Senior Victim Services Specialist - Countywide - County of Riverside
Riverside, CA 92501
About the Job
The Riverside County District Attorney's Office is currently seeking a Senior Victim Services Specialist to support the Division of Victim Services.
The Senior Victim Services Specialist provides a wide variety of complex and specialized trauma informed supportive services to the victims, derivative victims, and witnesses of crimes; coordinates the role of victims and witnesses through client advocacy with respect to the courts, law enforcement, and related agencies; serves as a principal advisor and mentor to Victim Services Specialist staff and volunteers; and performs other related duties as required pursuant to PC13835 and Marsy's Law.
The most competitive candidates will possess prior experience providing direct service to victims; senior/lead level position experience in an office setting; and knowledge and experience in the Microsoft Office Suite, in addition to Adobe. Bilingual-Spanish skill is preferred, but not required.
The Senior Victim Services Specialist is the advanced journey level classification in the Victim Services series and reports to a Victim Services Supervisor. Assignments frequently require the exercise of independent judgement and are accomplished without immediate supervision and a high level of accountability. Incumbents operate with a high degree of independence in identifying and resolving work unit challenges. Case management is a primary function including, but not limited to, complex cases of a serious nature involving homicides, gang-related crimes, career criminal cases, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and domestic violence incidents.
The Senior Victim Services Specialist classification is distinguished from the Victim Services Specialist in that the latter does not function as a lead. The Senior Victim Services Specialist uses significant independent judgment in the analysis of cases and will assist in assigning cases of all crime types to Victim Services Specialists. The Senior Victim Services Specialist is further distinguished from the Victim Services Supervisor in that the latter functions as a full scope supervisor over victim services staff and is a mentor/trainer for Victim Services Specialists.
Meet the Team!
The District Attorney of Riverside County , as the public prosecutor acting on behalf of the People, vigorously enforces the law, pursues the truth, protects those victimized by crime, exonerates the innocent, and safeguards the rights of all to ensure that justice is done on behalf of our community. The office's staff of over 700 is comprised of prosecuting attorneys, sworn investigators, victim-witness advocates, paralegals, investigative technicians, forensic analysts, and a wide range of information technology and supporting staff all committed to excellence and integrity in public service. We are, and we seek to maintain, a diverse workforce to match a diverse county.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Collaborate with the supervisor to provide on-the-job training, instruction, and assistance to Specialists; prepare training schedules and maintain training records; create and/or update victim templates; provide guidance on Specialist procedures and processes.
• Act as a technical advisor and subject matter expert; assist in the training, work assignment, and mentorship of other victim services specialists.
• Serve as a liaison to collateral agencies including, but not limited to, law enforcement, courts, social services, and other concerned parties to provide crisis intervention services for crime victims and witnesses of crime; identify physical and psychological barriers to safety; identify options; develop an action plan and assist with the implementation of the plan.
• Attend, participate, and take a leadership role in special events, conferences, workshops, and trainings within the community.
• Respond to client needs and facilitate client services including but not limited to safety planning, crime scene cleanup, protective relocation or shelter, document replacement, property repair, funeral and burial arrangements, intervention with creditors, landlords, schools, employers, and application to Victim of Crime Compensation Program; provide resources and referrals for ongoing support or services.
• Counsel victims and witnesses to reduce trauma; provide advocacy and support to victims during interviews with law enforcement, district attorneys, or defense attorneys.
• Advocate on behalf of clients to help ensure that all victims and witnesses are treated with dignity, respect, courtesy, and sensitivity; advocate on behalf of clients to help ensure that their rights are protected; accompany victims to court in order to provide support during testimony.
• Provide information to victims and witnesses concerning the procedures of the criminal justice system, juvenile justice system, and justice agencies; provide information on other judicial systems as necessary to meet the needs of the client.
• Maintain recordkeeping to meet state, federal, and internal reporting requirements.
• Provide training to law enforcement, district attorneys, and other agencies or the public concerning the Division of Victim Services and the rights of victims and witnesses.
• Drive a County vehicle as necessary to carry out services.
• Lead in the orientation and training of Victim Services Specialist staff and volunteers; provide guidance and leadership in the solution of the most complex cases.
• Participate in a variety of special teams such as the Mass Casualty Crisis Response Team, Crime Prevention, Collaborative Courts, K-9 Team, or other teams as needed; is an active member of the prosecution team and participates in Integrated Trial Teams, which includes prosecutors and investigators.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
OPTION I
Education:Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree, preferably with a major in psychology, sociology, social welfare, social/human services, criminal justice, or a closely related field to the assignment.
Experience:One year as a Victim Services Specialist with the Riverside County District Attorney's Office or an equivalent position in a public or private social service or criminal justice agency providing services to crime victims and witnesses.
OPTION II
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree, preferably with a major in psychology, sociology, social welfare, social/human services, criminal justice, or a closely related field to the assignment.
Experience: Three years providing case management, supportive or crisis intervention counseling, and advising clients of available programs, services, and resources in a public or private social service or criminal justice agency.
ALL OPTIONS
License: Possession of a valid driver's license is required.
Knowledge of: The laws and procedures of criminal justice agencies as they affect the responsibilities and rights of victims and witnesses of crimes; public agency and community resources and their functions; interviewing and counseling techniques.
Ability to: Lead and direct the work of volunteer staff; mentor Victim Services Specialist staff; prepare statistical and narrative reports; maintain effective working relationships with others; provide psychological and emotional support to reduce trauma associated with being a victim or witness of a crime; communicate effectively in oral and written form; promote specific program projects through the use of effective presentations.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Contact Information
For more information regarding the position, please contact the recruiter Letisia Jimenez at (951) 955-5787 or via email at ltjimenez@rivco.org .
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APPLICATION INFORMATION
Veteran's Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, upload a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service, and a copy of your spouse's letter of disability (if applicable) with your application. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference.The Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 is available here: https://rivcocob.org/board-policies
Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at: https://rc-hr.com/disability
Proof of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.
If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( NACES ) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. ( AICE ).
Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.
Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.
Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.
General Information
Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.
Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.
Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site, www.rc-hr.com .
If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.
MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE: A choice of different medical, dental and visions plan are available to elect. The County provides a Flexible Benefit Credit contribution as governed by the applicable SEIU Memorandum of Understanding to contribute towards the cost of these plans.
Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list here .
MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT: County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).
- Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.
- Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.
- Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013. Effective July 1, 2023 employee contributions are 7.25% and will increase to 7.75% effective July 1, 2024.
A new member is defined as any of the following:
CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".
Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation.
Note:
This summary is for general information purposes only. Additional questions regarding retirement formulas can be sent to retirement@rivco.org or by calling the Benefits Information Line at (951) 955-4981,
Option 2.
If you have prior service credit with another CalPERS agency or within agencies, please contact CalPERS at (888) 225-7377 to determine which retirement tier would be applicable to you. CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees' Retirement Law. The Retirement Law is complex and subject to change. If there's any conflict between this summary and the law, the law will prevail over this summary.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution with a choice between two 457 deferred compensation plan options.
VACATION ACCRUAL (Bi-Weekly Accrual):
0< 3 year = 80 Hours (10 Days)
4< 9 years = 120 Hours (15 Days)
10 or more years = 160 Hours (20 Days)
Maximum Vacation leave accumulation is 480 hours.
SICK LEAVE: Four (4) hours Sick Leave accrual per pay period with unlimited accrual.
HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: Allowed 5 days (3 days are County paid; 2 additional days can be taken from accrued Sick Leave balance).
BASIC LIFE INSURANCE: Equal to one times annual base salary not to exceed $50,000 of term life coverage. Premiums are paid by the County. Additional Supplemental Life plan is available for employee purchase.
DISABILITY: Short-term Disability benefit pays up to a maximum of $461.54 weekly, payable up to a maximum of 52 weeks.
POST RETIREMENT MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION: A monthly contribution is made by the County towards retiree health insurance offered through the County as governed by the applicable SEIU Memorandum of Understanding.
OTHER: There may be other benefit provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding. Please contact the recruiter listed on the job posting directly for more information.
