Crime Victim Advocate I

Job Description:

Crime Victim Advocate I

Description

Definition

This is a full-time opportunity with many benefits! As a Missoula County employee, you will be part of a team that is committed to positively impacting the community. The pay range for this position is $22.8319 - $25.8322 per hour, DOE.

The Missoula County Community Justice Department is seeking a CRIME VICTIME ADVOCATE I to join their team. This position provides advocacy and support services for primary and secondary victims of violent crimes for the Missoula County Crime Victim Advocate (CVA) Program. This position is used to train new Crime Victim Advocates to perform the full component of duties required of that position. After two years, CVA I may be eligible for advancement to CVA II based on demonstrated competencies.

Details: Priority screening will begin on Friday, May 9, 2025. It is in your best interest to apply by this date. Applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established or the position has been filled.
To Apply:

• Please complete all sections of the online application, even if a resume is submitted.
• Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
• Complete job description available upon request to the Department of Human Resources.

Representative Examples of Work

Assesses complex needs, including safety and other needs, for crime victims, secondary victims and other people in crisis and determines eligibility for CVA services. Provides initial crisis counseling for crime victims through phone and in-person crisis intervention and provides emotional support and education. Provides emergency legal advocacy for victims. Follows statutory guidelines to screen applicants to determine eligibility; completes and files temporary orders of protection (TOP); prepares clients for TOP hearings; and obtains pro bono legal counsel as needed. Serves as a liaison for the victim with criminal justice agencies, attorneys, medical care providers, social service agencies and other community resources. Refers client to community resources and social service agencies. Identifies gaps in services and coordinate services available to victims with other agencies. Provides support to victims during investigations including explaining the criminal justice system and legal process; providing advocacy; and acting as a liaison with appropriate criminal justice agencies. Provides ongoing support and information to victims through all stages of prosecution. . Attends legal proceedings and hearings with or on behalf of victims. Completes or assists with victim impact statements or other documents as required. Provides information on the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program and assists crime victims in completing applications for reimbursement. Assists with training for local law enforcement agencies, attorneys or other persons associated with the criminal justice system and community agencies on the CVA Program and issues of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. Promotes the visibility and accessibility of the position by attending and facilitating meetings and workshops. Provides training, community education and presentations to schools and other agencies as requested. Contributes information for grant reporting and proposals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelors degree. Degrees best suited for this position include Social Work or other field with a focus on human development or advocacy.
• Requires three years of experience in social work, emergency services work, or work in a human services field characterized by: crisis work; work with crime victims; work with vulnerable or underserved populations, (ex: children, youth, disabled, elderly); or work in an advocacy role. Completion of specialized advocacy training, (e.g. YWCA or Crime Victim Advocate training) will satisfy six months of the experience requirement.
• SPECIAL REQUIREMENT : Must pass an extensive criminal background investigation conducted by the Missoula County Sheriff's Department.

Physical/Environmental Demands

The work is primarily performed in an office setting but involves frequent walks to city and county offices. May require trips to rural areas of Missoula and Mineral counties. The work involves crisis counseling with people who have experienced violence creating the potential for significant emotional stress for the employee and possible exposure to violent incidents. Work is performed in an office that requires safety features including panic alarms and secured entrance.

Located halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks and home to the University of Montana, Missoula is an academic center situated in an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Depending on the season, you can hike, ski, fish, float rivers, ride mountain bikes, or just sit back and marvel at the surrounding scenery. Join us in a scenic, sophisticated, and service-oriented Missoula!
Missoula County covers over 2,618 square miles of mountain lands varying in topography and climate from temperate river valleys to snow-capped peaks. Five large valleys and two major rivers wind through this mountainous region.
Missoula County is large and diverse, featuring everything from the spectacular scenery of Clark Fork River running through town to lush ranches and a growing economy of small business. Skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, mothers and fathers, business owners, vacationers, fisherman, retirees, students, and many others have grown to love Missoula County's boundless opportunities.

This summary outlines the benefit programs; actual benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status.

Missoula County will reward your contributions to our community with competitive compensation and generous benefits, including but not limited to:

Excellent Medical Health Benefits- Group health benefits, including dental and vision coverage, are available to eligible County employees. The medical health benefits premium is covered for full-time employees. The County contribution is pro-rated on hours paid for part-time employees. The employee pays the premium portion for dependent coverage. Family health benefits coverage is $258.00 per pay period.

Medical deductible is $500 for an individual and $1,000 for a family.

Flexible Benefits Plan- Pre-tax out-of-pocket medical expenses and day care expenses.

Voluntary Life Insurance Coverage, Long and Short-Term Disability, Critical and Accident Insuranceare offered through Mutual ofOmaha.

Public Employees Retirement System- Montana public employees of the state, university system, local governments and certain employees of school districts are covered by the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New members to the PERS have an opportunity to choose between two retirement plan options: the Defined Benefit Plan or the Defined Contribution Plan.

Sheriffs' Retirement System (SRS)- A public pension plan for all Montana Sheriffs hired after July 1, 1974 and Detention Officers hired after July 1, 2005.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Working for Missoula County may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness. Look here to learn more and understand whether you may be eligible.

Supplemental Retirement Benefitsare offered through Valic or Nationwide.

Sick Leave- Full-time employees accrue 7.38hours per month and are eligible to use sick leave once you have been an employee for 90 days.The accrual is pro-rated for part-time employees.

Vacation Leave- Full-time employees accrue 9.24 hours per month and are eligible to use leave after continuous employment for a period of 6 full months. The accrual is pro-rated for part-time employees.

Holidays- The County observes eleven legal holidays in even numbered years and ten legal holidays in odd numbered years.

Paid Parental Leave (PPL)-In recognition of the importance of bonding and care of a newborn child or a child placed for adoption, Missoula County 6 continuous weeks of PPL to eligible full-time employees that have been with the county for 180 days. The hours are pro-rated for part-time employees.

Tuition Assistance- Because we value the professional and personal development of our employees, Missoula County is proud to offer reimbursement of certain education expenses.

Salary:

$22.83 - $25.83 Hourly