Felony Competency and NGRI Victim Advocate (Internal Applicants Only)

Full Job Description

Supervisor: Wendy Ross

Salary: Range 50 - $38.88 (step one) - $49.28 (step ten) hourly*

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, our core business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. alternative schedule is subject to supervisor approval.

Work Location: In-person/telecommuting hybrid: King County Courthouse in Seattle & Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent

The Felony Competency and Forensic Mental Health Unit is responsible for handling cases where the defendant is pending determination of competency to stand trial, cases diverted from competency proceedings through the Legal Intervention and Network of Care (LINC) Program, and cases of persons found to be Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI). The cases handled by this unit range from lower-level crimes to violent felonies, including homicides. We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced advocate to support the victim services unit in responding to cases pending felony competency to stand trial determination, and cases where the court is supervising NGRI commitments. This position will support victims at both the King County Courthouse in Seattle as well as the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. The Felony Competency and NGRI Victim Advocate will provide comprehensive victim advocacy to victims, survivors, and family members. These cases are unique as they deal with victims whose cases are being transferred to and from Western State Hospital (WSH) or Eastern State Hospital (ESH) and are under review, supervision, and care of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). The advocate will provide independent support, uphold victim's rights, and give a voice to crime victims within both the criminal justice system, as well as post adjudication when cases are referred to DSHS. The advocate will provide advocacy in three areas: 1.) Competency cases, 2.) Competency Diversion Cases, 3.) NGRI cases

Requirements

• Provide advocacy to crime victims, survivors and immediate family members to help address their emotional, physical and financial needs to reduce the impacts of trauma and victimization.
• Communicate legal rights and case updates to victim/survivors and appropriate immediate family members; engage in victim rights enforcement.
• Deploy advocacy skills, crisis and case management, and de-escalation techniques as needed.
• Assess impacts and needs resulting from crime victimization and trauma, connect victims with community resources and service providers to address identified needs.
• Assist in developing coordinated safety plans with crime victims as appropriate.
• Utilize PAO facility dogs in accordance with PAO policy in support of victims, survivors and immediate family members associated with caseload.
• Develop strong and ejectives working relationships with DPAs, Case Development Specialists, Paralegals, Law Enforcement, and other system entities to empower, support and educate families and victims throughout the Criminal Justice System process.
• When needed, assist crime victims filing for civil protection orders, including drafting orders, completing declarations, and other legal documents for court hearings.
• Attend trials and hearings as necessary, advocate and speak on behalf of victims and their families in and out of court; prepare victims for court testimony.
• Make appropriate warm handout and referrals to community-based organizations and agencies to address relevant social service needs associated with their victimization.
• Update victims on cases pending competency determination, in coordination with unit staff and advocates.
• Contact victims before referral to diversion to LINC program and contact victims to get input regarding other alternatives.
• Attempt to locate victims and maintain on-going and semi-regular contact with victims on NGRI cases still under court review.
• Communicate needs of victims and establish coordination with DSHS notification program.
• Participate in appropriate task forces, workgroups, multi-disciplinary teams, community meetings in accordance with PAO objectives and roles/responsibilities.
• Coordinate outreach efforts to build and foster necessary community partnerships with community organizations to address the identified needs outlined by crime survivors.
• Conduct and produce trainings internally to PAO employees and other advocates regarding cases impacted by forensic mental health; Participate in outreach events related to caseload and impacts of victimization.
• Engage race, equity and social justice principles in regular job duties and decision making.
• Additional responsibilities and/or tasks may be incorporated, or existing ones modified as business needs evolve.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in the areas of violent crime and criminal justice and court based advocacy. Interest in responding to victims on cases going through the Washington State Forensic Mental Health System.
• Demonstrated ability to work with people in crisis.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written; ability to communicate professionally and effectively with individuals, groups and in the courtroom.
• Considerable knowledge of local related community resources.
• Demonstrated ability to work within and across systems including law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, community partners and the public.
• Skill in working with diverse populations.
• Ability to exercise independent initiative and judgment and also function as a team player
• Ability to problem-solve and identify needed procedural and policy changes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage voluminous and sensitive caseloads.
• Any combination of experience/education/training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with co-workers, management, attorneys, court personnel, law enforcement, community partners and the general public.
• Actively participate in PAO equity work, attending equity trainings and discussion. Provide support for the Race, Equity and Social Justice policy and principles, work with PAO colleagues and management to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Bilingual candidates and candidates with experience serving diverse survivors are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional Information