Victim Advocate Counselor

Full Job Description

The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia mission is to enforce the criminal laws of the United States and the District of Columbia, represent the interests of the United States in civil litigation, and respond to the public safety needs of the community by leading an effective, well-coordinated law enforcement effort that contributes to the overall goal of improving the quality of life in the District of Columbia.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required basic requirement and specialized experience for the respective grade level in which you are applying: Basic Requirement: You must meet one of the items listed below (A, B, or C): A.

Possess a degree in behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position. (Must provide transcripts) B.

Possess a combination of education and experience -- that provided you with the knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

(Must provide transcript) C. Possess four years of appropriate experience that demonstrates acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

To qualify at the GS-12 level, you must possess: Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service performing (obtained in either the public or private sectors) (3) of the (4) duties listed below: Utilizing knowledge of federal and local legislation related to victims of or witnesses to crime to provide in-court support for victims or witnesses; Assisting in developing and/or providing training, information, or resources to attorneys or support staff; Interviewing victims and/or witnesses of crimes to assess their needs and determine services needed; Maintaining communication with victims or witnesses to advocate on their behalf with federal, state, and local agencies.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here. Major Duties:

This Victim Advocate Counselor provides professional services and relevant information to victims and witnesses regarding dynamics of victimization, social services resources, and the criminal justice process.

If selected for this position, you will join a well-respected team that is responsible for providing Victim Advocate Counselor support in the U.S.

Attorney's Office, District of Columbia, located in Washington, District of Columbia, focusing in the areas of victim/witness advocacy, and victim/witnesses services.

Typical work assignments will include: Assessing emergency needs and provides on-the spot crisis counseling, including but not limited to, grief and trauma counseling.

Conducting interviews to assess victims and witnesses immediate and long-term needs. Developing service/action plans as indicated by a needs assessment.

Providing appropriate service referrals to victims and witnesses.

Providing criminal justice advocacy by participating in witness preparation, establishing and maintaining communication on the court process, and providing counseling and assistance, as needed, in the preparation of statements addressed to the court pretrial, post-trial, and post-sentencing.

Communicating with victims and witnesses on the dynamics and impact of victimization, safety planning and protection, criminal and civil justice processes and options, legal rights of victims, and financial resources for victims.