Administrative Specialist II | Domestic Violence Unit | Criminal Division presso City of Seattle, WA

About the Department

With more than 200 attorneys and professional staff, the Seattle City Attorney’s Office is one of the largest law offices in Seattle and is the third largest public law office in the state. Our office is committed to making Seattle a safe, healthy, empowered and thriving community for everyone. We strive to address historical injustices within the court system with self-examination and to pursue justice in Seattle with integrity, creativity, and fairness. We believe working transparently, innovatively, and in collaboration with our partners in the community is necessary to achieve outcomes that promote equity, accountability, and healing.

Join a team of passionate prosecutors, advocates, and support staff working together to address gender-based violence in Seattle by holding abusers accountable and providing victims with information, support, and resources. The Seattle City Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence Unit prosecutes crimes of misdemeanor intimate partner domestic violence, family violence involving adult children, elder abuse, and child abuse/neglect cases. The Domestic Violence Unit provides support and resources for child, adult and elder victims.

The Domestic Violence Unit is proud of its diversity and is represented by people of various cultures and ethnic/racial backgrounds. We would like to continue to expand our cultural and language capacities to better serve our clients. You can contribute to this mission by providing the administrative support the advocates need to keep victims informed. 

In addition to this opportunity to join a team that is dedicated to public service, the City Attorney’s Office offers a generous benefit program which includes paid leave benefits, paid parental and family leave, low-cost health benefits, and the opportunity to participate in a defined benefit retirement program. This position is a rare part-time opportunity that offers flexibility, a collaborative work environment, and benefits.

This position is 20 hours per week, Monday-Friday, though hours can be flexible.

Position Duties

• Utilize our internal case management system, Justice Nexus, to generate standard letters notifying victims by either email or postal mail of whether charges were filed or declined in order to comply with RCW 7.69 (victim rights statute); 
• Generate other standard letters, sent by either postal mail or email, to victims upon request from an advocate;
• Assign incoming reports to advocates, tracking the caseloads to ensure equal distribution. Update relevant systems to communicate the assignment;
• Notify any prosecutors with pending cases against the same defendant that a new police report has been received, and exchange police reports to coordinate across units and jurisdictions;
• Track reports declined for felony filing to ensure those reports are prioritized for advocate assignment;
• Generate standard reports from the City Attorney’s Office internal case management system;
• Enter and update information into the City Attorney’s Office internal case management system;  
• Coordinate with other departments (internal and external) and the general public: explain office policies and procedures, receive and share information as a part of the City’s coordinated community response to domestic violence; 
• As needed, provide administrative support to the Victim Advocate Supervisor and the Domestic Violence Unit Supervising Attorney to include scheduling meetings, taking, preparing, and distributing meeting minutes, and handling sensitive and confidential matters; 
• As needed, assist with special projects to include research on best practices, contact with neighboring or similar cities to gather and compile information needed to make process or policy changes, and keep detailed administrative records;
• Support marginalized communities, including immigrant and refugee victims, acting as a liaison to the criminal justice system and the City Attorney’s Office;
• Organize U Visa certification applications, gathering information needed to assist the domestic violence unit supervisor with completing the certification, responding in a timely manner, and keeping detailed records;
• Research suspects in JABS and other court databases to gather background information on felony criminal cases and civil protection orders to allow the advocate and prosecutor to make an informed risk assessment;
• Evaluate risk in each report to help advocates triage and prioritize cases;
• Meet competing deadlines and comply with schedules in a fast paced, high volume work environment through excellent time management; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: 

• This position requires at least two years of clerical support experience in a criminal justice setting (or a combination of education, training and/or experience which provides evidence of the ability to perform work of the class).
• Must pass a background check, follow CJIS training, and be able to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information. 
• Be familiar with criminal system procedures and domestic violence risk factors.

Desired Qualifications:

The successful applicant will have knowledge of the legal or criminal justice environment and the demonstrated ability to:  

• Knowledge of prosecutor case management systems;
• Knowledge of criminal history and protection order information;
• Proficient language skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office suite;
• Perform work with attention to detail;
• Communicate effectively both verbally and via e-mail with co-workers, defense attorneys, law enforcement, and court staff;
• Communicate effectively both verbally and via email with victims/witnesses who may come from marginalized communities;  
• Follow moderately complex written and oral instructions;
• Work independently and think critically;
• Exercise good judgment;
• Use effective time management skills.

Other Qualifications

Application Process – For your application to be accepted, you must:

• Complete the online City of Seattle Application
  1. (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle)
• Include the following required attachments: 
  1. Cover Letter describing your interest in the position. (.pdf, .doc, or .docx format)
  2. Resume detailing your relevant experience. (.pdf, .doc, or .docx format)

Application Submission Guidelines – All applicants are required to apply on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting.  Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, etc. will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the Government Jobs site.  Note: The required documents listed in the above "Application Process" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure consideration for the application submitted.  Please contact the Office of Human Resources on or before the closing date indicated above at [email protected] should you need assistance with the online application process.

Race and Social Justice Initiative – The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism.  We seek individuals who will work toward the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative.

Compensation – The full pay range for this step-progression position is $34.32 - $39.87 per hour. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $34.32 hourly. Current City employees' starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions. Advanced initial step placement may be considered under limited circumstances, but step salaries are not subject to negotiation.

Benefits –  The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, 12 official holidays and 2 floating holidays, sick, and paid parental leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees.  City Attorney’s Office employees also have the opportunity to participate in a defined benefits retirement program. More information about benefits can be found at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Language Premium – Individuals selected to fill this position may be eligible to receive Language Premium Pay (SMC 4.20.360), which provides a $200.00 monthly stipend to qualified bilingual employees who are properly evaluated and assigned to provide direct communication in-language, interpretation, or translation services to the public on behalf of the City of Seattle.

Workplace Environment – Currently, the Seattle City Attorney's Office has a Flexible Work Arrangements Policy. Employees have the option to work a hybrid schedule (3 days in the office, 2 days remote). This is subject to change as circumstances and business needs dictate.

Background Check Requirements – All positions are security sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the verification of credentials and/or other information required by the municipal corporation’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17.  Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information on good conduct and rehabilitation.

Who may apply – This position is open to all candidates who meet the minimum qualifications.   

The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, family or marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics.  The Seattle City Attorney's Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply.

Questions? Contact our Human Resources team at LAW[email protected].