Advocate - Victim Services

Job Class Code: 1234
Grade: 22
Salary: $ 45,801.60 - $61,443.20

There will be a 3% across the board general salary increase effective June 30th, 2024

Position Number: 04100-1915

Opening Date: June 5, 2024 
Closing Date: June 20, 2024

Maine Department of Corrections is destigmatizing corrections for the betterment of all Maine communities. Through the ‘Maine Model of Corrections’, we promote the safety of our staff and residents while reducing barriers to meaningful rehabilitative opportunities. We facilitate restorative justice practices that equip justice-involved residents and clients with the skills they need to become contributing members of society upon release, including treatment, education, and job training.

We are seeking qualified applicants for the position of Advocate – Victim’s Services. This position assists victims of crimes, including reviewing case files, contacting DA’s advocates, probation officers and others, and conducts independent legal research.  This position will ensure victims are advised of their statutory rights including the right to notification of a defendant’s release, offered safety planning, and provided additional information and resources pertaining to the Maine Department of Corrections policies and procedures along with other services to support crime victims.

We are committed to rebuilding lives and are searching for great team players, with a professional attitude and well-developed integrity and ethics, to join us in this mission.

TYPICAL DUTIES (responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following)

• Confers with victims and service providers and Department staff to explain laws, advise of their rights and options, and to ensure victims’ rights are honored.
• Advocates with the department, providers of services, and others in order to represent and protect client rights and dignity.
• Analyzes case information, documents facts, obtains reports and other documentation, writes reports and manages caseload in order to open, process, resolve and close cases.
• Assess case strengths and weaknesses to ensure laws, rules, precedents, and other relevant information is given appropriate consideration for case determination.
• Investigates complaints, mediates and advises probation officers to assist in the resolution of victim’s issues.
• Promotes community involvement with criminal justice issues and prevention efforts.
• Advises and assists clients of recourse available when offender fails to comply with conditions of probation.
• Makes referrals to victims for counseling, victims’ compensation, crisis intervention, legal aide, shelter, restraining orders, and other services as needed.

REQUIREMENTS

In order to be successful in this position you will need to have knowledge and abilities in the following areas:

• Knowledge of legal documents, court procedures, and rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the Department.
• Knowledge of research methods, principles, and techniques.
• Knowledge of victim’s rights.
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
• Ability to analyze facts and reach logical conclusions.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to gain the confidence and cooperation of clients and departmental personnel.
• Ability to understand laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures pertinent to clients.
• Ability to prepare and present complex cases and maintain a large caseload.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Entry level knowledge, skills, and/or abilities, which may be acquired through, but not limited to, the following coursework/training and/or experience:

A six (6) year combination of experience, education, and training in victim advocacy oriented toward resolving complex issues.

Preference will be given to candidates who have victim advocacy experience and or experience working with restitution.

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application.  In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period.  Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
•  State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for part-time employment.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.