Victim/Witness Advocate

Description/Special Instructions

The City of Elk Grove is now accepting applications for the position of

VICTIM/WITNESS ADVOCATE

The City of Elk Grove is seeking a Victim/Witness Advocate to join the Police Department. The ideal candidate will have knowledge and experience in proving direct supportive services and advocacy for survivors of specified crimes and serve as a liaison with law enforcement, school officials, social service agencies, and the public. This position requires significant public interaction, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement and initiative.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline (subject to change)
Filing Deadline: 11:59 PM on November 04, 2024
Oral Board Interviews: November 13, 2024 (in person)
Final Selection Interviews: November 20, 2024 (in person)
The City offers a competitive salary and generous benefit package including CalPERS retirement benefits, a deferred compensation match and more. Why work for the City of Elk Grove? Proud Heritage. Bright Future.

Community Profile
Elk Grove is a vibrant, family-friendly community of approximately 178,124 people in the Sacramento, California region, located 14 miles south of the State Capital and 60 miles east of the Bay Area. Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city that was incorporated in 2000. Elk Grove has low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks and 28 miles of trails, plentiful dining and shopping options, numerous annual events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year.

Representative Duties

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs a variety of technical crisis intervention and advocacy duties in support of survivors who have experienced domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and/or stalking; serves as liaison with law enforcement, school officials, social service agencies, and the public; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from an assigned supervisor or manager. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing technical duties supporting the community and Police Department, advocating for survivors of domestic violence and related crimes. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Provides crisis intervention and advocacy to survivors of domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, stalking, and/or other related crimes.
• Explains various county, state and federal programs to clients; furnishes information regarding community resources, and rights and benefits under local, State, and/or Federal agencies including but not limited to the California Victim Compensation Board (Cal VCB)); conducts program orientation and/or information sessions for applicants to disseminate accurate information regarding assigned program services and pertinent criteria, regulations, and guidelines.
• Assesses need for and authorizes referrals to other victim services and/or community resources/agencies; and assists clients in selecting and contacting agencies.
• Develops, uses, and coordinates agency and community resources to meet client needs; establishes relationships and liaisons with local private and public resources to provide continuity of services and awareness of designated program areas.
• Attends and provides support to victims and witnesses in their interactions with law enforcement.
• Prepares victims to testify and accompanies them to court.
• Provides information to victims regarding the Criminal Justice process and procedures.
• Assists clients with obtaining temporary restraining orders.
• Provide transportation to victims and witnesses when deemed necessary.
• Compiles and prepares reports and documentation on advocacy activities; maintains records; prepares periodic reports.
• Represents function on committees, outside organizations and at staff subcommittees, coordinates community service activities with other Police Department divisions, other City departments, and outside agencies, as appropriate.
• Provides support and guidance to law enforcement staff concerning victim advocacy, juvenile and adult crime, domestic violence, chemical dependency, and other services as needed.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of survivor advocacy, especially as it relates to domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and/or stalking.
• Community oriented policing and intervention programs, support group facilitation practices, and availability of community social services resources.
• Crisis intervention and conflict mediation techniques.
• Basic case management methods.
• Basic regulations and procedures of victim restitution.
• Basic practices and procedures of the criminal justice system.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Advise and assist victims and witnesses of crime in crisis situations.
• Provide appropriate emotional support to traumatized client.
• Obtain information through interviews and conversation.
• Work independently in the absence of direct supervision.
• Identify and utilize a variety of resources.
• Interpret and apply applicable federal, state and departmental laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Effectively work in stressful, emotional, and confrontational situations.
• Respond appropriately in crisis situations.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within legal and general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitating inclusive service delivery and implementing equitable city policies.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Associate’s degree with coursework in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice or related field and two (2) years of advocacy experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate valid California driver’s license. This requirement may be waived for individuals who are unable to obtain a driver’s license due to a disability.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When assigned to an office environment:

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities who are qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.

When assigned to a field environment:

Must possess mobility to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to stand for prolonged periods of time; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, and grasp; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 35 pounds or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities who are qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees predominately work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous chemical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Employees may be expected to work extended hours, weekends, evenings, and holidays as required.

The City of Elk Grove is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (916) 478- 2230. The information above is subject to change without notice.

CITY OF ELK GROVE

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SUMMARY - NON REPRESENTED

Annual Leave (vacation/sick)
Upon Hire 176 hours 6.77 hours per pay period
5 Year Anniversary 216 hours 8.31 hours per pay period
10 Year Anniversary 232 hours 8.92 per pay period
15 Year Anniversary 256 hours 9.85 hours per pay period
20 Year anniversary 272 hours 10.46 per pay period

Deferred Compensation

Employee may participate in a 457 deferred compensation plan up to maximum allowed by law.

Deferred Compensation - City Match

The City will match up to 4% of employee's salary to a deferred compensation plan. There is a 1 year vesting period.

Employee Assistance Program

Available to employee and immediate family.

Flexible Spending Account

Covers IRS approved medical and/or approved dependent care expenses to be paid on a pre-tax basis.

• Medical spending up to $3200.00 annually.
• Dependent care up to $5,000 annually.
• Adoption Assistance FSA up to $16,810 annually.

Health (Medical) Insurance
The City participates in the CalPERS Health Plan (PEMHCA) and offers a "cafeteria plan," which includes a monthly City contribution that an employee may apply toward premiums for medical insurance.

The City's Contribution rates for the 2024 plan year are as follows:

Single: up to $919.27 per month
2-Party: up to $1,838.54 per month
Family: up to $2,390.10 per month

Employees who show evidence of other group health insurance coverage and waive enrollment in a CalPERS health plan shall receive a taxable in lieu cash fringe allowance of $300 per month.

Dental Insurance
100% City paid for employee and eligible dependents if enrolled in the City's medical plan.

Vision Insurance
100% City paid for employee and eligible dependents if enrolled in the City's medical plan.

Pet Insurance
City employees are eligible to purchase pet insurance at a discounted premium rate through MetLife.

Supplemental Health Insurance
The City provides supplemental health insurance up to $15,000 per year for eligible participants.

Retirement Health savings Account

City provided defined contribution program for IRS-eligible medical expenses upon retirement.

Holidays

Twelve (12) paid holidays per year and sixteen (16) floating holiday hours per fiscal year. Employees who are assigned by the Police Chief to work shifts receive a 5% Holiday Pay Differential in lieu of paid holidays and eight (8) floating holiday hours per fiscal year.

Alternative Work Schedules
Available depending on Department

Life Insurance

City provides Life insurance at 1X base salary with a minimum of $50,000 and maximum of $300,000. Additional life insurance may be purchased by employee up to a maximum of $500,000.

Military Leave

The City will pay qualified employees any difference between his/her base salary and the amount received in military reserve pay for regularly scheduled annual training that requires the employee to take military leave from his/her regular work week.

Retirement -PERS
Your CalPERS Pension formula will be dependent upon your hire date with the City of Elk Grove and/or your status with any Public Retirement System.

• 2.7% at 55 if hired before 8/12/12.
• 2% at 55 if hired after 8/12/12 and a current Classic member of CalPERS.
• 2% at 62 if hired after 1/1/13 and not a Classic member of CalPERS.

Internal applicants will remain in their current retirement formula unless they are moving from a safety to miscellaneous classification.

Short Term/Long Term Disability

• The City provides Short-Term Disability coverage @ 66.67% of income, up to a maximum benefit of $2,300 per week and Long-Term Disability coverage @ 66.67% of income, up to a maximum benefit of $15,000 per month.
• The City also provides Paid Family Leave coverage @ 60-70% of weekly earnings up to a maximum of $,1623 per week.

City employees DO NOT contribute to the California State Disability Insurance (SDI) program.

Social Security

City offers an IRS qualifying retirement plan, therefore, employees do not currently participate in the Social Security program.

Tuition Reimbursement

80% up to $2,000/year for City related Certification programss.
80% up to 3,500/year for Associates, Bachelors or Masters Degree

Wellness Program

Amazing on-site Wellness Coordinator and multiple fitness and wellness classes such as yoga and pilates available throughout the week!

Closing Date/Time: 11/4/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Elk Grove

• (916) 478-2208

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