Victim Witness Advocate

Victim Witness Advocate

Job Summary: The Victim Witness Advocate provides information and assistance to victims of crimes, including domestic violence and sexual assault, robbery, burglary, theft; acts as liaison between victims, witnesses and the District Attorney, and provides trial support to the District Attorney and/or the Assistant District Attorneys.

• Contacts victims at or prior to the initiation of a criminal prosecution to assess their physical and emotional injuries and economic losses and determines their position concerning disposition of case.
• Prepares Victim Contact Statements for District Attorney's review and discovery.
• Informs victims of and complies with statutory Victim's Rights.
• Affords victims and/or witnesses by maintaining contact and providing them with information and assistance throughout the duration of cases assigned.
• This includes notification of arraignment, indictment, hearings, bail reviews, bail modifications and conditions, trial, sentencing, discussing restitution, explaining plea negotiations and soliciting input and response to District Attorney's recommendations.
• Assists victims by preparing and sending correspondence to them, familiarizing victims and witnesses with the criminal justice process, including stages such as grand jury, arraignment, motion days, plea negotiations, sentencing, probation, deferred disposition and appeals.
• Determines amount of restitution due to victims of personal injury and property crimes, assists victims in compiling documentation to verify restitution requests; notifies District Attorney of restitution requests.
• Notifies all eligible victims of Victim's Compensation Fund and assists victim with application for compensation.
• Ensures department's ability to produce victims and witnesses for trial by maintaining contact as directed with all victims and/or witnesses throughout criminal process and notifying all civilian victims/witnesses of all required court appearances and arranges for transportation as necessary.
• Prepares witness availability lists for docket call and/or trial.
• Provides referrals to victims for appropriate agencies and services (Partners for Peace, Rape Response, Pine Tree Legal, etc.).
• Inform victims of their rights to submit a Victim Impact Statements for sentencing hearings.
• Congratulates the Department of Corrections Victim Services in regards to victim contact information and assists with submitting requests for Prisoner Release Notification forms.
• Sends to Office Manager all requests for witness fee and mileage payment, disburses payments to victims and/or witnesses.
• Aids the attorneys by helping them prepare for court, including setting up audio/video equipment in the courtroom for trials and motions as required and providing video assistance for both victims and witnesses for video testimony when necessary.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; establishing personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Fulfills job functions by participating as an active member of training and participates on county task forces as directed by supervisor.
• Performs other related duties as requested by the District Attorney, Senior VWC and Office Manager.
• Follows all County and departmental policies; maintains required training as directed by Human Resources.
• Supports County's safety and health policies by attending required safety training programs; reports all accidents and suspected safety hazards to supervisor.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Required

• Bachelor's Degree in social work, psychology or criminal justice and/or two to three years working in a law environment or social service field is desirable.
• Prior experience working in the criminal justice system preferred.
• Ability to learn basic criminal procedures and victims' rights laws is required.
• Experience working in a crisis intervention setting is desirable.
• Must be able to multi-task, prioritize and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to effectively communicate with the public is required.
• Ability to work in a team setting with commitment to high level of customer service is required.
• Availability and ability to travel is required.

Work Environment

• Usual office conditions are present.
• Noise level is moderate.
• Multiple activities are on-going simultaneously.
• Can be a stressful environment as a result of having to meet tight statutory deadlines.

Physical Demands/Conditions/Requirements

• The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by the incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and ability to use a standard keyboard, use computer, telephone, fax machine, scanner, printer and copier.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Penobscot County provides equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Selected applicant must pass a National Fingerprint Based background check, and motor vehicle background check.