Victim/Witness Specialist Advocate

Employment Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Experience Required: 2-4 years in professional office environment
Minimum Education Requirements: Requires a BA/BS in Social Services or closely related field, one (1) year of experience in Social Work or related field providing direct services to victims, and two (2) years’ experience with computers and legal office procedures, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
Direct Supervisor: Victim Witness Director
Primary Work Location: Office and courtroom settings
Work Environment: Work is performed in office and courtroom settings in potentially volatile situations with clients who have undergone physical and emotional trauma. Potential exposure to verbal abuse and graphically explicit language about abuse.
Physical requirements: This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects. Regular required tasks include sitting; talking or hearing, in-person, and virtual meetings; using hands to handle or operate standard office equipment; and reaching with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk, bend, kneel, and stand; in addition, use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information, and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret people and situations; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new information or skills. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Certification: None

Job Summary: The Victim/Witness Specialist Advocate coordinates and conducts initial assessment interviews with victims and witnesses to offer support services and guide individuals through the criminal justice process. Escorts victims and their families to court for support, offers assistance in obtaining protective orders, explains criminal justice processes, and prepares victims to testify in court.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides assistance to victims of crime with priority given to the safety of victims and, if applicable, other family or household members
• Makes direct contact with victims and witnesses to provide support, referral, and comprehensive information regarding victim’s rights, available options, community resources and the legal system. Maintains ongoing contact with victims and witnesses in order to provide information and to keep them engaged in the legal process. Assists in making arrangements for attendance at court hearings and in preparation as witnesses. Explains process of criminal prosecution to victims and attends court with victims
• Conducts victim assessment interviews to collect and analyze the information involving the immediate crime and any prior history, including safety concerns and risk factors. Effectively documents observations and recommendations for further reference, preparing and maintaining intake forms and activity logs. Makes recommendations that are reviewed by prosecutors when assessing the ability of victims and witnesses to assist in the prosecution
• Prepares correspondence and/or reports, tracks cases, and uses a computer to obtain, collect and evaluate information
• Engages in ongoing education and professional networking to maintain a high level of knowledge and competency in legal developments; trauma informed practices; developments in strategies to address violence; and pertinent community resources and programs
• Notifies witnesses of change or cancellation of court date and keeps victims and witnesses informed of case status

Knowledge

• Knowledge of investigatory and trial processes related to victimization, domestic violence, and other criminal cases including interviewing and assessment, court rules and procedures
• Knowledge of the dynamics of victimization and community protocols for domestic violence cases
• Safety, risk and sensitivity concerns, precautions, practices and procedures applicable to assigned area
• Understand and respond competently and appropriately to cultural differences
• Read, understand, learn, interpret, and appropriately apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and protocols pertinent to this position

Skills

• Courtroom protocol and decorum
• Office procedures and practices
• Skill in using computers and software appropriate to this position
• Communicate sensitive and graphically explicit information on abuse effectively, both orally and in writing, in clear, concise language appropriate for the purpose and parties addressed
• Respond effectively in crisis and emergency situations and exert a calming influence on, reassure and advise individuals in crisis

Abilities

• Ability to objectively organize, prioritize and coordinate work in a fast-paced environment in order to meet goals and objectives
• Ability to listen effectively with attention to detail, ask pertinent questions and apply critical thinking skills to obtain and provide necessary information and assist in the solution of problems
• Demonstrate use of sound judgment in referring matters beyond the scope of knowledge and authority
• Ability and willingness to maintain confidentiality
• Regular work attendance is required

To Apply
All applicants must apply online at click here
Application review will begin as soon as possible. Position open until filled.

Rockingham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer