediate family members; engage in victim rights enforcement.
- Deploy advocacy skills, crisis and case management, and de‑escalation techniques as needed.
- Assess impacts and needs resulting from crime victimization and trauma, connect victims with community resources and service providers to address identified needs.
- Assist in developing coordinated safety plans with crime victims as appropriate.
- Utilize PAO facility dogs in accordance with PAO policy in support of victims, survivors and immediate family members associated with caseload.
- Develop strong and effective working relationships with DPAs, Case Development Specialists, Paralegals, Law Enforcement, and other system entities to empower, support and educate families and victims throughout the Criminal Justice System process.
- When needed, assist crime victims filing for civil protection orders, including drafting orders, completing declarations, and other legal documents for court hearings.
- Attend trials and hearings as necessary, advocate and speak on behalf of victims and their families in and out of court; prepare victims for court testimony.
- Make appropriate warm handout and referrals to community‑based organizations and agencies to address relevant social service needs associated with their victimization.
- Update victims on cases pending competency determination, in coordination with unit staff and advocates.
- Contact victims before referral to diversion to LINC program and contact victims to get input regarding other alternatives.
- Attempt to locate victims and maintain ongoing and semi‑regular contact with victims on NGRI cases still under court review.
- Communicate needs of victims and establish coordination with DSHS notification program.
- Participate in appropriate task forces,…
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