Victim Assistance Specialist

Summary This position is located in the Office of Special Investigations, Domestic Operations Directorate, Bureau of Diplomatic Secuity (DS/DO/OSI). You will serve as a Senior Victim Assistance Specialist with responsibility for program coordination, development, execution, and evaluation of the DS Victims' Resource Advocacy Program (VRAP) in support of victims of violent crimes being investigated by the Bureau. Responsibilities Promotes the rights and services available to victims of violent crimes associated with bureau investigations as outlined in 18 USC 3771; plans and coordinates victim support care services and ensures comprehensive care for victims. Plans, provides, and advises on various means of support to victims of violent crimes; and contacts or travels to the victim of a crime after the victim has made an official report. Continuously evaluates and analyzes the program and its scope within the federal law enforcement community; and implements program policies to improve effectiveness. Serves as a point of contact and conduit of information to crime victims, other cabinet agencies, external representatives, international visitors and others for best practices and guidance for involvement of the Department on victim related issues. Trains Department personnel on victim-centric efforts and contact activities related to victims; and incorporates policy changes and enhancements to ensure consideration for survivors' priorities and perspectives. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet ONE of the required basic entry qualification requirements described below: BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Have a undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in behavioral or social science; or other related disciplines appropriate to this position; OR Have a combination of education and experience that provided you with the knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in this field; OR Have completed at least 4 years of appropriate experience that demonstrates that you have acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in this field. IN ADDITION to meeting one of the basic entry qualifications requirements listed above, the applicant MUST have at least one year of specialized experience that has equipped them with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience is related to the work of the position and equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal service. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: -Experience providing comprehensive support to victims of violent crime to include counseling, advice, and assistance with obtaining medical, legal, and financial resources to meet their needs; -Experience advocating for the rights of crime victims and coordinating support service activities with various international, federal, state, and local victim organizations; -Experience informing victims of their legal rights and providing support throughout the investigative, legal, and judicial processes; AND -Experience providing crisis intervention and emergency assistance to victims of violent crime. Note: All applicants MUST submit transcripts as verification of educational requirement by the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to provide requested information, or the information you submit is insufficient to verify your eligibility, you WILL lose consideration for this position. Education See the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials, visit: www.naces.org/members.php. Additional Information For reasonable accommodation at the U.S. Department of State, please contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations at (202) 663-3474 or OAA@state.gov. If eligible, telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to other similar positions in other Bureaus/Offices in the Department for up to 240 days. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions.