Victim's Advocate

General Summary:

The Victim’s Assistance Coordinator works under the general direction of the County Prosecutor, but is required to exercise a high level of independent judgment and action. The advocates’ primary responsibility is to assist crime victims who have suffered emotional, physical or other difficulties as a result of being victimized. She/he will ensure that these victims receive the benefit of all community services available to regain their physical and emotional well-being, as well as ease the stress and uncertainty associated with having to appear in Court proceedings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

An employee in this position may be called upon to perform any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. An individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Prepares victim rights budget in compliance with provisions set out by the Office of Criminal Justice and County policy for the Department of Community Health and the County. Maintains adequate program and fiscal records and files including source documentation to support program activities and all expenditures.

2. Complete all reporting forms and reports required for Crime Victim Rights funding as required by authority of M.C.L.A. 780.907 — 780.9.11.

3. Develops policies and procedures in the implementation of the Victim Rights Act.

4. Designs brochures and forms to implement the Victim Rights Act.

5. Attends mandatory State Victim Forums, trainings and conferences provided through the State.

6. Makes initial victim contact by letter in reference to exercising rights pursuant to the Victim Rights Act. Complies with requests by victims in the exercising of rights as provided for by the statute.

7. Prepares informational packets for juvenile crime victims including victim notification letters along with court proceedings.

8. Meets with victims pursuant to the Victim Rights Act including families on appropriate uncharged cases.

9. Provides trial support to attorneys prior to and during Circuit, District and Probate trials, including but not limited to scheduling prospective witness interviews for trial, maintaining contact with trial witnesses, witness preparation for trial.

10. Schedules Victims Rights division to provide support to victims at sentencing, including helping victims draft victim impact statements when requested.

11. Creates and maintains victim files with all proper documentation while complying with strict confidentiality requirements.

12. Assists victims in completing personal protection order packets.

13. Files Crime Victim Compensation forms as provided by victims and assists in the completion of said application when required.

14. Investigates and documents victim losses in District, Circuit and Probate Courts and files appropriate paperwork to secure restitution orders, including working with court personnel in complying with the requests of victims seeking to exercise their rights.

15. Works with County law enforcement agencies, probation departments and the Department of Corrections in fulfilling victim’s rights under the statute.

16. Provides Department of Community Health Crime Services Commission with monitoring, budgetary and planning information.

17. Organizes and prepares activities for the annual Crime Victims’ Rights Week including preparing the annual budget for the event. Gives oral presentations to groups or individuals educating them about victim rights and issues.

18. Keeps the Prosecutor apprised of case status and high profile and sensitive cases.

19. Collects and analyzes victimization data, and prepares necessary reports and documents.

20. May assist walk-in visitors and answer the telephone, providing information on department services and procedures or directs them to appropriate person or office for assistance.

21. Work is occasionally very demanding mentally and visually. Good organizational skills, special and intense mental application or attention to details is necessary.

22. Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Pay: $26.88 - $30.70 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

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

Work Location: In person