Victim Services Assistant

JOB
GENERAL PURPOSE: Under general supervision, provides direct assistance and support to crime victims throughout the criminal justice process; Assesses victims’ needs and safety and assists victims in securing safety measures; Informs victims of their Crime Victims’ Rights; Accompanies victims to court and provides advocacy services; and acts as a referral source for victims to access community services.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Reviews copies of the police reports by the Casa Grande Police Department to be familiarized with the case prior to contacting the victims.Initiates contact with victims via telephone or in person prior to the Initial Appearance/Pretrial date to follow up on their cases.Informs victims about their constitutional rights, case status, court dates, court proceedings and the criminal justice process.Informs victims of the right to confer with the prosecutor about the plea agreement or disposition of the case.Provides support and empathetic listening to victims; assists victims with safety planning.Informs victims about Domestic Violence and the impact of violence on children.Assists victims with filing Orders of Protection or Injunctions Against Harassment.Assists victims with completing Victim Impact Statements that describe the emotional, physical and financial impact they have suffered as a direct result of the crime.Assists victims with filing Restitution or Victim Compensation claimsEscorts victims to court to provide support and advocacy.Provides victims with information about community resources or services available.Documents case notes and tracks victim support services.Follows up on the collection and distribution of restitution monies to victims.Performs other duties as assigned or required.SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Necessary Knowledge and Skills: Knowledge of the Criminal Justice System with an emphasis in Crime Victims’ Rights. Knowledge of methods and standard practices for advocacy, crisis intervention, and counseling.Knowledge of the operation of a personal computer and applications for word processing, graphic presentations, database management, etc.Knowledge of case management record keeping.Knowledge of Policies and Procedures.Knowledge of community resources available in various situations; social service agencies and their locations and referral acceptance information.Skill in interpreting laws and regulations.Skill in interacting with people of different social, economic and ethnic backgrounds.Skill in assessing the needs of individuals experiencing a crisis and engage appropriate intervention techniques.Skill in making decisions, maintaining composure and working effectively under stressful conditions and emergency situations. Maintaining confidentiality of victim information obtained in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes.Listening and communicating professionally and effectively, both orally and in writing.Physical Demands / Work Environment: Standard office environment.The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as needed.