Crime Victim Services Coordinator

Coordinates victim services programs which include providing advocacy services to victims of crime, developing and administering program services, providing education to the community and professional groups, assist attorneys with victim/witness contacts and meetings, and grant coordination and management including monitoring the annual budget.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides advocacy services to victims.
  • Coordinates victim advocacy services and reporting requirements according to grant agreements with strict adherence to guidelines and timelines.
  • Exhibits sensitivity towards victims of crime without prejudice regarding race, color, sexual preference, disability, creed, or previous criminal record.
  • Provides general advocacy services including crisis intervention, support counseling, transportation, emergency housing, information and referrals.
  • Provides legal advocacy including assistance with Orders for Protection, Harassment Restraining Orders, and accompaniment to court hearings, information and referrals.
  • Advises victims of their rights, court hearings, court procedures and decisions in accordance with Minn. Stat. 611A and other applicable statutes. Maintains communications with victims to provide accurate and timely information regarding their cases.
  • Assists victims with restitution and/or reparations process, prosecution process and victim impact statements.
  • Responds to emergency requests for victims.
  • Acts as a liaison and facilitates communications between victims and social services agencies, law enforcement, probation officers, the court system and other service and support agencies.
  • Provides prosecuting attorneys with information regarding victims. Assists prosecuting attorneys in witness preparation; coordinates witness management on cases prosecuted by the County Attorney's Office, including self-initiating contact with witnesses in preparation for trial. Answers questions from attorneys and follows up on inquiries regarding victim or witnesses. Schedules appointments, phone conferences, and meetings with victims and witnesses as requested by the assigned attorney or as initiated by the victim or witness.

• • Assists victims by attending and/or escorting victims to trial; provides emotional support throughout the trial; explains plea offers/deals; assists victims in coordinating travel, lodging, and child care as required.
  • Provides training and education services to the community and professional groups.
  • Assesses the training needs of the community and professional groups and develops and presents training materials.
  • Promotes community awareness of victimization issues by writing articles, press releases, public service announcements and presentations to local community and civic groups.
  • Represents the County Attorney on local advisory boards and task forces as assigned.
  • Communicates with the media as directed by the County Attorney.
  • Researches, prepares and presents continuing education topics to county employees, law enforcement, other service providers and the community as directed.
  • Develops brochures and other information addressing general victims rights including available resources and services.
  • Develops and administers victims assistance program services
  • Prepares grant applications and administers programs funded by Federal, State and private sources.
  • Completes reports required by funding sources.
  • Develops and communicates policies and procedures for program operation and protocols.
  • Remains current with victim rights legislative changes and notifies County Attorney staff of changes.
  • Develops and maintains legal documents and reports on database system.
  • Develops and monitors annual program and budget. Ensures adherence to funding source guidelines.
  • Performs other duties as necessary.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties performed.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in sociology, human services, psychology, criminal justice, or related field; one year of related experience working directly with victims of crime; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. A valid driver's license is required. Must successfully complete a criminal history background check.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Knowledge of criminal procedure and its application to crimes and crime victims from initial prosecution through final dispositions
• Knowledge of Minnesota Statutes, including but not limited to, 611A, 609.2242, 609.2247, and 609.344
• Knowledge of law enforcement investigative procedures
• Knowledge of local social service agencies and services they provide
• Knowledge of courtroom and testimony procedures
• Fundamental working knowledge of local operating systems and procedures, including but not limited to victim/witness locator tools
• Ability to be tactful and adept in dealing with a wide variety of people
• Ability to deal with the public in difficult/stressful situations
• Ability to work with and manage materials in a confidential manner
• Ability to organize workload to efficiently prioritize/meet multiple demands and deadlines
• Ability to work cooperatively with coworkers as a team player
• Ability to work independently on a variety of assignments
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions, adhere to schedules and perform work assignments
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department personnel, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, experts and the general public
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing

The qualifications listed above are guidelines. Other combinations of education and experience could provide necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform this job.