Job Information
County of Blair Victim Witness Advocate in Altoona, Pennsylvania
Under general supervision, the advocate will work in a department of four who deliver a wide array of assigned services to victims and witnesses of juvenile and adult crimes as cases progress through court proceedings. An advocate, specialized case managers, and the coordinator perform responsibilities as allocated within the unit that can include a) administering functions associated with the accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD) and intermediate punishment (IP) courts, such as making phone calls to communicate approval standing, sending notices, handling victim-impact and restitution claims, accompanying a client as warranted, documenting services, and supporting assistant district attorney on case and attending court proceedings; b) carrying out duties regarding administration of Rights and Services Act (RASA) and Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA) grant procedures, which entail maintaining up-to-date statistics, data entry, revisions, and working with County personnel and grant staff; c) completing tasks relevant to state parole notifications, such as locating applicable victims, arranging video testimony, accompanying client, and assisting with preparation of impact statements; d) entering victim compensation claims into online system; e) participating in undertaking of monthly homicide survivors support group; and f) serving as back-up to certain duties of unit coordinator.
Incumbents must also maintain an annual caseload numbering 400-600; maintain utmost confidentiality; work closely on a daily basis with internal and external members of law enforcement and legal professions; provide information on services available; accompany victims to full cycle of court proceedings; advocate on behalf of victims and witnesses to employers, schools, and creditors to remove barriers to active criminal justice participation; and comply with training hours stipulated in grant funding.
Requirements
Qualified applicants must have a high school diploma or GED supplemented by college-level coursework in criminal justice, human services or social services; bachelor's degree preferred in relevant field OR equivalent combination of education and experience that provides requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for the job; minimum of two years of work experience; effective interpersonal relations and communications skills (both written and verbal); and demonstrated experience setting schedules and meeting deadlines, and managing multiple priorities. Incumbent must travel weekly to preliminary hearings held at magisterial district judge offices every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; valid driver's license is required.
Benefits
Competitive benefits package starts first of the month following 30 calendar days and includes 90% employer-paid PPO healthcare with vision and three-tier prescription components, pension plan, public employer's equivalent of 401(k), term life insurance, short-term disability, a menu of voluntary benefits that includes dental and Aflac, 14 annual paid holidays, and other time-off provisions. Starting wage is $13.40/hour x 35-hour workweek. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER