Victim Services Specialist

Description

Essential Functions

Coordinate programs and services for victims and witnesses of misdemeanor and felony crimes; provide guidance and support throughout investigative processes.

The following functions are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the positon if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Determines and evaluates victim experiences and needs.

Makes referrals and recommendations regarding counseling, safety needs and concerns, housing, food and other needs.

Provides information and assistance regarding criminal justice processes, what to expect in their particular cases, victim's rights, victim notification of custody status changes and case information, temporary protective orders, bond conditions, compensation and restitution programs and individualized safety plans.

Provides crisis intervention as needed.

Evaluates cases and offers appropriate recommendations.

Reviews police reports, 911 calls, pictures, medical records, criminal histories, etc.

Compiles and submits data on high risk defendants to appropriate law enforcement and judicial agencies.

Assesses cases and make recommendations to prosecutors and investigators regarding case dispositions, victim's desires, defendant's criminal history, lethality factors, etc.

Refers cases as required by law to Department of Family and Children Services and Adult Protective Services.

Assists as a liaison between the prosecution teams and the victims.

Schedules and attends field visits to interview victims with prosecutors and investigators.

Collaborates with prosecutors to ensure the victims voices are heard throughout the pendency of the case.

Relays victim information and requests to the prosecutors.

Assists prosecutors and investigators with necessary follow-up questions.

Communicates with the District Attorney’s Office on cases pending which involve the same parties.

Assists with addressing and transportation or safety issues.

Assists with preparing the victims to face and testify against their abuser in court.

Advises prosecutors of any violations of bond, Temporary Protective Orders or potential escalation of danger to the victim.

Attends court sessions and provides support to the victim during court proceedings.

Conducts a welfare check as needed.

Performs community outreach and participates in community-based initiatives. Provides information and education on issues related to domestic violence, violent crimes, victim assistance and related issues to the public, law enforcement, and others.

Serves on a variety of committees and task forces.

Builds and maintains relationships with community officers and community-based advocates to coordinate services for mutual clients.

Performs administrative duties in compliance with established local, state and federal laws.

Maintains victim information in case management system for statistical and communication purposes.

Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Education & Experience

Associate's Degree in Social Work or related field required; two years of experience in criminal justice, law enforcement, social justice, or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina.

Physical Demands

Physical Requirements

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work occasionally requires walking, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms; work requires depth perception, color perception and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office with typewriters and/or computer printers, light traffic).