Victim, Witness Coordinator

* A VERENON COUNTY APPLICATION must be completed to apply for this position. Please apply at vernoncountywi.gov, click on job opportunities and complete the standard application.*

I. Position Summary

This position description has been prepared to assist in evaluating duties, responsibilities, and skills of the position. It is not intended as a complete list of specific responsibilities and duties, nor is it intended to limit duties to those listed.
This is a specialized position under the direction of the District Attorney providing information and assistance to victims and witnesses of crimes and other appropriate parties pursuant to State Statutes. Employee must use independent judgment and maintain confidentiality.

II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversees and administers Victim/Witness program.
• Reviews criminal files to identify victims for Chapter 950 notification.
• Refers witnesses of homicide and family members of victims of homicide directly to appropriate community service agencies in order to meet immediate and long term needs. Follows up on referrals.
• Provides advocacy and liaison services to crime victims and witnesses including orientation as to their rights, applicable court procedures, location of court proceedings, and availability of protective services.
• Advises victims of State crime victim compensation program and assists in filing claims.
• Informs witnesses of witness fees and assists in application for payment.
• Monitors case progress; maintains contact with victims and witnesses to notify them of case status, final disposition, subpoena cancellation, and any known significant developments.
• Notifies victims/witnesses of scheduled appearances. Resolves potential problems to ensure witness’ appearance as appropriate, including transportation, lodging or other special needs.
• Reassures reluctant witnesses, ensuring continued involvement with the criminal justice system. Acts as a court escort as required or requested by witnesses/victims.
• Provides crime victim and witnesses support during the criminal prosecution and court proceedings.
• Assists assigned Prosecutor during court proceedings, as requested and in preparing witnesses for hearings and trial with special attention to child victims/witnesses and victims of sensitive crimes.
• Provides waiting area for victims and witnesses prior to and during court proceedings.
• Assists victims in preparing Victim Impact Statements for use by the Court and Prosecutor in sentencing.
• Assists victims in filing petitions for restraining orders when incident is reported to law enforcement.
• Informs victims and witnesses of protection services available and alerts the prosecutor and law enforcement agencies of threats and/or harassment.
• Determines and verifies restitution claims in preparation for sentencing. Coordinates restitution with prosecutor.
• Assists in timely return of property held as evidence to victims of crime.
• Prepares program periodic state reimbursement requests and required state reports. Prepares annual plan and prepares two state budgets (semi-annually).
• Prepares informational brochures and conducts informational sessions with agencies and the public; provides training to law enforcement personnel.
• May serve on numerous victim related projects and committees throughout the state.
• Maintains reference of available community services (eligibility requirements, services offered, hours of operation, location, telephone number, fee, and contact person if known), including general and specialized counseling and abused person groups and agencies.
• Sets up and maintains program files, computer and other record keeping systems.
• Composes, prepares, and types memos, reports, letters, etc. in a confidential manner.

III. Related Job Functions

• Responsible for working safely and following safety practices and standards
• Establish and maintain effective working relationship with co-workers and others
• Attends staff meetings and training sessions
• Performs related work as required or

IV. Physical Demands

• Ability to sit, stand, and move around for extended periods.
• Proficiency in keyboarding and using office equipment such as computers, printers, and copiers.
• Capable of lifting and carrying light to moderate office supplies.
• Visual acuity to read printed materials and view computers screen for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity to operate office equipment and perform tasks such as filing and organizing paperwork.
• Ability to communicate with the public and Vernon County staff in-person and on the phone.
• May occasionally handle stressful situations and short deadlines.
• May travel to other offices or sites for meetings, mail, etc.
• Involves minimal potential and/or direct exposure to blood or body fluids.

V. Education and Training Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited high School or GED, Degree in legal, social work, or criminal justice area equivalent to two years of school beyond high school graduation, supplemented with legal or court-related experience. Requires computer experience including word-processing and accounting applications. Or any acceptable equivalent combination of training and Must have valid Wisconsin driver’s license and reliable transportation with adequate auto insurance to meet minimum County requirements, or access to reliable transportation for City and rural travel.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation with adequate auto insurance to meet minimum County requirements, or access to reliable transportation for city and rural travel.

Wage and Benefits

• $26.62- $29.40
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation
• Wisconsin Retirement System
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability - waived premiums.
• $10,000 Life Insurance Policy - Employer Paid.
• Health Insurance - Low & High Deductible Plan with eligible FSA or HSA plans.
• Dental & Vision Group Rate Plans
• Deferred Compensation - Wisconsin Deferred Comp & Nationwide
• Other Supplemental Insurances Include - Life Insurance, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity.
• Employee Assistance Program.

Vernon County Human Resources
400 Courthouse Square, Suite 300
Viroqua, WI 54665

Telephone: 608-637-5301
Fax: 608-638-7262

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm

* A VERENON COUNTY APPLICATION must be completed to apply for this position. Please apply at vernoncountywi.gov, click on job opportunities and complete the standard application.*

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.62 - $29.40 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person