ADVOCATE TRAINEE, VICTIM-WITNESS PROGRAM
DEFINITION:
Under close supervision, receives on-the-job training in the provision of advocate services to crime victims, witnesses, and their families; performs other related duties as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
NOTE: Appointments may be made to positions requiring bilingual skills.
09008 – Bilingual in Spanish and English SPECIAL SKILL Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in Spanish and English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Under close supervision, as a trainee and productive worker:
Learns how to provide information, advice, and assistance to crime victims and witnesses through interview processes.
Learns how to review cases with victims and witnesses.
Learns how to assist victims and/or witnesses when resolving problems associated with court appearances.
Attends public speaking engagements to learn how to educate the public about the purpose and existence of the program.
Learns how to provide referrals for needed services such as counseling, social services, and self-help groups.
Assists in responding to questions or concerns regarding the criminal justice system procedures, rules, and regulations.
Learns how to assist victims in the preparation and delivery of victim impact statements.
Assists in preparing informational brochures.
Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with those interested and/or involved in the work of the program.
Maintains essential records and files.
Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Four (4) years of professional experience providing advice and referral services to individuals or groups coping with social, emotional, psychological, or other problems.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver’s license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Ability to learn and practice the methods used to conduct interviews.
Ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations, and apply them to specific situations.
Ability to gather and analyze information.
Ability to provide advice and assistance to crime victims and witnesses.
Ability to learn the problems encountered by crime victims and witnesses.
Ability to learn how to evaluate and identify the types of services needed by crime victims and witnesses.
Ability to provide referrals for crime victims and witnesses.
Ability to prepare reports and maintain essential records and files.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those interested and/or involved in the work of the program.
Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
ADVANCEMENT:
Appointees who successfully complete the twelve (12) month training period will be eligible for advancement to the Advocate, Victim-Witness Program (07003) title in accordance with New Jersey Civil Service procedures.
The inability of an employee in this trainee title to attain a level of performance warranting advancement to Advocate, Victim-Witness Program shall be considered cause for separation.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code:
