Victims Advocate - Witness Coordinator

Emmet County

TITLE: VICTIM ADVOCATE/WITNESS COORDINATOR I

DEPARTMENT: Prosecuting Attorney

SUPERVISOR: Office Manager

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Office Manager, provides for and coordinates the court appearancesof victims andwitnesses for the Prosecuting Attorney’s office. Keeps victims andwitnesses advised of the status of the case, assists with transportation arrangements and appropriate accommodations when necessary, computes court time and mileage for the issuance of subpoena fees, and compiles data for reports. Works with victims of all crimes including co-victims of homicides, domestic violence and sexual assault. Listed as Project Director for the associated grant which includes quarterly reporting, drafting of the grant applications including Crime Victims' Rights Week. Works closely with Women's Resource Center (WRC) for victim assistance and potential Stop Grant funds.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Essential Duties:

· Contacts victims of domestic violence, criminal sexual conduct crimes, co-victims of homicide, and all other crimes that fall under the Crime Victims' Rights Act once a warrant is authorized to explain court process and assess any needs and/or direction to services available in the community to them.

· Notifies victims andwitnesses by phone and/or letter of date and time of scheduled court appearances.

· Informs victims of the Michigan Crime Victim Notification Network (MCVNN) and assists in registering interested victims for automated telephone notification of court information.

· Assists with arrangements for appropriate accommodations for out of state victims andwitnesses as needed.

· Assists in preparing victims for court. Provides tours of the courthouse and courtrooms, court orientation and any other available services to assist them prior to their appearance in court.

· Attends court proceedings with victims and explains the criminal justice process

· Organizes victims andwitnesses to be called for testimony by compiling lists from information submitted by each Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.

Assists the prosecuting attorney throughout the court process as it relates to victims, witnesses, and restitution.

· Provides a safe and private area for victims while they await court appearances.

· Attend and coordinate meetings with the victim and the prosecuting attorney.

· Assists victims with the completion of Victim Impact Statements, Restitution forms and compensation applications from the Crime Victim Services Commission and provides direction to the Women's Resource Center (WRC) to complete any Personal Protection Order (PPO) paperwork.

Drafts paperwork for payment of witness fees by computing total amount of court time and mileage for each witness according to statute pay scale.

· Analyzes police reports to obtain pertinent information regarding restitution.

· Assist Prosecuting Attorney and area agencies to develop procedures, policies, and programs to aid and assist victims of crime and coordinate services between the Prosecutor’s Office and other service providers such as Women's Resource Center (WRC).

· Provides victims with information regarding services available to them through the county jail, Department of Corrections and the Parole Board.

· Provide victim with notification and information should a defendant appeal a conviction.

Remain abreast of all current procedures, laws, and regulation pertinent to victims' rights responsibilities, including attendance at training sessions, workshops, and seminars as directed the Prosecuting Attorney or Office Manager.

• Provides back-up coverage for Legal Assistant positions as it relates to victim/witnesses and performs related work as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

Possession of a valid Michigan Driver’s License to travel between courts and to attend training. Requires a personal background investigation including a criminal history check.

Must be able to apply and qualify to be a licensed notary.

KNOWLEDEGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of and ability to coordinate services with nonprofit and governmental agencies regarding issues of domestic violence, sexual assault, victimization and crisis intervention. Ability to multi-task and adapt to address the needs of a multitude of different victim scenarios. Must be able to effectively handle and cope with vicarious stress from many sources. An attention to detail and excellent communications skills are necessary for this position. Must be computer literate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Duties require sufficient mobility to work in a normal office setting and use standard office equipment including a computer, vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone.

These requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

EDUCATION

Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.

EXPERIENCE

A minimum of one (1) year of experience in a Prosecutor’s Office or the criminal justice system working with victims of crime.

This class description intends to identify the major duties and requirements of the job and should not be interpreted as all inclusive. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related duties other than those outlined above and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge for successful job performance.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.85 - $24.05 per hour

Benefits:

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

Work Location: In person