Victim Advocate

Franklin County • Union, MO

51d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Assistant Office Manager and Elected Prosecutor, provides criminal justice services to crime victims and witnesses; interviews and evaluates the needs of victims; provides referrals to community agencies; educates victims regarding the criminal justice system; attends and participates in court proceedings; prepare and processes program documentation; and performs other related duties as assigned. This position covers Franklin, Gasconade, and Osage Counties, so you will be traveling between these three Counties.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field
• Two (2) years of social work experience
• Valid Driver’s License
• Notary Public License
• Other specialized certification may be required
• Knowledge of County policies and procedures
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system
• Knowledge of judicial processes and procedures
• Knowledge of Victim rights and victim assistance programs
• Knowledge of processes for interviewing and assessing victims of crime
• Knowledge of Program records, reports, and documentation
• Knowledge of Community organizations and resources available to victims and their families
• Skills in coordinating and administering the County’s Victim Assistance Program
• Skills in providing criminal justice services and support to crime victims and witnesses
• Skills in interviewing and assessing victims and providing referrals for community assistance
• Skills in attending court proceedings and preparing a variety of case/program documentation
• Skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
• Skills in communicating clearly both verbally and in writing

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and provides for the delivery of comprehensive criminal justice services to victims and witnesses of various types of crimes occurring within Franklin County’s jurisdiction.
• Responds to inquiries and provides information and education regarding the Victim Assistance Program and the criminal justice system process
• Receives and reviews police reports and case files; identifies victims of felony, gross misdemeanor, and domestic violence crimes
• Interview victims and witnesses of crime and determines individual needs for assistance; provides resources and/or referrals to appropriate community agencies; responds to crisis situations
• Prepares and sends initial correspondence, insurance forms, and restitution forms to all victims; provides victims with information and assistance in preparing Department of Corrections, Victim/Witness Notification Program, and Crime Victims Compensation documents
• Schedules and coordinates interview between victims, witnesses, attorneys, and community based advocates in relation to felony, gross misdemeanor, and/or juvenile cases
• Conveys case status information to victims pertaining to trials and/or sentencing hearings
• Provides informational and emotional support to victims and witnesses during court proceedings; assists victims in the preparation of impact statements to the Court
• Presents and clarifies information during court proceedings; addresses inquiries pertaining to the evaluation process and provides specific case information to defense counsel
• Prepares and maintains a variety of program records, reports, and documentation; maintains and prepares grant reports
• Performs other duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level