Victim Services Specialist

The Victim Witness Assistant is a prosecution-based victim advocate whose goal is to reduce the impact of the crime and resulting involvement in the criminal justice system on the lives of victims and witnesses.

Department: Carroll County Attorney
Reports to: Director, Victim/Witness Services

• Acts as a liaison between victims and Prosecution and Court staff
• Accompanies victims to court proceedings and informs them about their constitutional and statutory mandated victims’ rights
• Notifies victims about restitution eligibility and other economic recovery options available and; processes restitution requests and victim impact statements
• Assists victims with securing Orders of Protection and Injunctions Against Harassment
• Assesses the needs of victims and acts as a resource for community service referrals; and engages in follow-up contact, as needed, with domestic violence victims after case disposition.
• Ensures thorough case documentation, using both paper-based and computer-automated case management systems
• Maintains statistical records on victims served and services provided
• Works with the prosecuting attorneys and staff to improve services to victims.
• Recommends policy and procedure revisions as deemed necessary to improve the work environment and assists in training volunteer staff in Victim Services.
• Provides training on victim rights and crime victim-related issues

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or related field.

• Knowledge of New Hampshire law as it relates to victim rights and restitution, legislative issues and changes that affect victims’ rights, criminal justice system procedures and legal terminology; and crisis intervention techniques.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to remain calm and utilize appropriate techniques in high-stress situations. The ability to set aside personal bias, prejudice, and fears to effectively communicate and respond to a diverse population of victims, prosecutors, and service providers.
• The ability to network with community outreach organizations to keep updated resource information.
• The ability to interact with other agencies and representatives on behalf of the victim to ensure rights and to provide assistance when deemed appropriate and/or necessary.
• The ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the position.
• Knowledge of standard office equipment and software including the Microsoft suite of products as well as other industry-specific programs and packages.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work in an interruptive high-paced environment.