The position of Victim/Witness Advocate is to serve as an advocate to victims and witnesses and assist them in navigating through the criminal justice system. This position also provides complex administrative functions. The Victim/Witness Assistance Program protects the rights of victims and witnesses of crime set forth in the Code of Virginia (§ 19.2-11.01) Crime victim and witness rights. Please note that this is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continuation of grant funds.
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.
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Receives, screens and directs inquiries both by phone and in person, from victims, other service providers, attorneys, law enforcement and the general public.
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Processes incoming and outgoing mail; answers telephone inquiries related to the program; maintains, organizes, and keeps up to date records and files.
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Provides direct services including contact with victims to assure victims are provided information related to court appearances and hearings, as well as informing them of changes in the time and date of those appearances and hearings.
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Serves as an advocate and liaison on crime for the victim's behalf assuring their rights are protected.
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Works as a liaison between victims, witnesses and prosecutors.
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Provides court support to victims and/or petitioners and witnesses during trials, hearings and injunction hearings.
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Assesses the victim's emotional, physical, safety and financial needs; makes referrals to community resources; provides information regarding the Virginia Crime Victims Compensation program and assists with the application process.
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Provides crisis intervention services to crime victims.
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Provides appearance information to witnesses; provides employer intercession services when requested; seeks to resolve any appearance problems to assure witness appearance in court; notifies witnesses and law enforcement agencies of changes of cancelation of court dates.
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Compiles restitution documentation, including estimates, medical bills, insurance documentation etc. submitted by victims.
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Prepares restitution worksheet to be submitted with supporting documents to the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, the courts, and defense attorneys. Works collaboratively with victims to determine accurate restitution to assure victims receive compensation for their losses.
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Accompany victims to hearings in which they are required to testify.
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Works with social service agencies, law enforcement agencies, social services and community organizations to provide a coordinated community response for crime victims and the victimization experienced.
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Participates in ongoing training, classes, courses, etc. regarding changing laws, developments in services and specialties, etc.
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Works with volunteers and student interns in coordinated effort to provide services within the victim/witness assistance program.
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Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
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Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice, social work, sociology, or psychology, or other closely related field,
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Two years previous experience working within the criminal justice system, working with crime victims or working with individuals in crisis;
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Or equivalent combination.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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Ability to acquire and maintain knowledge of current information related to Victim/Witness services, including, but not limited to: criminal justice system and legal procedures; victims' rights and services; community-based programs and resources to determine appropriate literature and information to provide with client correspondence.
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Ability to prepare and maintain case records in an accurate, legible, and organized manner.
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Ability to maintain a professional demeanor when dealing with the public.
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Ability to take control of situations, dictating subordinate activities in a responsible manner.
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Knowledge, skill, and ability to understand and use legal terminology, legal format, and processes.
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Knowledge of Virginia Statutes and ongoing statutory and procedural changes.
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Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.
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Ability to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
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Ability to read and accurately interpret statutory language regarding administrative details of the legal process.
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Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other local and statewide legal system agencies, law enforcement agencies, interdepartmental office personnel, media, other employees, attorneys, victims, witnesses, family members, and the general public.
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Knowledge and use of VINE, VINELINK, and other required software.
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General knowledge of standard office procedures, practices, equipment and office assistance techniques.
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Ability to type accurately at a reasonable rate of speed.
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Ability to operate standard office equipment and perform word processing and/or data entry.
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General knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.
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Ability to work the allocated hours of the position.
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Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.