Victim/Witness Advocate and Case Coordinator (Social Services Specialist 3)

Salary : $64,440.00 - $86,712.00 Annually

Location : King County - Seattle - Downtown Business, WA

Job Type : Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment : Flexible / Hybrid

Job Number : 2024-10360

Department : Attorney General's Office

Division : Criminal Justice - Seattle

Opening Date : 09 / 09 / 2024

Closing Date : 9 / 23 / 2024 11 : 59 PM Pacific

Salary Information : The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.

wa.gov . Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com

Position and Salary

The Attorney General's Office is recruiting for a permanent full time Victim / Witness Advocate and Case Coordinator (Social Service Specialist 3) in the Criminal Justice Division.

This position is located in downtown Seattle, Washington, and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Social Service Specialist 3 Salary Range 58 : $64,440 - $86,712

The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

The following stipends may apply based on position requirements :

• Incumbents assigned to our Seattle office location receive an additional 5% King County Location Pay stipend.
• Incumbents assigned to a position designated as requiring dual language skills will receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement Pay stipend.

About the Criminal Justice Division :

The mission of the Bob Keppel Criminal Justice Division (CRJ) is to work with and support its partners in the criminal justice community and to work towards creating safe communities.

Upon request from the Governor, local law enforcement and local prosecutors, the division investigates and prosecutes criminal cases throughout the state and provides investigative and prosecutorial support to local law enforcement and prosecutors in several areas including homicide cases, sexual assaults, white-collar crime, crimes involving official misconduct or public corruption and human trafficking.

CRJ also includes a unit dedicated to assisting federal, municipal, county, and tribal law enforcement agencies to solve cold cases predominantly involving missing and murdered indigenous women and people.

CRJ has formally partnered with the Department of Revenue, and the Department of Labor and Industries to assist those agencies in the investigation and prosecution of crimes committed against the State of Washington and its citizens.

These cooperative efforts have resulted in recovery awards in excess of $10 million to the State. CRJ also civilly prosecutes previously convicted sexually violent predators who have served their criminal sentence and who still pose a serious threat to reoffend.

CRJ provides state and nationwide investigative expertise and assistance through the office's Homicide Investigation and Tracking System (HITS) Unit and through the investigators and crime analysts who are part of HITS.

CRJ also represents and advises the Washington State Patrol, the Criminal Justice Training Commission, and other criminal justice agencies.

What does a Victim / Witness Advocate and Case Coordinator do?

Works as case coordinator and advocate for victims, victim families, and witnesses affected by and involved with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP) Cold Case Unit in the Criminal Justice Division.

This position provides information, status updates, referrals, short-term advocacy, and other support services and coordinates social services to victims, witnesses and families.

Crimes investigated by the MMIWP Cold Case Unit include but are not limited to, unsolved homicides, sexual offenses, sexually motivated offenses, missing persons, and cases of unidentified remains.

Acts as a representative of the AGO, explaining the role of MMIWP Cold Case Unit, and the Criminal Justice Division. In individual cases, uses cultural compassion and trauma-informed skills to provide emotional support, guidance, information on investigative and criminal justice procedures, referral and advocacy services to victims and their non-offending family members, after they have been referred to the MMIWP Cold Case Unit.

This may include adults, children, elderly individuals, refugees, individuals with physical or mental disability or limitations, those with addictions, and unhoused / underhoused individuals.

Utilizes trauma-informed advocacy and an intersectional lens when working with victims that are reluctant to participate in the investigation.

Establishes supportive human relationships with victims and families and helps resolve issues throughout the investigation.

Schedules, supports, counsels, and advocates for victims, victim family members and witnesses through interviews related to investigations and the criminal justice process and accompanies them to any proceedings they wish to attend and to all interviews with prosecutors and defense attorneys or investigators.

Serves as liaison between victim, victim families, witnesses, investigators, and other criminal justice participants.

Serves as a liaison to community programs and agencies.

Educates internal and external stakeholders on the role of the Victim / Witness Advocate and Case Coordinator.

Desired Qualifications

Option 1 : Bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, one of the social sciences or a related area, AND two years of experience working with victimized populations, including direct management of individual cases.

Professional level experience in providing crime victim services and / or administration of services within a crime victims services program may substitute, year-for-year, for the education requirement.

A graduate or advanced degree will substitute for one year of the required experience.

Option 2 : Combination of five years of experience through paralegal certification, two-year paralegal degree, and / or professional experience in support of attorney.

Option 3 : Three years' experience as a Paralegal 2 in Washington State service.

Conditions of Employment :

A background check consisting of employment history, professional references and educational verification (e.g., degree, license, or official transcript) may be conducted.

Prior to any offer, the applicant selected will be required to submit to and pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check conducted by the Washington State Patrol, Criminal Records Division.

The incumbent will submit to additional background checks as a condition of employment every five (5) years thereafter.

About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General Join an agency whose work impacts the lives of every resident of Washington State.

The Attorney General's Office (AGO) touches the lives of every resident in this state. We serve more than 230 state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges and universities, as well as the Legislature and the Governor.

The Office is comprised of nearly 700 attorneys and 800 professional staff, all working together to deliver the highest quality professional legal services to Washington state officials, agencies, and entities. This includes :

• Economic justice and consumer protections (safeguarding consumers, protecting youth, seniors, and other vulnerable populations)
• Social justice and civil rights (addressing discrimination, environmental protection, and veteran and military resources)
• Criminal justice and public safety (investigative and prosecutorial support, financial crimes)
• And !

Our agency also has national reach, representing the State of Washington before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals and trial courts in all cases that involve the state's interest.

If you want to make a difference, we may be the perfect fit for you! Learn more about the AGO

Commitment to Diversity

Diversity is critical to the success of the mission of the AGO. This means recognizing, respecting, and appreciating all cultures and backgrounds and fostering the inclusion of differences between people.

Appreciating, valuing and implementing principles of diversity permits AGO employees to achieve their fullest potential in an inclusive, respectful environment.

One recent measure of the AGO's commitment to diversity can be found in its nomination for Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network's "Outstanding Agency Award" in 2019.

Our commitment to employee wellness is reflected in earning the 2021 Zo8 Washington Wellness Award.

Excellent benefits Washington State offers one of the most competitive in the nation, including Medical / Dental / Vision for employees & dependent(s);

Vacation, Sick, and Other Leave; 11 Paid Holidays per year; Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans; and Life Insurance.

Beyond these traditional benefits, we offer Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave, and more.

With the goal of employee health and wellness, we also offer flexible schedules and telework options for most positions, a Wellness Program, the Employee Assistance Program, and numerous affinity groups to foster community and connection.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS :

In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position :

• A letter of interest, describing your specific qualifications for the position;
• A current resume detailing experience and education.
• Transcripts detailing your accounting credits

READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY :

• Carefully review your application for accuracy, spelling and grammar before submitting.
• You may not reapply to this posting for 30 days.
• The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the "work experience" and "education" sections of your application in , completeness of the application material submitted, and responses to the supplemental questionnaire.
• A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.
• All information may be verified and documentation may be required.

Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe and supportive working environment.

Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, can AGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO.

The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation / gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.

wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or

For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please contact Judith Vandergeest @ (360) 586-7691 or [email protected].

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket.

Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security.

That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits :

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months.

Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note : If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.

Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.

The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.

For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note : Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday;

or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours.

Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis.

Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and / or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position.

Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note : Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so.

However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

1000all) Your preferred name :

1000all) Your pronoun(s) :

1000allclassified. By clicking yes, I acknowledge that if I am the preferred candidate for this position, I will be required to submit to and pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check conducted by the Washington State Patrol (WSP), Criminal Records Division, as a condition of employment and every five (5) years thereafter.

Incumbent may also be required to submit to and pass a criminal background check at any time during the period of employment if, in the scope of their employment and assigned duties, they are identified as a witness by an Assistant Attorney General prosecuting a criminal case.

By clicking no, I will be removed from further consideration for this position.

1000all Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

1000all Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status?

1000allClassified : Have you participated, whether as an attorney, paralegal, legal assistant, or in any other capacity, in the representation of any party in a matter where the party's interest was materially adverse to that of the State, its agencies, or its officers or employees?

If yes, please identify all such matters, including the parties to the matter, the court and cause number of the matter, and your role in the matter.

If no, please enter N / A. If you require additional space, please attach additional sheets and indicate your attachment here.

1000allClassified : Have you participated as a judge, arbitrator, mediator, adjudicative officer, or as a law clerk to such a person, in a matter in which the State or any of its agencies, officers, or employees were a party?

If yes, please identify all such matters, including the parties to the matter, the court and cause number of the matter, and your role in the matter.

If no, please enter N / A. If you require additional space, please attach additional sheets and indicate your attachment here.

1000allClassified : Is there any other matter, person, entity, or personal interest that might present a conflict of interest or otherwise limit your ability to perform work for the Attorney General's Office or represent a state agency, officer, or employee?

If yes, please identify such matters, persons, entities, or personal interests with sufficient detail to allow the Attorney General's Office to understand the nature of the potential conflict of interest.

You are not required to disclose any pending or contemplated complaint or dispute for which the law allows you to remain anonymous;

however, you are responsible for not accepting assignments that would violate conflict of interest or confidentiality provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct or other laws with regard to such matters.

If no, please enter N / A. If you require additional space, please attach additional sheets and indicate your attachment here.

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