Victim Advocate – Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office

Position Information

Agency Level: County
County: Washtenaw
Agency: County Prosecutor’s Office

Responsibilities and Duties

• Contact victims of domestic violence, criminal sexual conduct crimes and family members in any death case once a warrant is authorized to explain court process, notify of bond conditions and assess any needs.
• Provide victims in felony and misdemeanor cases information on the court process.
• Analyze police reports to obtain pertinent information regarding victims/witnesses and case information.
• Determine need for and request Interpreters for court hearings for victims/witnesses.
• Congratulate and attend victim/witness meetings with the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.
• Notify victims and witnesses by phone and letter of date and time of scheduled court appearances and adjournments.
• Assist the prosecuting attorney throughout the court process.
• Attend court proceedings with victims and explain the criminal justice process.
• Provide crisis intervention to victims/families/witnesses.
• Act as a liaison between the victim and other Criminal Justice Agencies such as Law Enforcement Agencies, Courts, and Probation/Parole.
• Assist Assistant Prosecuting Attorney with the trial preparation for victims and witnesses in the case.
• Provide information and referrals to community services and resources as needed.
• Review jail calls and jail visits to obtain evidence of possible forfeiture by wrongdoing, assess risk factors and victim safety.
• Inform victims of the Michigan Victim Information and Notification Everyday (MI-VINE) and register interested victims for automated telephone notification of court information.
• Provide a safe and private area for victims while they await court appearances.
• Aid victims with travel and accommodations for victims and witnesses out of the area as needed.
• Aid victims with the completion of Victim Impact Statements, Restitution forms and compensation applications for the Crime Victim Services Commission.
• Organize victims and witnesses to be called for testimony by compiling lists from information submitted by the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.
• Provide tours of the courthouse/courtrooms and provide court orientation to victims/witnesses.
• Aid victims with the provision of witness fees.
• Assist victims in the recovery of stolen property contacting policy agencies and determining what property can be released prior to trial.
• Provide victims with information regarding services available to them through the County Jail, Department of Corrections and the Parole Board.
• Coordinate services between the Prosecutor’s Office and other service providers such as SafeHouse Center, Washtenaw Child Advocacy Center, SANE/SART Program, SAPAC.
• Provide back-up coverage for the Victim/Witness Unit and perform related work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Michigan Court System and Michigan Laws
  • Issues of domestic violence, sexual assault, the impact of trauma on individuals and crisis intervention.
  • Independent decision making using sound, independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines.
  • Community services and resources
  • Excellent oral and written communication
  • Working with diverse populations, providing culturally sensitive services
  • Proficiency in the use of a Computer
  • Work in an office with an Advocacy Dog
  • Working with diverse populations, providing culturally sensitive services
• Licenses/Certifications:
  • Possession of a valid Michigan Driver’s License and available transportation during work hours to travel between courts.
• Physical Demands:
  • Duties require sufficient mobility to work in a normal office setting and use standard office equipment including a computer, vision to read printed materials and a computer monitor and hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone.
• Education:
  • Possession of an Associate’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice or related field, or its equivalent.
• Experience:
  • A minimum of one (1) year of experience in a Prosecutor’s Office or the criminal justice system working with victims of crime and providing crisis intervention.