Victim Witness Assistant Coordinator

About the role

Performs responsible paraprofessional and technical work providing victim and witness support services within the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney. Assists victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice process by providing information, coordinating services, explaining court procedures, and facilitating communication with prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, courts, and community organizations.

Note: Full-Time Grant-Funded position in the Commonwealth Attorney's Office, requiring 40 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary point of contact for assigned victims and witnesses by providing information, support, referrals, and assistance throughout the criminal justice process.
• Explains court procedures, victim rights, protective orders, restitution, and available community resources in accordance with the Virginia Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act.
• Coordinates communication between victims, witnesses, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, courts, and service providers to ensure timely exchange of information.
• Assists victims with completing compensation applications, restitution documentation, notification requests, and other required forms.
• Provides courtroom orientation and prepares victims and witnesses for hearings, trials, and other court proceedings.
• Maintains confidential case files, enters case information into computerized records systems, and prepares correspondence and required documentation.
• Assists with scheduling meetings, interviews, and court appearances and provides notification of court dates, continuances, plea agreements, sentencing, and offender status as required.
• Refers victims to appropriate community agencies for counseling, shelter, advocacy, financial assistance, and other support services.
• Assists with outreach activities, educational materials, and public awareness events related to victim services.
• Maintains professional relationships with judges, court personnel, law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and the public while ensuring confidentiality and professionalism.
• Accompanies victims and witnesses to court, conducts courtroom tours, and explains judicial proceedings.
• Provides appropriate referrals to victims for crisis intervention, medical treatment, and related needs.
• Disseminates victim's rights information to all victims in conformity with the Victim Rights Act.
• Keeps victims and witnesses informed of significant developments in the investigation and adjudication of their cases.
• Explains victim impact statements and the restitution process to victims.
• Schedules appointments with victims and witnesses for trial preparation.
• Provides positive support to victims, recognizing and addressing their needs for emotional support and information.
• Prepares reports, produces and distributes written materials and maintains accurate records.

Requirements

• Education: Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, or related field (Bachelor's degree preferred).
• Experience: One to three years of experience in human services, victim advocacy, legal support, or a closely related field (experience working within a court, Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, law enforcement agency, or victim services program preferred).
• Certifications/Licenses: Valid Virginia Driver's License with a good record.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including clear communication, listening, adaptability/flexibility, problem solving/conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence.
• Conscientiousness, diligence, organization/time management, resilience, and a positive attitude.
• General knowledge of the local and state criminal justice systems.
• General knowledge of case management and crisis intervention techniques.
• General knowledge of legal terminology, documents, and instruments.
• Working knowledge of the physical and mental impact of victimization.
• Ability to communicate and establish strong and effective working relationships with victims.
• Ability to maintain records and reports.
• Skill in the use of standard office equipment, computer hardware, and software.

Additional Requirements

Subject to a complete criminal background investigation with acceptable results. Must also be able to perform the job as described in the Physical and Environmental Demands section of this job description.