Victim Assistance Specialist

Full Job Description

For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys' Offices, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/.

As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.

GS-9: To be qualified at the GS-9 grade level in federal service, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions, as defined below: Specialized Experience, Education, OR a combination of Education and Experience.

Specialized Experience: At least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level in federal service providing information to crime victims regarding the status of cases and results of trials; providing in-court assistance to crime victims during hearings or trials; and assessing crime victim needs and providing appropriate referrals.

OR Education: One of the following types of education in a related field (e.g., Criminal Justice): a Master's or equivalent graduate degree (such as an LL.B. or J.D.

if related); OR 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree.

Education at the graduate level must be in an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.

OR Combination of Education and Specialized Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements.

In order to qualify based on a combination, graduate education must be in excess of 1 full year.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)- The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies.

If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in the announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy.

To be well-qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria.

You must provide proof of eligibility to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form.

Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)-The CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies.

If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy.

To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria.

You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application.

Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. Major Duties:

If selected for this position, you will join a well-respected team in the Victim Assistance Program, performing a wide variety of victim support services.

Typical work assignments will include: Providing direct support to crime victims, including by providing information on all public aspects of criminal prosecution (such as federal criminal procedures, case schedules, and case outcomes), responding to victim inquiries and assessing victim concerns, and, as appropriate, referring victims to agencies that provide additional services.

Providing in-court support prior to and during hearings and trials, including by facilitating opportunities for victims to consult with prosecutors, providing courtroom orientation, and providing information about opportunities to address the court.

Conducting briefings and providing information on victim assistance matters to attorneys, support staff, agents of federal investigative agencies and state and local law enforcement, and community services providers.

Publicizing federal efforts to develop and improve programs for victims, and efforts to promote interest and support at the local level.

Providing administrative support for the Victim Assistance Program, including by maintaining a calendar of active victim cases and associated court dates, inputting victim information into applicable databases, coordinating the mailing of victim notification letters, and making travel arrangements for victims to attend court hearings.

Assisting with planning and delivering district community outreach events on victim assistance and crime prevention issues.

Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.