CRIME VICTIMS ADVOCATE (SPANISH SPEAKING) 6150

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under direct supervision, an employee in this class performs paraprofessional duties involving both initial and continuing direct, personal contact with victims and/or witnesses for the Victim Witness Assistance Program; and assists the professional staff in case file set-up and maintenance. The incumbent establishes a working relationship with the victims and witnesses, providing them with necessary information on court procedures and accompanying them throughout the entire court process. Duties are equivalent to those of a Crime Victims Advocate except that the incumbent must communicate with victims and/or witnesses in Spanish. Direct supervision is received from an administrative supervisor. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Contacts victims, witnesses, particularly Spanish-speaking victims and witnesses, and employers by telephone and/or letter concerning pre-trial, hearing and trial times, cancellations, grand jury summonses, subpoenas and disposition of cases;

Escorts victims and witnesses to and from trial; attends case from pre-trial hearing through verdict and sentencing;

Answers calls and inquiries concerning case information; explains all hearing and trial procedures;

Writes and sends follow-up letters of notification when necessary;

Recovers evidence from trial that should be returned to the victim/witness;

Performs general clerical activities such as filing and telephone coverage;

Arranges for interpreters, transportation, baby-sitters, travel plans and lodging accommodations for victims and witnesses.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of the structure, organization and procedures of the criminal court system; good knowledge of the structure, organization and procedures of the District Attorney's office; working knowledge of the principles and techniques of interviewing; ability to communicate effectively in the Spanish language; ability to develop and maintain satisfactory working relationships with victims, witnesses, supervisors, fellow employees and the general public; ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; good powers of observation and perception; good judgment; tact; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Open Competitive

Either:

(a) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by New York State with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or a related field; or,

(b) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by New York State with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or a related field; and two (2) years of experience in the delivery of health, social or community services, one (1) year of which must have been in crime victim advocacy; or,

(c) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and four (4) years of experience in the delivery of health, social or community services, one (1) year of which must have been in crime victim advocacy; or,

(d) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of the above.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

There will be a qualifying Spanish language examination.

R04/11/24

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive