Salary
$5,513.73 - $6,621.33 Monthly
Location
Yakima, WA
Job Type
Full-time
Department
Police
Division
Police
Opening Date
05/08/2025
Closing Date
5/22/2025 4:00 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit
AFSCME
Overview And Minimum Class Requirements
The Yakima Police Department is seeking a compassionate and energetic individual to lead our victim services unit! The Victim Services Senior Coordinator will be responsible for providing empathetic safety planning, case management, and victim resourcing with the goal of increasing victim safety and reducing recidivism. This position is grant funded and currently approved for 2 years.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, nursing, or a related field plus three (3) year of experience providing direct services to victims and/or witnesses via social work; criminal, civil or municipal law; medical care; or related field. Master's degree is preferred.
OR
Associate's degree in paralegal studies, criminal justice, social work, nursing, or related field, and five (5) years’ experience providing direct services to victims and/or witnesses via social work; criminal, civil or municipal law; medical care; or related field.
Must successfully pass pre-suitability testing, background investigation including but not limited to criminal history check, polygraph, and psychological evaluation.
Licenses, Registrations And/Or Certificates
Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License. Will need to obtain and maintain necessary advocacy training as required. Must have the ability to become bonded as a notary public of the State of Washington.
Job Summary
Under the direction and general supervision of the Chief of Police or designee, provides professional support and assistance to families and victims of violent and other related crimes. As a senior coordinator, provides a high level of outreach, education and support while conducting initial and/or follow-up assessment interviews with victims and witnesses of crimes under the investigation of the Yakima Police Department.
Provides victims with information about appropriate community resources and social service organizations including, but not limited to: crisis intervention, counseling, health and protective services, and Crime Victim’s Compensation. Assesses and documents the reaction of the victim and the trauma impact associated with the crime. Acts as a liaison between victims/witnesses and the criminal justice system, including, but not limited to: police, courts, social services, medical providers, schools and community-based programs, to familiarize and educate them about the investigative and legal processes in an effort to increase victim/family safety, decrease reluctance, while building trust with the various criminal justice processes. Prepares information to aid law enforcement in making informed decisions about potential prosecutions, resources and case viability from a trauma informed lens.
Responsible for locating and maintaining contact with victims and witnesses as needed. Works with the Prosecutor’s Office, and private or non-profit services related to crime victim advocacy. Provides support for victims and their families during court hearings, and for recruiting, screening and training volunteer victim advocates. Law enforcement victim-based advocates may be assigned to a wide variety of law enforcement-based incidents, both criminal and non-criminal, to include but not limited to domestic violence, homicide, suicide, gang incidents, mental health circumstances and property crimes. While a strong emphasis will be to support the domestic violence unit, advocate(s) will be utilized as a department resource in various circumstances.
May coordinate, facilitate, and/or assign work to subordinate staff and volunteers. Performs complex work applying independent judgement in making sound decisions and recommendation; evaluating and resolving difficult or unusual problems; providing advanced knowledge, support and guidance in interpreting rules, laws, guidelines and regulations; and in compliance and under the guidance of state law and City and department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
Essential Functions
Provides ongoing assistance, guidance, training, feedback, oversight, and support to Victim Services Coordinators, volunteers and other staff members. May assist in assigning, prioritizing and monitoring work. Performs as a resource to other employees; possesses and demonstrates a high-level of knowledge and skill concerning policies, procedures and techniques necessary to handle issues as they arise.
Provides information and feedback to supervisory and management personnel on employee performance, process improvements, policy issues, and budget considerations. May review work of subordinates for quality and accuracy. Researches information as needed. Provides training and assists in developing and implementing procedures that encourage consistency and quality service delivery.
Provides professional assistance to victims of crime with priority given to the safety of victims, specifically in domestic violence and/or other violent incidents. Receives, screens, and answers a variety of inquiries from victims, witnesses, attorneys, and staff within scope of authority, by phone or in person, maintaining the highest level of confidentiality both within and outside the workplace. Guards all communication closely and treats information learned in the course of daily work as highly confidential, avoiding any manner of inappropriate and/or unintentional disclosure.
Makes or arranges direct contact with victims and witnesses of assigned crimes, with an emphasis on violent and domestic violence crimes to provide assessment, support, referral, and comprehensive information regarding victim’s rights, available options, community resources and the legal system. Maintains ongoing contact with victims and witnesses in order to provide information. Assists in arranging their attendance at investigative interviews, court hearings, and assists in their preparation as witnesses. Explains process of criminal investigation to victims. Locates witnesses who may be reluctant to cooperate and maintains contact. Works to ensure the victim’s access and attendance to the court. May be required to testify in court.
Conducts victim assessment interviews to collect and analyze the information involving the immediate crime and any prior history of domestic violence. Effectively documents observations and may collect evidence including, but not limited to: victim narratives, photographs of injuries, medical records, 9-1-1 tapes, police reports, or documentation regarding prior history. Makes recommendations for further reference, preparing and maintain intake forms and activity logs. Provides information and feedback to law enforcement and prosecutors regarding the ability of victims and witnesses to assist with the prosecution.
Communicates with police officials, jail personnel, private treatment agencies, and other City legal and department personnel to obtain and relays information related to cases pending in court. Prepares correspondence and/or reports, tracks cases and uses a computer database to obtain, collects and evaluates information. Researches, compiles and prepares reports for statistical data in an accurate and timely manner; performs case preparation and consults with the prosecutor on filing and prosecutorial decisions.
Facilitates the entry and rescission of no contact orders, restraining orders, extreme risk protection orders or other similar legal instruments designed to protect victims or witnesses as appropriate. Makes recommendations to the court as appropriate.
Assists law enforcement in establishing lethality assessments in cases where risk factors may impact investigation and prosecution. Convenes multi-disciplinary team meetings, in cases where significant risk factors exist, using evidence-based methods.
Assists law enforcement in providing medical advocacy, specifically with regard to violent crime. Learns, develops, and works with protocols to help ensure those with possible traumatic brain injuries, strangulation injuries and other violent crime injuries, receive medical referrals and specific information required by law, in addition to their crime victim compensation information.
Assists in training law enforcement professionals on best practices when working with system-based advocates, community-based advocates, trauma-informed responses, medical advocacy and other critical topics.
May coordinate and/or organize the regular meetings of the Community Coordinated Response Team (CCRT). Completes inventory of current responses and compares inventory to model response; identifies evaluates and works to resolve gaps in response; and makes recommendations for long-term response changes. Measures and reports response success as directed.
Recruits, screens and trains volunteer advocates to provide advocacy services to victims and witnesses, and to accompany victims to court. Conducts outreach to community members and organizations as needed. Provides training and support to Victim Service Coordinators, and helps facilitate their work. Serves as a liaison with community organizations and other governmental agencies regarding crime and advocacy issues as assigned. May coordinate activities of the City and County Attorney’s Office related to domestic violence identification and prevention and/or serve on committees to combat domestic violence within the community. Provides professional customer service while performing all duties. Interacts and communicates in a positive, professional manner with other employees, agencies, elected officials, and other external individuals by phone, in-person and in writing. Maintains calm and reassuring manner with others at all times even during emergencies. Handles sensitive and confidential situations with tact and discretion.
Utilizes computer software, including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases to prepare letters, documents and graphics to revise drafts and charts into business quality formats; and to compose letters. May perform routine clerical support within the police department as necessary.
Engages in, and encourages, ongoing reading, research and professional networking to keep up with legal developments and available community resources pertinent to area of assignment. May pursue and submit grant applications and/or other sources of funding. Tracks data and statistics as required by grant awards. Seeks efficient opportunities for self and other for professional growth and development.
Contributes to the effectiveness of the Police Department and City government by demonstrating and fostering an attitude that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts, productive time management, and efficient use of resources. Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.
May perform any and all duties of the Victim Services Coordinator classification.
Requires regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Major Worker Characteristics
Knowledge of federal, state and city laws, codes, regulations and ordinances associated with various crimes, and City of Yakima policies and procedures. Knowledge of basic counseling and crisis intervention techniques; victim advocacy; investigatory and trial processes related to domestic violence and other criminal cases including methods, procedures, practices and techniques for interviewing and assessment, court rules and procedures; dynamics of domestic violence and community protocols developed for domestic violence cases; safety and sensitivity concerns, precautions, practices and procedures applicable to assigned area.
Knowledge of the organization, function and activities of municipal government, Police Department and criminal justice system including court and law enforcement procedures; legal and law enforcement terminology; and legal instruments designed to protect victims and witnesses, including but not limited to no contact orders, restraining orders, and protection orders.
Knowledge of available State and Federal social service agencies and local community resources, with understanding of the services provided. Knowledge of best principles and effective supervisory, leadership and mentorship practices, principles and techniques; time and project management; practices and principles of work flow and systems analysis; record keeping systems, processes, and practices; and municipal records retention procedures, and techniques. Demonstrates knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards, related to victim’s rights, defendants, and service providers.
Strong working knowledge of: computer spreadsheets; databases; industry applications; Microsoft Office Suite including Excel; report writing tools; and office equipment; and professional office procedures and practices. Knowledge and ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer, fax machine, copy machine, telephone etc. Efficient and accurate keyboarding ability.
Knowledge of techniques and strategies for dissemination of complex and/or technical written and verbal information to a wide range of individuals, including but not limited to other employees, legal representatives, government or elected officials, and members of the public. Knowledge of State and Federal laws regarding dissemination of criminal and non-criminal and other confidential information; department policies and procedures.
Must be able to professionally communicate clearly and effectively with a wide variety of people, including, but not limited to: other employees, members of the public representing diverse levels of education and background, and with officials at all levels of government utilizing well-developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English including, but not limited to: preparation and formatting of forms and documents; correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation.
Ability to communicate sensitive and graphically explicit information on abuse effectively, both orally and in writing, in clear, concise language appropriate for the purpose and parties addressed, including correspondence, reports, and verbal testimony. Ability to present complex information clearly and concisely in both written and verbal formats. Must possess the ability to make informative and persuasive presentations to individuals and groups, conduct public meetings, and participate in public forums. Must routinely and regularly maintain confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication.
Ability to coach, mentor, plan, organize, lead and evaluate the work of subordinate staff; evaluate personnel performance; provide constructive feedback to subordinates; develop and implement accountability methods; facilitate and lead cohesive, positive and highly productive work teams with a customer service focus. Ability to train and educate volunteers or other employees in best practices of victim advocacy methods, processes and procedures. Ability to positively provide/receive feedback, and to take direction is essential.
Ability to understand and execute complex oral or written instructions; apply routine guidelines to a wide variety of work situations; to perform a variety of mathematical computations with ability to read, interpret and analyze technical documents and to translate analysis into recommendations or reports. Ability to read, understand, research, interpret, apply and explain complex laws, codes, rules, regulations, policies, procedures and/or protocols. Must possess ability to identify and define multi-faceted problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to work independently with self-direction and minimal direction or oversight; maintain sustained attention to detail; formulate goals; work under timeline and other pressures; prioritize and assign work; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines; handle stressful situations, and complete work quickly and accurately while dealing with multiple interruptions. Ability to appropriately seek guidance or assistance as needed. Excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands.
Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the public, community organizations and service providers, members of the legal community, and government agencies; to consistently and continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, discretion, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs; and to demonstrate a willingness to complete a wide variety of tasks as required.
Ability to empathize and respond sensitively to cultural differences, and to listen well, be attentive to detail, ask pertinent questions and think logically to obtain and provide necessary information and assist in the solution of problems. Ability to demonstrate appropriate initiative and use sound judgment in referring matters beyond the scope of knowledge and authority.
Ability to successfully work with people, some who may be upset, angry or frightened; make independent decisions regarding the disposition of calls for assistance. Ability to respond effectively in crisis and emergency situations and to exert a calming influence on, reassure and advise individuals in crisis. Ability to calmly and effectively provide support and guidance in a professional manner to subordinate staff and volunteers under stressful situations, within and outside of normal work hours.
Ability to work cooperatively as a supportive team member and adhere to the department’s values including, but not limited to: customer focused, teamwork, positive communication, and accountability in a punctual, regular and reliable manner.
Ability to maintain annual training requirements of the position, including but not limited to City mandatory training requirements.
Ability to work extended hours as necessary. to carry out the responsibilities and functions of the position.
Physical Demands
Work is performed primarily in an office or courtroom setting with occasional traveling to different locations. While in the office, will be sitting at a desk or computer terminal for extended periods of time or standing for a period of time. Occasionally needs to move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Constant use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/ keyboarding and other fine skills manipulation while performing duties and operating computers. Occasional heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs while maintaining balance. Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain/utilize long-term and short-term memory to retain complex information. May work in remote locations or in noisy work area. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Unusual Working Conditions
May be in contact with angry, irate, upset emotionally elevated, or uncooperative people in high stress situations. Occasional extension of work day to meet deadlines. May require travel from site to site to meet with victims or witnesses, or for attendance at meetings, including evening meetings. May be asked to attend remote training for specialized operations and skills, and/or occasionally extend the work day to meet deadlines.
The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Temporary employees are not covered by collective bargaining benefits listed below.
The City Of Yakima Is a Premier Employer In The Yakima Valley With Extensive Opportunities For Training And Growth. The City Offers a Competitive Benefit Package Including
City of Yakima employees are paid and accrue benefits on a monthly basis.
This position is covered by the AFSCME Municipal collective bargaining unit. Click here to view the union contract and benefits.
01
Did you clearly document your work history in the Work Experience section of your application including dates, titles and duties for each position/classification held?
Do you attest you have reviewed the job posting for this position, and acknowledge the salary range is defined as listed on the posting?
What is your highest level of education?
Do you possess an Associates degree in paralegal studies, criminal justice, social work, nursing, or related field?
How much experience do you possess providing direct services to victims and/or witnesses via social work; criminal, civil or municipal law; medical care; or related field?
If you have the experience above, enter here the name(s) of the employer(s) and your job title(s). (Be sure application clearly outlines your job duties and lists both the months and years of experience in each position.)
07
Detail your experience and/or training in domestic violence, victim advocacy and/or direct patient care. (Please enter N/A if you do not have this experience)
08
Do you acknowledge that, if successful, you will be required to pass pre-suitability testing, and a background investigation including but not limited to criminal history check, polygraph, and psychological evaluation?
Please describe particular skills, experience or training which you believe BEST qualifies you for this position.
Required Question
Employer City of Yakima
Address 129 N. 2nd Street
Yakima, Washington, 98901
Phone (509) 575-6090
Website http://www.yakimawa.gov
$5,513.73 - $6,621.33 Monthly
Location
Yakima, WA
Job Type
Full-time
Department
Police
Division
Police
Opening Date
05/08/2025
Closing Date
5/22/2025 4:00 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit
AFSCME
- Description
- Benefits
- Questions
Overview And Minimum Class Requirements
The Yakima Police Department is seeking a compassionate and energetic individual to lead our victim services unit! The Victim Services Senior Coordinator will be responsible for providing empathetic safety planning, case management, and victim resourcing with the goal of increasing victim safety and reducing recidivism. This position is grant funded and currently approved for 2 years.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, nursing, or a related field plus three (3) year of experience providing direct services to victims and/or witnesses via social work; criminal, civil or municipal law; medical care; or related field. Master's degree is preferred.
OR
Associate's degree in paralegal studies, criminal justice, social work, nursing, or related field, and five (5) years’ experience providing direct services to victims and/or witnesses via social work; criminal, civil or municipal law; medical care; or related field.
- Two (2) years’ additional experience may substitute for Associate's degree.
Must successfully pass pre-suitability testing, background investigation including but not limited to criminal history check, polygraph, and psychological evaluation.
Licenses, Registrations And/Or Certificates
Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License. Will need to obtain and maintain necessary advocacy training as required. Must have the ability to become bonded as a notary public of the State of Washington.
Job Summary
Under the direction and general supervision of the Chief of Police or designee, provides professional support and assistance to families and victims of violent and other related crimes. As a senior coordinator, provides a high level of outreach, education and support while conducting initial and/or follow-up assessment interviews with victims and witnesses of crimes under the investigation of the Yakima Police Department.
Provides victims with information about appropriate community resources and social service organizations including, but not limited to: crisis intervention, counseling, health and protective services, and Crime Victim’s Compensation. Assesses and documents the reaction of the victim and the trauma impact associated with the crime. Acts as a liaison between victims/witnesses and the criminal justice system, including, but not limited to: police, courts, social services, medical providers, schools and community-based programs, to familiarize and educate them about the investigative and legal processes in an effort to increase victim/family safety, decrease reluctance, while building trust with the various criminal justice processes. Prepares information to aid law enforcement in making informed decisions about potential prosecutions, resources and case viability from a trauma informed lens.
Responsible for locating and maintaining contact with victims and witnesses as needed. Works with the Prosecutor’s Office, and private or non-profit services related to crime victim advocacy. Provides support for victims and their families during court hearings, and for recruiting, screening and training volunteer victim advocates. Law enforcement victim-based advocates may be assigned to a wide variety of law enforcement-based incidents, both criminal and non-criminal, to include but not limited to domestic violence, homicide, suicide, gang incidents, mental health circumstances and property crimes. While a strong emphasis will be to support the domestic violence unit, advocate(s) will be utilized as a department resource in various circumstances.
May coordinate, facilitate, and/or assign work to subordinate staff and volunteers. Performs complex work applying independent judgement in making sound decisions and recommendation; evaluating and resolving difficult or unusual problems; providing advanced knowledge, support and guidance in interpreting rules, laws, guidelines and regulations; and in compliance and under the guidance of state law and City and department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
Essential Functions
Provides ongoing assistance, guidance, training, feedback, oversight, and support to Victim Services Coordinators, volunteers and other staff members. May assist in assigning, prioritizing and monitoring work. Performs as a resource to other employees; possesses and demonstrates a high-level of knowledge and skill concerning policies, procedures and techniques necessary to handle issues as they arise.
Provides information and feedback to supervisory and management personnel on employee performance, process improvements, policy issues, and budget considerations. May review work of subordinates for quality and accuracy. Researches information as needed. Provides training and assists in developing and implementing procedures that encourage consistency and quality service delivery.
Provides professional assistance to victims of crime with priority given to the safety of victims, specifically in domestic violence and/or other violent incidents. Receives, screens, and answers a variety of inquiries from victims, witnesses, attorneys, and staff within scope of authority, by phone or in person, maintaining the highest level of confidentiality both within and outside the workplace. Guards all communication closely and treats information learned in the course of daily work as highly confidential, avoiding any manner of inappropriate and/or unintentional disclosure.
Makes or arranges direct contact with victims and witnesses of assigned crimes, with an emphasis on violent and domestic violence crimes to provide assessment, support, referral, and comprehensive information regarding victim’s rights, available options, community resources and the legal system. Maintains ongoing contact with victims and witnesses in order to provide information. Assists in arranging their attendance at investigative interviews, court hearings, and assists in their preparation as witnesses. Explains process of criminal investigation to victims. Locates witnesses who may be reluctant to cooperate and maintains contact. Works to ensure the victim’s access and attendance to the court. May be required to testify in court.
Conducts victim assessment interviews to collect and analyze the information involving the immediate crime and any prior history of domestic violence. Effectively documents observations and may collect evidence including, but not limited to: victim narratives, photographs of injuries, medical records, 9-1-1 tapes, police reports, or documentation regarding prior history. Makes recommendations for further reference, preparing and maintain intake forms and activity logs. Provides information and feedback to law enforcement and prosecutors regarding the ability of victims and witnesses to assist with the prosecution.
Communicates with police officials, jail personnel, private treatment agencies, and other City legal and department personnel to obtain and relays information related to cases pending in court. Prepares correspondence and/or reports, tracks cases and uses a computer database to obtain, collects and evaluates information. Researches, compiles and prepares reports for statistical data in an accurate and timely manner; performs case preparation and consults with the prosecutor on filing and prosecutorial decisions.
Facilitates the entry and rescission of no contact orders, restraining orders, extreme risk protection orders or other similar legal instruments designed to protect victims or witnesses as appropriate. Makes recommendations to the court as appropriate.
Assists law enforcement in establishing lethality assessments in cases where risk factors may impact investigation and prosecution. Convenes multi-disciplinary team meetings, in cases where significant risk factors exist, using evidence-based methods.
Assists law enforcement in providing medical advocacy, specifically with regard to violent crime. Learns, develops, and works with protocols to help ensure those with possible traumatic brain injuries, strangulation injuries and other violent crime injuries, receive medical referrals and specific information required by law, in addition to their crime victim compensation information.
Assists in training law enforcement professionals on best practices when working with system-based advocates, community-based advocates, trauma-informed responses, medical advocacy and other critical topics.
May coordinate and/or organize the regular meetings of the Community Coordinated Response Team (CCRT). Completes inventory of current responses and compares inventory to model response; identifies evaluates and works to resolve gaps in response; and makes recommendations for long-term response changes. Measures and reports response success as directed.
Recruits, screens and trains volunteer advocates to provide advocacy services to victims and witnesses, and to accompany victims to court. Conducts outreach to community members and organizations as needed. Provides training and support to Victim Service Coordinators, and helps facilitate their work. Serves as a liaison with community organizations and other governmental agencies regarding crime and advocacy issues as assigned. May coordinate activities of the City and County Attorney’s Office related to domestic violence identification and prevention and/or serve on committees to combat domestic violence within the community. Provides professional customer service while performing all duties. Interacts and communicates in a positive, professional manner with other employees, agencies, elected officials, and other external individuals by phone, in-person and in writing. Maintains calm and reassuring manner with others at all times even during emergencies. Handles sensitive and confidential situations with tact and discretion.
Utilizes computer software, including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases to prepare letters, documents and graphics to revise drafts and charts into business quality formats; and to compose letters. May perform routine clerical support within the police department as necessary.
Engages in, and encourages, ongoing reading, research and professional networking to keep up with legal developments and available community resources pertinent to area of assignment. May pursue and submit grant applications and/or other sources of funding. Tracks data and statistics as required by grant awards. Seeks efficient opportunities for self and other for professional growth and development.
Contributes to the effectiveness of the Police Department and City government by demonstrating and fostering an attitude that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts, productive time management, and efficient use of resources. Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.
May perform any and all duties of the Victim Services Coordinator classification.
Requires regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Major Worker Characteristics
Knowledge of federal, state and city laws, codes, regulations and ordinances associated with various crimes, and City of Yakima policies and procedures. Knowledge of basic counseling and crisis intervention techniques; victim advocacy; investigatory and trial processes related to domestic violence and other criminal cases including methods, procedures, practices and techniques for interviewing and assessment, court rules and procedures; dynamics of domestic violence and community protocols developed for domestic violence cases; safety and sensitivity concerns, precautions, practices and procedures applicable to assigned area.
Knowledge of the organization, function and activities of municipal government, Police Department and criminal justice system including court and law enforcement procedures; legal and law enforcement terminology; and legal instruments designed to protect victims and witnesses, including but not limited to no contact orders, restraining orders, and protection orders.
Knowledge of available State and Federal social service agencies and local community resources, with understanding of the services provided. Knowledge of best principles and effective supervisory, leadership and mentorship practices, principles and techniques; time and project management; practices and principles of work flow and systems analysis; record keeping systems, processes, and practices; and municipal records retention procedures, and techniques. Demonstrates knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards, related to victim’s rights, defendants, and service providers.
Strong working knowledge of: computer spreadsheets; databases; industry applications; Microsoft Office Suite including Excel; report writing tools; and office equipment; and professional office procedures and practices. Knowledge and ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer, fax machine, copy machine, telephone etc. Efficient and accurate keyboarding ability.
Knowledge of techniques and strategies for dissemination of complex and/or technical written and verbal information to a wide range of individuals, including but not limited to other employees, legal representatives, government or elected officials, and members of the public. Knowledge of State and Federal laws regarding dissemination of criminal and non-criminal and other confidential information; department policies and procedures.
Must be able to professionally communicate clearly and effectively with a wide variety of people, including, but not limited to: other employees, members of the public representing diverse levels of education and background, and with officials at all levels of government utilizing well-developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English including, but not limited to: preparation and formatting of forms and documents; correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation.
Ability to communicate sensitive and graphically explicit information on abuse effectively, both orally and in writing, in clear, concise language appropriate for the purpose and parties addressed, including correspondence, reports, and verbal testimony. Ability to present complex information clearly and concisely in both written and verbal formats. Must possess the ability to make informative and persuasive presentations to individuals and groups, conduct public meetings, and participate in public forums. Must routinely and regularly maintain confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication.
Ability to coach, mentor, plan, organize, lead and evaluate the work of subordinate staff; evaluate personnel performance; provide constructive feedback to subordinates; develop and implement accountability methods; facilitate and lead cohesive, positive and highly productive work teams with a customer service focus. Ability to train and educate volunteers or other employees in best practices of victim advocacy methods, processes and procedures. Ability to positively provide/receive feedback, and to take direction is essential.
Ability to understand and execute complex oral or written instructions; apply routine guidelines to a wide variety of work situations; to perform a variety of mathematical computations with ability to read, interpret and analyze technical documents and to translate analysis into recommendations or reports. Ability to read, understand, research, interpret, apply and explain complex laws, codes, rules, regulations, policies, procedures and/or protocols. Must possess ability to identify and define multi-faceted problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to work independently with self-direction and minimal direction or oversight; maintain sustained attention to detail; formulate goals; work under timeline and other pressures; prioritize and assign work; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines; handle stressful situations, and complete work quickly and accurately while dealing with multiple interruptions. Ability to appropriately seek guidance or assistance as needed. Excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands.
Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the public, community organizations and service providers, members of the legal community, and government agencies; to consistently and continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, discretion, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs; and to demonstrate a willingness to complete a wide variety of tasks as required.
Ability to empathize and respond sensitively to cultural differences, and to listen well, be attentive to detail, ask pertinent questions and think logically to obtain and provide necessary information and assist in the solution of problems. Ability to demonstrate appropriate initiative and use sound judgment in referring matters beyond the scope of knowledge and authority.
Ability to successfully work with people, some who may be upset, angry or frightened; make independent decisions regarding the disposition of calls for assistance. Ability to respond effectively in crisis and emergency situations and to exert a calming influence on, reassure and advise individuals in crisis. Ability to calmly and effectively provide support and guidance in a professional manner to subordinate staff and volunteers under stressful situations, within and outside of normal work hours.
Ability to work cooperatively as a supportive team member and adhere to the department’s values including, but not limited to: customer focused, teamwork, positive communication, and accountability in a punctual, regular and reliable manner.
Ability to maintain annual training requirements of the position, including but not limited to City mandatory training requirements.
Ability to work extended hours as necessary. to carry out the responsibilities and functions of the position.
Physical Demands
Work is performed primarily in an office or courtroom setting with occasional traveling to different locations. While in the office, will be sitting at a desk or computer terminal for extended periods of time or standing for a period of time. Occasionally needs to move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Constant use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/ keyboarding and other fine skills manipulation while performing duties and operating computers. Occasional heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs while maintaining balance. Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain/utilize long-term and short-term memory to retain complex information. May work in remote locations or in noisy work area. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Unusual Working Conditions
May be in contact with angry, irate, upset emotionally elevated, or uncooperative people in high stress situations. Occasional extension of work day to meet deadlines. May require travel from site to site to meet with victims or witnesses, or for attendance at meetings, including evening meetings. May be asked to attend remote training for specialized operations and skills, and/or occasionally extend the work day to meet deadlines.
The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Temporary employees are not covered by collective bargaining benefits listed below.
The City Of Yakima Is a Premier Employer In The Yakima Valley With Extensive Opportunities For Training And Growth. The City Offers a Competitive Benefit Package Including
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
- FREE healthcare clinic!
- WA State PERS pension plan
- 2% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
- Leave accruals:
- Vacation – Starting at 7.67 hours/month
- Sick – 8 hours/month
- Personal holiday – 2 days
- Observed holiday – 11 holidays
- Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay
- Life Insurance
- Much more!
City of Yakima employees are paid and accrue benefits on a monthly basis.
This position is covered by the AFSCME Municipal collective bargaining unit. Click here to view the union contract and benefits.
01
Did you clearly document your work history in the Work Experience section of your application including dates, titles and duties for each position/classification held?
- Yes
- No
Do you attest you have reviewed the job posting for this position, and acknowledge the salary range is defined as listed on the posting?
- Yes
- No
What is your highest level of education?
- High School diploma/GED
- Some College
- Associates Degree
- Bachelors Degree
- Masters Degree
- Technical/Trade Certification
- None of the above
Do you possess an Associates degree in paralegal studies, criminal justice, social work, nursing, or related field?
- Yes
- No
How much experience do you possess providing direct services to victims and/or witnesses via social work; criminal, civil or municipal law; medical care; or related field?
- None
- Less than 3 years
- At least 3 years and less than 5 years
- At least 5 years and less than 7 years
- At least 7 years
If you have the experience above, enter here the name(s) of the employer(s) and your job title(s). (Be sure application clearly outlines your job duties and lists both the months and years of experience in each position.)
07
Detail your experience and/or training in domestic violence, victim advocacy and/or direct patient care. (Please enter N/A if you do not have this experience)
08
Do you acknowledge that, if successful, you will be required to pass pre-suitability testing, and a background investigation including but not limited to criminal history check, polygraph, and psychological evaluation?
- Yes
- No
Please describe particular skills, experience or training which you believe BEST qualifies you for this position.
Required Question
Employer City of Yakima
Address 129 N. 2nd Street
Yakima, Washington, 98901
Phone (509) 575-6090
Website http://www.yakimawa.gov