Engagement Specialist (Bi-Lingual Spanish)

Division/Unit: Early Engagement Case Support 

Position Title: Engagement Specialist (Bi-Lingual Spanish)

Civil Service Title: Community Associate

Salary Range: $52,264 - $52,264

Job Description:

The New York County District Attorney's Office has an immediate opening for a Bi-Lingual Spanish Engagement Specialist in the Early Engagement Case Support Unit (EECU).  In this position the Bi-Lingual Spanish Engagement Specialist is responsible for obtaining signed supporting depositions, assisting victims in understanding the criminal justice system, referring for advocacy and counseling services, and provides information regarding crime victims’ rights, in Spanish.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Contact victims and witnesses to obtain a signed supporting deposition through engagement.
• Mail, e-mail, and fax the supporting deposition to victims/witnesses.
• Process all corrobs received via mail, electronic signature, for scanning.
• Inform victims and witnesses of the wide range of services available to them through SSB, and make the appropriate referrals.
• Assist victims with orders of protection and registration for notification of inmate release.
• Responsible for interpreting legal documents from English to Spanish for the victim and/or witness.
• Complete and file the Affidavit of Translation form.
• Organize and file supporting depositions in court.
• Consult with Supervisor, Deputy Director, and Director of EECU on sensitive cases, or cases needing legal advisement. 
• Conduct CLEAR searches to obtain victim information, notify ADA and update the database accordingly.
• Adhere to weekly intake & filing schedule.
• Work one late night shift weekly 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
• Explain criminal justice system and provide case information, and ensure that clients are knowledgeable about their rights.
• Ensure follow-up is completed on all cases.
• Liaise with victims and Assistant District Attorneys, and provide essential information.
• Ability to handle high caseload and set priorities.
• Establish rapport with each victim, in a professional customer service-related approach.
• Perform designated tasks under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail oriented and self-motivated and able to multi-task.
• Responds promptly to incoming calls and e-mails, including the ‘rollover’ line and voicemails.
• Handle heavy volume of crisis and information calls and forward to the appropriate department of SSB.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-up.
• Works collaboratively and cooperatively with staff in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong organizational and computer skills and attention to detail.
• Professional interaction with all levels of staff, victims, witnesses, and law enforcement personnel.
• Perform related tasks as assigned.

In addition to the Minimum Qualification Requirements, candidates must possess the following:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Must possess high fluency in Spanish & English both oral and written.
• Must be able to work one 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm late night shift weekly

Preferred Requirements/Skills:

• Experience working with crime victims.
• Familiarity with the criminal justice system.
• Training and/or experience in customer-service and advocacy preferred.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of confidentiality and sensitivity to victim issues.
• Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment; must be detail oriented self-motivated, able to multi-task, and high concern for data accuracy.
• Dependable team player who works collaboratively and cooperatively with staff in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong organizational and computer skills.
• Ability to follow directions and apply proper policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Ability to handle high caseload and set priorities.
• Ability to interact effectively with victims, witnesses, Assistant District Attorneys, law enforcement officers and criminal justice personnel. 
• Social service degrees.
• ASL proficiency a plus.
• Ability to work overtime and flexible hours including holidays, evenings, and weekends.

How To Apply:

• Apply with a Cover Letter & Resume.

Hours/Shift:

• Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. 
• Flexibility for late night shifts from 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm required a few times per month based on scheduling.

Additional Information:

• Current office employees: To be eligible for a transfer or promotion, staff must have already served at least 1 year in their current position and be in good standing. In addition, must meet the minimum qualifications of the position.
• Looking for candidates that could commit to one (1) year to the hiring unit.
• Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

1. High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above; or
2. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above.

Public Svc Loan Forgiveness:

• As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement:

• City Residency is not required for this position.

The New York County District Attorney’s Office is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The New York County District Attorney’s Office serves and protects the People of New York through the fair administration of justice, without fear or favor. The Office’s Professional Staff perform a variety of key functions, including supporting the Trial Division, Investigation Division, Special Victims Division, Pathways to Public Safety Division, and Appeals Division, which handles all the Office’s matters in state and federal appellate courts.
Professional Staff members perform a variety of key functions for the Office, including supporting the five Divisions, as well as other prosecution support and office functions. Our Professional Staff receive a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, as well as unparalleled opportunities for professional development.
The New York County District Attorney’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and culturally responsive workforce. Given the diverse nature of our community, the ability to work with people of different backgrounds is critical. The Office seeks to have a staff that reflects the diversity of the community that we serve. To that end, all applicants will be considered without regard to actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, age, prior record of arrest; or any other basis prohibited by law.  These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.