Victim Advocate Specialist

Hiring range: $60,819 to $72,966 ($29.24 to $35.08 per hour). Starting rate will depend on experience, education, and qualifications. Advancement opportunities exist for individuals motivated to move up within Anoka County. 

Come join our team at Anoka County where you can serve your community while enjoying the benefits of work-life balance! This includes 24 days paid of flexible time off and up to 12.5 holidays your first year. 

In order to be considered for this position, information to support your answers must be included in your application. A resume attachment is optional and cannot be used in place of this application. Applications must be received by the closing deadline of 11:59pm on January 30th in order to be considered.

The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) is seeking a Victim Advocate Specialist who will develop, implement, and evaluate embedded crime victim advocacy services within the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. The Victim Advocate Specialist provides services to victims involved in the criminal justice system. This position is responsible for providing direct crime services including legal, emotional and financial support services for victims and for assisting deputies and detective on cases investigated by the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office.

The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office offers numerous opportunities for career diversity and promotional advancement. The Sheriff’s Office promotes teamwork, fosters a positive working environment, and maintains a reputation and tradition of excellence. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, apply today, and see what we have to offer.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position that will work onsite at the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office in Andover.

Pay & Benefits

• Salary: $60,819 to $72,966 ($29.24 to $35.08 per hour).
• 2024 Anoka County Salary Schedule Grade 32. $60,819 to $85,113 ($29.24 to $40.92 per hour).
• 24 days of paid flexible time off and up to 12.5 paid holidays.
• Comprehensive insurance, including medical, dental, vision, flex benefits and more at  www.anokacountymn.gov/benefits.
• Medical and dental clinic exclusive to employees, located at the Anoka County Government Center.
• Pension plan and other retirement investment options.
• Advancement/professional development opportunities.

Work Location

• This position will work at the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, located at 13301 Hanson Blvd. NW, Andover, MN 55304.
• Expected work hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
These examples are not all inclusive and are intended to be illustrative of primary responsibilities of an Anoka County Victim Advocate Specialist.

• Provide crime victims with information regarding crime victims' rights as identified by Minnesota Statute.
• Assist with the development and implementation of trauma informed embedded advocacy services within ACSO, including development of protocols and practices for referral, case review, victim follow up, and evaluation.
• Communicate with victims to provide accurate and timely information regarding cases as well as facilitate crime victims' understanding and expectations of the criminal investigation processes.
• Assist in coordinating cases requiring further investigation or prosecution, serving as a liaison with investigators, prosecutors, legal advocates, and victim witness specialists.
• Partner with detectives on cases and conduct follow up per protocol, provided trauma informed crisis intervention, referrals, and support services to victims. 
• Provide community outreach and education through various committees, events and trainings.
• Assist detectives with victim preparation and coordinate victim management on cases investigated by the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office.
• Coordinate and support grant activities for underserved populations identified in Anoka County including the elderly population and individuals with limited-English proficiency.
• Provide trauma informed training to deputies and detectives.  

Qualifications and Requirements:

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

• Requires a bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of job-related experience.
• In lieu of the required education, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
• 40-hour sexual assault certification or the ability become certified within six months of date of hire.
• Must have valid driver’s license and vehicle available for business use.
• Successfully pass an extensive criminal background investigation.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

• Degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Human Services, Psychology or related field
• Experience in social work, human services, nonprofit advocacy or related fields or Bachelor Arts degree (social work, nonprofit management or relevant) or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience providing trauma-informed advocacy to victims/survivors of abuse, with an understanding of the needs, options and resources for program participant(s) impacted by domestic and sexual violence.
• Knowledge of and ability to advocate within various systems including social service, economic, legal, medical and healthcare systems.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, Russian, Somali or Arabic

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

• Standard office environment.
• Assignments are sedentary, occasionally alternating between sitting, standing, walking, crouching, and kneeling as required to perform job responsibilities. Frequent wrist and finger manipulation to complete computer work.

No tattoos, scars or brands that qualify as “unauthorized Tattoos” under the sheriff’s Office Policy 1044.3 are allowed under any circumstances by any member of the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. Tattoos that cover more than 50 percent of the exposed area of the arm while wearing an unaltered short-sleeved shirt must be covered by a long- sleeved shirt while the employee is representing the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. The exposed area is the area from the bend of the wrist to the shirt sleeve. Tattoos on the head, face, neck, or hands are prohibited. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for tattoos of rings on fingers. (Complete policy available upon request).

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions.

Pre-employment Requirements

Anoka County has determined that successfully passing a pre-employment criminal/driving background check, drug screen and DOT physical, and/or other qualifications checks may be necessary for certain positions. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the County to obtain to conduct such screenings and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

About Anoka County

As the fourth largest county in Minnesota, we depend on the diversity, dedication, determination, and innovation of our employees. We offer a wide range of career opportunities for people with a variety of personalities, abilities, knowledge, and life experiences who can come together for the single purpose of serving Anoka County’s 369,000 citizens in a respectful, innovative, and fiscally responsible manner. If your career aspirations resonate with our mission, we invite you to Find Your Path with Anoka County! Hear from other Anoka County employees here.

Commitment to Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employment

Anoka County is committed to the principles of our Affirmative Action Plan and Equal Employment Opportunity. It is the policy of Anoka County to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, marital status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, physical ability, sexual orientation, or age except where such status is a bona fide occupational qualification. It is the policy of Anoka County to make employment decisions in a manner that will further our Affirmative Action Plan and Equal Employment Opportunity.

If you require accommodations or have any other questions regarding this job posting, please call the Anoka County Human Resources Department at 763-324-4300 and reference the posting title and number. If you have questions about the hiring process, please visit: http://www.anokacountymn.gov/er-faq

Anoka County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy: https://www.anokacounty.us/401/Diversity-EEO