OJP Victim Specialist

The OJP Victim Specialist is responsible for coordinating with all units within the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) to institutionalize practices of ensuring victims/survivors of violent crime have access to the resources available within OJP, and an understanding of external resources available. This role will be instrumental to ensuring victims/survivors of violent crime have resourcing, this role will help with creating and implementing procedures in cases of Mass Victimization. This role will be creating and updating targeted strategies for communicating OJP resources, crime victim assistance, and opportunities to diverse and varying audiences based on community input, metrics, and changing needs and resources. This includes responding and being a liaison in community during critical times. 

The OJP Victim Specialist will be responsible for working with all units within the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) to institutionalize community involvement in OJP processes, creating and updating targeted strategies for communicating OJP resources, assistance, and opportunities to diverse and varying audiences based on community input, metrics, and changing needs and resources. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

• Two (2) years of working with those impacted by gun violence, violent crimes, victim services, community outreach, and/or law enforcement; and the complexity of navigating resources and barriers.  Experience should include understanding state, county, and city resources and support.
• Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualifications will be further evaluated on the following:

• Experience working with community organizations and OJP stakeholders
• Analysis, decision making and problem solving sufficient to evaluate current policies, procedures and processes, recommend and implement appropriate solutions that result in equitable outcomes, particularly for those communities most impacted by crime or have not traditionally received services or information from OJP.
• Ability to adapt to continuous organizational and program changes sufficient to work constructively under pressure and cope with ambiguity and setbacks.
• Ability to strengthen existing relationships with OJP stakeholders, community organizations, and interested entities, as well as establishing relationships with entities, organizations, and interested parties that would either benefit from OJP services, strengthen OJPs work, or to develop new partnerships.
• Written communication skills including the ability to write reports, procedures, policies, and correspondence sufficient to describe, promote, and justify current and future program initiatives and outcomes.
• Knowledge of crime victim concerns and needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of OJP services and programs.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file folders and small tools.  May need to maintain stationary position for long periods of time while carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, includes the following components:

1) criminal history

2) reference check

3) drivers license check

Application Details

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Megan Lund at megan.lund@state.mn.us .

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Megan Lund at megan.lund@state.mn.us.

About Public Safety Dept 

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a diverse, complex agency dedicated to serving communities across the state. DPS has 10 public facing and four support divisions with about 2,200 dedicated employees operating programs statewide that all have one goal: Building a safer Minnesota.

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

• Paid vacation and sick leave 
• 12 paid holidays each year 
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans 
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.