STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, 14TH CIRCUIT- VICTIM ADVOCATE II - 21009512

Requisition No: 841969 

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, 14TH CIRCUIT- VICTIM ADVOCATE II - 21009512

 Pay Plan: State Attorneys JAC

Position Number: 21009512 

Salary:  $35,000.00 

Posting Closing Date: 12/21/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Office of the State Attorney, 14th Judicial Circuit

Larry Basford, State Attorney

Victim Advocate I

OVERVIEW:

We are seeking a personable and empathetic person to join our Victim Advocate team, which plays a crucial role in our office by assisting Assistant State Attorneys in supporting and guiding crime victims through the complex judicial process. The right person for this job is one who wants to serve their community in a special way, working directly with the victims of the crimes we prosecute, while also enjoying the generous benefits offered by the State of Florida. For every prosecutor in court, there is a need for someone driven by a desire to excel and make a difference in someone's life.  Is that you?

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION BEING FILLED:

This is a specialized position that is responsible for independent work acting as a liaison between the Assistant State Attorney and victims of crimes. Victim Advocates also provide direct support to victims.

HOW TO APPLY:

Obtain Employment Application and Authorization to Release Information from our website at: http://sa14.fl.gov/careers-opportunities/, and email to: SA_businessoffice@sa14.fl.gov. Application must show complete and accurate dates and addresses of all employments and must include: skills and abilities, including keyboard/typing (correct words per minute) and software knowledge in which experienced. A qualifying typing test score and/or data entry test may be required.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

A high school diploma or equivalency and experience in the area of criminal justice, social science, counseling, public contact or customer service; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Bachelor’s degree may be substituted for required experience.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Dependable and routine in-office attendance especially on-time arrival to help ASA prepare victims for court.
• Ability to focus and pay attention to detail.
• Ability to read and comprehend.
• Efficient typing skills.
• Effective and efficient communication skills and ability to interact professionally with other employees, members of the public and stakeholders.
• Ability to operate the telephone system and respond to calls promptly and professionally.
• Review and promptly respond to all electronic messaging.
• Perform quality work within deadlines.
• Ability to operate a computer and other office machinery.
• Ability to read and follow rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Work effectively as a team contributor as well as independently.
• Comply with all Public Records statutes and policies.
• Travel as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

OTHER JOB DUTIES:

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to work occasional, approved overtime.
• Other duties as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• Update case management system and assist with data collection and reports
• Act as liaison between the Assistant State Attorney and the victims involved in cases prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney.
• Notify victims of any required appearances and cancellations.
• Explain to victims the stages of their case including the purpose of their being subpoenaed and the importance of being available for trial on the date they are to appear.
• Maintain and document ongoing contact with victims. Keep victims informed of their right to attend each crucial stage of the Criminal or Juvenile case.
• If victims have not called within a reasonable period of time after being served a subpoena, initiate office policy and procedures to locate them and continue to make attempts to contact them.
• Contact victims when attorney requests additional information.
• Responsible for interviewing, safety planning and assessing victims and families.
• Responsible for coordinating with social service agencies to ensure victims receive services they need.
• Advocate is responsible for complying with all terms of grants, if applicable.
• Bilingual employees will assist in translations.
• Assist in the interview process of victims to determine extent of abuse, history of violence, history of contact with criminal justice system and safety concerns.
• Perform all duties indicated for optimal care for victims and families.
• Appropriately document all contacts with victims in case notes, in case management system and/or in memorandums to the A.S.A. Keep track of all services provided to report to grant providers when appropriate.
• Update case management system with all notes reference the victim including updated points of contact.
• Provide other services as needed such as transportation, a separate Pre-Trial waiting area and appropriate translator services as needed or requested.
• Establish and maintain effective communication with attorneys, court personnel, victims, witnesses, law enforcement personnel, and other parties relevant to assigned cases in both verbal and written form.
• Prepare travel itinerary and reimbursement forms.
• Maintain and file all records and reports on case activity with regard to victims and prepare any necessary statistical reports.
• Inform victims of right to request and receive restitution. Help victim document financial loss as a direct result of crime to assist ASA determine appropriate amount of restitution. Provide assistance to victims to file for Victim Compensation through the Attorney General’s Office.
• Provide victims with information regarding their rights under Chapter 960 and the Florida Constitution.
• Assist with Victim Impact Statements as needed.
• Perform any and all duties as required.

POLICIES:

The State Attorney's Office has a harassment-free workplace policy and professional conduct requirement. Employees must practice safe workplace procedures and follow policies and procedures regarding confidentiality and honesty. Employees must maintain satisfactory work attendance and job performance level.

Applicants considered for employment will be required to pass comprehensive background check including fingerprinting and drug testing. We hire only U.S. Citizens and those lawfully authorized to work in the U.S., and participate in the U.S. Government's Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

State employees are required to participate in the State of Florida Direct Deposit Program and contribute 3% of monthly gross (pre-tax) to the Florida Retirement System.

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS at 1-844-377-1888 on how your current benefits may be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida.  Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.