Victim Advocate Specialists deliver statutorily mandated and supportive services to victims and witnesses of crime throughout the prosecution of criminal cases. The position provides direct services to victims and witnesses of crime that include offering information about victim's rights, critical event notification, emotional support, information and referral assistance to community-based victim service agencies, and other criminal justice related services that support witnesses and aid victims of crime in their efforts towards recovery. Victim Advocate Specialists support the mission of the District Attorney's Office to protect the community and make the criminal justice system better.

Victim Advocacy:

• Performs the critical role of guiding victims of crime through the criminal justice system and providing access to services for those victims during the pendency of their cases.
• Works closely as a team with the District Attorneys, Investigators, Legal Assistants, and other District Attorney staff to coordinate services for victims and witnesses of crime.
• Provides victims of crime in Adams and Broomfield Counties with education and information regarding the role of Victim Advocate Specialists, criminal justice processes, legal terminology, and their rights under the Victim's Rights Act (VRA).
• Provides direct services and criminal justice advocacy including, but not limited to, safety planning, crisis intervention services, guidance for seeking victim compensation and reimbursement, critical event notification, including final case dispositions, and assisting victims with filing Victim impact statements.
• Accompanies victims to criminal justice proceedings, educate victims and witnesses about the criminal justice system, and provide advocacy by assisting in the protection and exertion of victims' rights.
• Documents services and notifications provided to victims and witnesses for Victims' Rights Act (VRA) compliance.
• Provides appropriate community resources and referrals.
• Works in collaboration with law enforcement, court officials, and community partners in the medical, mental health and social service fields to aid and support to victims.
• Attends and participates in training opportunities directly related to the Victim Advocate role.
• Performs additional tasks as assigned by the Director and Deputy Director of Victim Services.
• Must have a working knowledge and overview of Victim's Rights Act as set forth by the State of Colorado statutes.

Grants Related Duties:

• May be assigned grant-related administrative tasks such as compiling statistical data.

To be successful, our ideal candidate should have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Professional Spanish proficiency or fluency preferred.
• Ability to maintain a calm demeanor with victims/witnesses and with staff.
• Ability to provide warmth and human connection to victims and witnesses.
• Ability to work within a fast-paced environment with flexibility; meets deadlines and accept direction on given assignments.
• Ability to establish and fulfill goals and objectives.
• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism in an environment of changing and/or multiple priorities.
• Ability to work effectively and in a timely manner when faced with a high volume of work, multiple deadlines, and frequent interruptions.
• Ability to manage staff caseload and work assignments.
• Ability to manage sensitive information in a confidential and professional manner and to handle sensitive situations with professionalism, tact, and diplomacy.
• Possesses strong organizational skill, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and can prioritize and manage multiple projects.
• Working knowledge of Colorado criminal justice system procedures
• Ability to maintain social, ethical, and organizational standards in job-related activities in the office and within the community.
• Demonstrated computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook, as well as data entry, basic recordkeeping and math skills.

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, human services, public administration, or related field.

OR

Equivalent experience that includes 3-5 years of work experience providing direct services to victims of crime. Additional consideration will be given for professional experience providing victim advocacy within a criminal justice victim services program.

Requires possession of a valid Colorado Driver's License, access to a reliable vehicle and adequate car insurance.

Resume and cover letter required to be considered for this position.