Victim Advocate

CRITFC offers competitive compensation and an exceptional benefits package, including medical, dental, 401(k), 12 days of vacation (to start), 13 paid holidays, and paid sick time. We provide professional development opportunities, promote from within, and have a Native hiring preference as part of our commitment to our people. As a result, you will find a work environment that supports and inspires our shared goals of protecting the natural world and the tribal cultural connection to it.

Summary

This position provides immediate on-call assistance and follow up support to victims of all types of crimes. This advocate position ensures that victims understand the criminal justice process and have access to services available through the CRITFC Victim Assistance Program and various federal, tribal, state and local victim’s assistance programs. Advocates for victim needs related to CRITFC enforcement matters. Advocates for culturally based services, including information and referral services. This is a system-based Victim Advocate position and in the justice system of this police department, they will not be entitled to advocate/client privilege.

Responsibilities

• Provide immediate crisis intervention and support to victims of domestic violence either in person or via the telephone.
• Make referrals for victims to ensure that the victim's immediate needs are met such as transportation, food, shelter, clothing and child care.
• Provide the victim access to confidential advocacy and counseling through referral to local and/or tribal services providers.
• Provide appropriate state and/or tribal Victim Rights information and Financial Loss information to victims or their appropriate guardian in the case the victim is a minor.
• Accompany victims to court hearings, trials and meetings with the prosecutor. Provide transportation as necessary.
• Coordinate and assist prosecutor assigned with victim/witness trial preparation. Provide logistical support and assistance to the victim during the judicial process.
• Act as liaison between victims and the various Prosecutor’s Offices, courts, law enforcement agencies, parole and probation officers.
• Coordinate services with community partners and programs.
• Develop community outreach materials for public education regarding sexual assault, DV, dating violence, sex trafficking and stalking. Including but not limited to pamphlets, training and other educational materials.
• Assist in the development of an Inter-Tribal data base for protection orders, and stalking orders. Maintain the currency of information included in said data base.
• Administer grant funding and program budgets.
• Collect data and maintain records.
• Submit all required reporting in compliance with federal and organizational rules.
• Provides training to the community, agencies and tribal government employees to increase capacity, efficiency, and respond to victims of crime needs. Assists with training local law enforcement officers, judges, and other court staff with emphasis on culturally appropriate services.
• Develop policies and procedures, strategic plans, and implement program operations.
• Perform other grant related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1 year of specialized experience giving assistance to victims affected by sexual assault, domestic violence, assaults, and similar crimes. Examples at this level may include assessments and providing resource referral counseling for crime victims, their families and witnesses; assisting victims of crimes with filling out paperwork to access funding or services needed; and providing victims with information on the availability of counseling or other social services. Completed 2 years of progressively high-level undergraduate education in a related field of study accompanied with official transcripts.
• Preference for a Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice, criminology, social work, sociology, Native American studies, psychology, public administration, or a minimum of victim assistance advocate work experience equivalency. Must attend domestic violence/sexual assault response training, SAMSHA Trauma Informed Responses for Criminal Justice training, the Oregon State Victim Assistance Academy, the Oregon Crisis Intervention Team training, and any other training as needed.
• Preference for knowledge of Native American culture, tribal justice systems, tribal family structure, historical and generational trauma, and influences that adversely affect the health and wellbeing of tribal citizens.
• Have knowledge of modern office practices and procedures; of the criminal justice process; be familiar with community resource agencies.
• Work well as a team member with other CRITPD officers and dispatchers, CRITFC staff, external law enforcement personnel, court personnel, the public, personnel from other tribal advocacy agencies, and non-Indian advocacy agencies.
• Possess self-initiative and ability to function with minimal direct supervision in conducting routine business.
• Must be able to exercise mature judgment and react professionally in emergency and stressful situations.
• Must possess basic computer skills for report writing, application of principles of communication, counseling, listening and public speaking. Computer software such as Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Must be able to deal with victims of crime compassionately and with concern and maintain confidentiality in all matters.
• Residence must be between the Bonneville and John Day dams, and within 15 minutes driving time from the Columbia River corridor. (ie., Goldendale, Wasco, Klickitat, Husum, Parkdale)
• Valid driver license and excellent driving record.
• Must pass a character and criminal background investigation and may be subject to fingerprinting.
• Ability to work independently toward broad objectives and be self-motivated to accomplish them.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• Maintain currency of all required certifications.
• Comply with all CRITFC personnel policies and performance standards.
• Identify and assist with seeking funding sources to perpetuate the program.

CRITFC Motor Vehicle Policy

This job occasionally requires driving a CRITFC vehicle or your own vehicle for business (mileage compensated), and therefore you must be able to meet the terms of the CRITFC Motor Vehicle policy. Per the policy, applicants are required to have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record for the past three years. This includes a three-year record clear of the following:

• Reckless Driving
• Driving Under the Influence
• Suspension or revoked license
• No more than two at-fault accidents
• No more than one major violation or two minor violations.

Native Hiring Preference

CRITFC implements a tribal preference policy and encourages citizens and descendants of our member tribes (Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Yakama) and other federally recognized tribes to apply.

CRITFC is committed to building a culturally inclusive community and a work environment that respects and inspires every person. Members of historically marginalized groups including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those who have served in the military, and members of other underrepresented communities are invited to apply.