Crime Victim Services Coordinator

COUNTY OF REDWOOD•Redwood Falls, MN

2d•$28 - $39•Onsite

About The Position

Coordinates victim services programs, including providing advocacy to victims of crime; developing and administering program services; educating community and professional groups; assisting attorneys with victim and witness contacts and meetings; and coordinating and managing grants, including monitoring the annual budget. The coordinator provides crisis, emotional, legal, and practical support to victims; informs them about their rights and case proceedings; responds to emergency requests; and connects them with relevant agencies and services. The role also supports prosecuting attorneys with witness preparation and case-related communications, develops and presents training and public education, and administers grant-funded victim assistance programs and their reporting requirements. The position is based at the Redwood County Justice Center in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, and is listed as full-time, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with less than 25% travel.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in sociology, human services, psychology, criminal justice, or a related field, plus one year of related experience working directly with victims of crime; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid, unrestricted Minnesota driver's license.
Successful completion of a criminal history background check.
Knowledge of criminal procedure and its application to crimes and crime victims from initial prosecution through final disposition.
Knowledge of Minnesota Statutes, including but not limited to 611A, 609.2242, 609.2247, and 609.344.
Knowledge of law enforcement investigative procedures, local social service agencies and their services, and courtroom and testimony procedures.
Fundamental working knowledge of local operating systems and procedures, including victim/witness locator tools.
Ability to deal tactfully with a wide variety of people and with the public in difficult or stressful situations.
Ability to handle materials confidentially, organize work, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines.
Ability to work cooperatively as a team member and independently on a variety of assignments.
Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions, adhere to schedules, and perform work assignments.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department personnel, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, experts, and the public.
Effective oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

Provide advocacy services to victims, including crisis intervention, support counseling, transportation, emergency housing, information, and referrals.
Coordinate victim advocacy services and meet grant reporting requirements in accordance with applicable guidelines and timelines.
Provide legal advocacy, including assistance with Orders for Protection and Harassment Restraining Orders, and accompaniment to court hearings.
Advise victims about their rights, court hearings, court procedures, and decisions under applicable statutes, including Minn. Stat. 611A.
Maintain communications with victims and provide accurate, timely case information.
Assist victims with restitution or reparations, prosecution processes, and victim impact statements.
Respond to emergency requests for victims and facilitate communications with social services, law enforcement, probation, courts, and other support agencies.
Provide prosecuting attorneys with victim information and assist with witness preparation and witness management, including initiating contact in preparation for trial.
Respond to attorney inquiries and schedule appointments, phone conferences, and meetings with victims and witnesses.
Attend or escort victims to trial, provide emotional support, explain plea offers or deals, and help coordinate travel, lodging, and child care as needed.
Assess community and professional training needs and develop and present training materials and continuing education topics.
Promote community awareness through articles, press releases, public service announcements, presentations, brochures, and other informational materials.
Represent the County Attorney on assigned local advisory boards and task forces and communicate with the media as directed by the County Attorney.
Prepare grant applications, administer federally, state, and privately funded programs, and complete reports required by funding sources.
Develop and communicate program policies, procedures, and protocols; monitor the annual program and budget; and ensure compliance with funding guidelines.
Stay current on changes to victim-rights legislation and notify County Attorney staff of changes.
Develop and maintain legal documents and reports in a database system.
Perform other duties as necessary.