Senior Victim Services Specialist - Countywide (Finance)

The Riverside County District Attorney's Office is currently seeking a Senior Victim Services Specialist to support the Division of Victim Services.

The Senior Victim Services Specialist provides a wide variety of complex and specialized trauma informed supportive services to the victims, derivative victims, and witnesses of crimes; coordinates the role of victims and witnesses through client advocacy with respect to the courts, law enforcement, and related agencies; serves as a principal advisor and mentor to Victim Services Specialist staff and volunteers; and performs other related duties as required pursuant to PC13835 and Marsy's Law.

Seeking candidates with experience providing direct service to victims, public outreach, developing training, and conducting complex research. Bilingual Spanish skill is desired, but not required.

The Senior Victim Services Specialist is the advanced journey level classification in the Victim Services series and reports to a Victim Services Supervisor. Assignments frequently require the exercise of independent judgment and are accomplished without immediate supervision and a high level of accountability. Incumbents operate with a high degree of independence in identifying and resolving work unit challenges. Case management is a primary function, including, but not limited to, complex cases of a serious nature involving homicides, gang-related crimes, career criminal cases, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and domestic violence incidents.

The Senior Victim Services Specialist classification is distinguished from the Victim Services Specialist in that the latter does not function as a lead. The Senior Victim Services Specialist uses significant independent judgment in the analysis of cases and will assist in assigning cases of all crime types to Victim Services Specialists. The Senior Victim Services Specialist is further distinguished from the Victim Services Supervisor in that the latter functions as a full scope supervisor over victim services staff and is a mentor/trainer for Victim Services Specialists.

Meet the Team!

The District Attorney of Riverside County , as the public prosecutor acting on behalf of the People, vigorously enforces the law, pursues the truth, protects those victimized by crime, exonerates the innocent, and safeguards the rights of all to ensure that justice is done on behalf of our community. The office's staff of over 700 is comprised of prosecuting attorneys, sworn investigators, victim-witness advocates, paralegals, investigative technicians, forensic analysts, and a wide range of information technology and supporting staff all committed to excellence and integrity in public service. We are, and we seek to maintain, a diverse workforce to match a diverse county.• Collaborate with the supervisor to provide on-the-job training, instruction, and assistance to Specialists; prepare training schedules and maintain training records; create and/or update victim templates; provide guidance on Specialist procedures and processes.

• Act as a technical advisor and subject matter expert; assist in the training, work assignment, and mentorship of other victim services specialists.

• Serve as a liaison to collateral agencies including, but not limited to, law enforcement, courts, social services, and other concerned parties to provide crisis intervention services for crime victims and witnesses of crime; identify physical and psychological barriers to safety; identify options; develop an action plan and assist with the implementation of the plan.

• Attend, participate, and take a leadership role in special events, conferences, workshops, and trainings within the community.

• Respond to client needs and facilitate client services including but not limited to safety planning, crime scene cleanup, protective relocation or shelter, document replacement, property repair, funeral and burial arrangements, intervention with creditors, landlords, schools, employers, and application to Victim of Crime Compensation Program; provide resources and referrals for ongoing support or services.

• Counsel victims and witnesses to reduce trauma; provide advocacy and support to victims during interviews with law enforcement, district attorneys, or defense attorneys.

• Advocate on behalf of clients to help ensure that all victims and witnesses are treated with dignity, respect, courtesy, and sensitivity; advocate on behalf of clients to help ensure that their rights are protected; accompany victims to court in order to provide support during testimony.

• Provide information to victims and witnesses concerning the procedures of the criminal justice system, juvenile justice system, and justice agencies; provide information on other judicial systems as necessary to meet the needs of the client.

• Maintain recordkeeping to meet state, federal, and internal reporting requirements.

• Provide training to law enforcement, district attorneys, and other agencies or the public concerning the Division of Victim Services and the rights of victims and witnesses.

• Drive a County vehicle as necessary to carry out services.

• Lead in the orientation and training of Victim Services Specialist staff and volunteers; provide guidance and leadership in the solution of the most complex cases.

• Participate in a variety of special teams such as the Mass Casualty Crisis Response Team, Crime Prevention, Collaborative Courts, K-9 Team, or other teams as needed; is an active member of the prosecution team and participates in Integrated Trial Teams, which includes prosecutors and investigators. OPTION I
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree, preferably with a major in psychology, sociology, social welfare, social/human services, criminal justice, or a closely related field to the assignment.

Experience: One year as a Victim Services Specialist with the Riverside County District Attorney's Office or an equivalent position in a public or private social service or criminal justice agency providing services to crime victims and witnesses.

OPTION II
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree, preferably with a major in psychology, sociology, social welfare, social/human services, criminal justice, or a closely related field to the assignment.

Experience: Three years providing case management, supportive or crisis intervention counseling, and advising clients of available programs, services, and resources in a public or private social service or criminal justice agency.

Other Requirements
License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required.

ALL OPTIONS
Knowledge of: The laws and procedures of criminal justice agencies as they affect the responsibilities and rights of victims and witnesses of crimes; public agency and community resources and their functions; interviewing and counseling techniques.

Ability to: Lead and direct the work of volunteer staff; mentor Victim Services Specialist staff; prepare statistical and narrative reports; maintain effective working relationships with others; provide psychological and emotional support to reduce trauma associated with being a victim or witness of a crime; communicate effectively in oral and written form; promote specific program projects through the use of effective presentations.Contact Information
For more information regarding the position, please contact the recruiter Andrea Evans at 951-955-3572 or via email at aevans@rivco.org .