Job Details

Victim Witness Advocate – Lead

***This recruitment may close without further notice depending on the number of applications received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible***

Job Summary

The Victim Witness Advocate – Lead (VWA – Lead) coordinatescomplex or sensitive victim and witness matters associated with multiple divisions within the Office of the Attorney General, including criminal prosecution, investigations, Medicaid fraud control, post-conviction, and victim-services functions. The VWA – Lead assists victims and witnesses with interviews, case-status information, forms and documentation, property-return issues, trial preparation, court attendance, and other needs arising during the prosecution and resolution of a case. In addition to carrying a caseload, the incumbent serves as a lead resource for victim-service coordination; helps establish and facilitate multidisciplinary teams; supports consistent documentation and service practices; and provides lead-level guidance, coaching, and work coordination to other advocates, volunteers, and interns as assigned. The incumbent also serves as the site supervisor for Social Work practicum students. The position prepares correspondence, assessment reports, impact statements, case records, and other reports; maintains accurate documentation; connects victims and witnesses with appropriate community resources and support services; and helps resolve complex service-delivery issues involving internal and external partners.

Essential Qualifications

Graduation from high school or equivalent, supplemented by relevant formal education, specialized training, certification, or professional development in social work, health, public safety, criminal justice, psychology, sociology, ethnic or disability studies, teaching, or a closely related field. A bachelor's degree in social work or a closely related field is preferred. Applicants should have four years of full-time progressively responsible experience working for a government agency, nonprofit organization, or other organization providing direct services to people in crisis, including substantial experience in victim advocacy, complex case coordination, or a closely related criminal-justice or human-services setting. An equivalent combination of relevant education, specialized training, professional development, and experience may be considered in meeting these requirements. A valid driver's license is required at the time of appointment. Bilingual individuals are encouraged to apply.

Job Duties

The successful applicant should demonstrate substantial experience providing trauma-informed services to victims or other individuals experiencing crisis and the ability to independently coordinate complex or sensitive matters involving multiple stakeholders. The applicant should possess strong judgment, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills and demonstrate the ability to establish effective working relationships with victims, witnesses, prosecutors, investigators, agency leadership, and community partners. Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams, mentoring or providing work direction to others, developing consistent service practices, and resolving complex victim-service issues is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The Victim Witness Advocate – Lead (VWA – Lead) must possess and apply advanced knowledge of criminal justice processes; victims' rights and services; trauma-informed advocacy and culturally competent practices; restorative justice principles; crisis intervention; interviewing techniques; records management and documentation practices; and community resources. The VWA – Lead must demonstrate strong judgment, initiative, confidentiality, emotional composure, and organizational skills, and communicate clearly and effectively with people experiencing trauma or crisis. The VWA – Lead must be able to manage competing priorities and deadlines; maintain consistent progress on assigned matters; and demonstrate professionalism, accountability, ethical conduct, and the ability to remain focused and composed in adversarial, high-pressure, or time-sensitive situations. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, electronic case-reporting systems, and recordkeeping is required.

Benefits

Benefits include:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees' Benefits Program (PEBP).
• Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
• Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
• No Nevada state income tax.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
• Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of "standard" or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.

Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit.

For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook.

*** State Holidays The holiday schedule for State employees is established by the Legislature.

The following are legal holidays:

January 1.............................................. New Year's Day

Third Monday in January.................. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday

Third Monday in February................ Washington's Birthday

Last Monday in May........................... Memorial Day

June 19................................................ Juneteenth Day

July 4.................................................... Independence Day

First Monday in September.............. Labor Day

Last Friday in October....................... Nevada Day

November 11........................................ Veterans' Day

Fourth Thursday in November........ Thanksgiving Day

Friday following the Fourth Thursday in November...................... Family Day

December 25........................................ Christmas Day

When January 1, June 19, July 4, November 11, or December 25 falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is the observed legal holiday. If these days fall on Sunday, the following Monday is the observed holiday. Eligibility for holiday pay is covered by the provisions of NAC 284.255