Job Description

Posting number: 11218

Department: Criminal District Attorney

Job classification: Coordinator, Victim Assistance - Criminal District Attorney's Office

Posting type: Open

Categories: Criminology, Community and Social Services

Summary

The Victim Assistance Coordinator delivers a system of support to crime victims through notification and information about the criminal justice processes and makes referrals to other social services agencies. Serves as the first contact victims have with the Criminal District Attorney's Office and remains in constant contact with the victim throughout the case. Provides assistance to all victims and witnesses of crime in assigned caseload.

Examples of duties

1. Serves as the first contact for victims, misdemeanor and felony, of violent crime and property crimes filed and accepted through the Criminal District Attorney’s Office. Maintains contact with victims throughout the complex criminal justice process. Works as part of a multi-disciplinary team to assist victims.
2. Keeps victims informed of the status of their case by mail and phone contact. Provides emotional support by allowing victims to express their frustrations, anger, guilt, and/or fear and responding appropriately to their feelings. Independently determines course of action in responding to victims and or families.
3. Assists victims in achieving, to the practical extent possible all the provisions set out in the Rights of Crime Victims, Chapter 56, Code of Criminal Procedure, specific to their situation. Advocates for victims, when necessary, in ensuring that they receive assistance and benefits for which they may be eligible. Assists in obtaining information and in the completion of the Victim Impact Statement and Crime Victim Compensation Application.
4. May provide translation services to non-English speaking victims and witnesses as requested by prosecutors and/or investigators.
5. Documents contact with victims in the prosecutor file as appropriate.
6. Assists prosecutors and investigators in interviewing victims and witnesses; coordinates appointments and trial appearances.
7. Provides follow up on special requests from prosecutors and investigators for appropriate community and victim service referrals.
8. Records and maintains statistical data on work activities and reports that information to the Director as required.
9. Accompanies crime victims to court proceedings, meetings with prosecutors and/or investigators. Provides a general orientation of court processes and assists as necessary.
10. Networks with community service providers who work with victims. Regularly attends and participates in community social service meetings that focus on victim issues or assistance. Works closely with law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, investigators, Board of Pardon and parole and the judiciary in delivering support to victims.
11. May train and supervise interns and volunteers assigned to the unit. Makes independent decisions as to how to best integrate volunteers and interns for maximum learning opportunity.
12. Provides crisis counseling as necessary. Makes assessment for longer term counseling as necessary and provides referrals based on this assessment.
13. Interviews victims to assess needs and makes appropriate referrals.
14. Engages victim in safety planning as needed and takes appropriate steps to ensure the safety of the victim. Makes independent decisions as to the safest course of action and follows through.
15. Accompanies and assists prosecutors and /or investigators with home visits to assess disabled victims or victims who are unable to travel.
16. Provides training to the office on victim rights.
17. Provides necessary services for witnesses for the State as requested by investigators and/or prosecutors.
18. May be called upon to testify.
19. Performs all other victim service duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• Degree in social work, criminal justice, sociology, or a closely related field preferred.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Two (2) years experience working with victims in social services field or related experience.
• Experience in the criminal justice field preferred. Social work licensure or other closely related licensure preferred.
• Must have knowledge of the criminal justice system processes.
• Must be able to empathize with victims and families; effectively and efficiently serve victims and families within the context of the criminal justice setting.
• Must be able to handle a high stress environment, maintaining effective personal emotional coping skills.
• Have high moral and ethical standards.
• Must be able to work well in an interdisciplinary team setting.
• Must be able to make independent and sound decisions based on each individual situation following the policies established by the unit and the responsibilities that are dictated by statute.
• Writing, computer and communication skills.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English or Vietnamese/English) skills preferred.

Supplemental information

While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is regularly required to bend, carry, climb stairs, grasp/squeeze, hear, keyboard, kneel, lift below the waist, lift between waist and shoulder, lift overhead, lift to the side/twist, tolerate noise, pull, push, reach, reach overhead, perform repetitive tasks, see color, see near, sit, stand, stoop, talk, twist, use his/her hands, walk, work alone and with others, and work overtime.