Victim Advocate

About the Position

The Parole and Probation Division (P&P) adheres to the law enforcement code of ethics and the highest moral standards. P&P strives to restore those impacted by crime and encourage clientele to take responsibility for the harm they cause; we are responsive to victims and restitution. 

The Victim Advocate position is crucial to meeting P&P’s goals and will provide services, support, and advocate for crime victims; investigate and document victim losses; coordinate and assist in handling cases of restitution information in Court among other related duties. Victim Advocate is responsible for acting and responding as liaison between the community and the Parole and Probation Division to ensure a positive experience for the victims of parolees. Incumbents in this position are expected to enhance the victim and community’s knowledge of the Parole and Probation system and to promote an understanding of the Oregon court process and its functions. Victim Advocates work in a collaborative environment with other agencies to meet the needs of the victims and victim’s family. Duties include working with the Domestic Violence team, support victims and their families, coordinating community and program resources, and providing crisis management to victims of Parole and Probation clientele. 

A successful candidate will demonstrate competency in the following areas: 

• Communication Skills;
• Conflict Resolution;
• Responsiveness;
• Decision Making;
• Problem-Solving;
• Emotional Intelligence;
• Ethics and Leadership; and understand the needs of our Diverse Community. 
   

Lane County Parole and Probation is looking for balanced candidates who shows good judgment, establish and maintain effective personal and working relationships and are able to prepare and present effective written and oral reports. This position will not be coordinating or working with volunteers. 

**YOU ARE REQUIRED TO UPLOAD A RESUME AND COVER LETTER FOR THIS POSITION. If not attached, your application will not be considered.**

Cover letter requirements: In your cover letter, please include up to four pages addressing the following question: highlighting specific experiences, responsibilities and skills obtained: 

• Tell us about your work experience related to both problem solving and communication as it relates to victims. 

About the Division

Lane County has established a new department that brings together our Parole & Probation and Youth Services divisions to leverage the innovative and community focused work these groups do.
 
Department Purpose & Overview
The mission of Community Justice and Rehabilitation Services (CJRS) is to contribute to public safety by reducing risk, creating opportunities, and working to make positive changes in lives directly affecting the impact to the community, victims and offenders by holding justice involved youth and adults appropriately accountable for their behavior. The Department includes Parole and Probation coming from County Administration.

Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm;  Shifts vary based on need 

*This is an AFSCME represented position*

QUALIFICATIONS:

Training:

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Additional specialized training in social work, sociology, corrections or counseling is desirable.

Experience:

• Two years of responsible experience in community service providing direct client assistance, and coordinating and training volunteers.
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Victim Advocate is contingent upon successful completion of: 

• Contingent on Budget Approval: Any offer made will be contingent on budget approval.
• Written Exam: You must pass the written exam to continue to the interview process.
• Interview: All eligible candidates will be contacted by phone to schedule a date and time for an interview. You must pass the interview in order to continue in the hiring process.
• Background Investigation: Includes an evaluation with a background investigator and drug screen. You must pass the background in order to continue in the hiring process.

Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace.  All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

Trauma Informed Care Statement

Trauma-informed care is an approach used to engage people with histories of trauma. It recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role that trauma can play in people’s lives. Trauma-informed criminal justice responses can help to avoid re-traumatizing individuals.

Lane County is committed to providing services using Trauma Informed Care practices. As an organization, we recognize that many of the people we serve have experienced trauma, either currently, recently, or in their past. Our agency is dedicated to incorporating an understanding of trauma, both with our clients and with each other.