Victim Advocate (4673-31)

Hamilton County, Ohio • Cincinnati, OH

7d • $50,000

About The Position

The Victim & Witness Advocate Program works with victims and witnesses to keep them advised of the criminal law process and the status of their cases. Victim Advocates work in the Common Pleas, Municipal and Juvenile Courts, assisting victims, witnesses, and the Assistant Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney assigned to the cases. Advocates sit with victims in courtrooms during trial and assist with invoking rights under Ohio's Victim Rights, including the right to be present/heard and to receive notification of court proceedings or offender release. Advocates serve as a liaison for counseling and compensation sources and ensure notification of defendant release dates from prison is also provided.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required; social service or counseling related degree preferred, but not required.
• Background check required.
• Knowledge of legal proceedings and terms helpful.
• Ability to manage and complete multiple tasks.
• Team player with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Reliable attendance.
• Effective time management skills.
• Highly organized, detail oriented and quick learning ability when new tasks are assigned.
• Flexible and motivated.
• Strong computer skills and comfortable learning and navigating new and different data systems.

Responsibilities

• Act as support person for victims
• Accompany victims to court proceedings
• Serve as liaison between the victims and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
• Provide information to the victims about the court system
• Provide victim rights information
• Make referrals to social service agencies (counseling, support groups, shelters, etc.)
• Notify victims of grand jury results, trial dates, continuances, bond hearings, sentencing dates, and any other hearings
• Assist victims in preparing Victim Impact Statements
• Provide victims with information and applications for Victims of Crime Compensation; can also assist victims in completing the application
• Assist victims in obtaining protection orders
• Provide information regarding VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) - the registration system for notification of an offender's release
• Assist victims with Safe at Home address confidentiality program (assistants are Certified Application Assistants through the Ohio Secretary of State)
• Obtain medical releases and medical records
• Coordinate scheduling of interpreters
• Provide victims with parole board and post adjudication information
• Professionalism and confidentiality are essential

Benefits

• Full-time role; paid bi-weekly; paid vacation, sick time, two annual personal days.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, HRA, Dental, Vision, Employer-Paid Life Insurance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility, Wellness Incentives, Employee Assistance Plan.
• Ohio Public Employee’s Retirement System which includes a 10% employee contribution and a 14% employer contribution.
• The Prosecutor is an equal employment opportunity employer. The Prosecutor has a strict policy against any form of unlawful discrimination. The Prosecutor prohibits such harassment by or against all employees, vendors, clients and visitors. It is the policy of the Prosecutor to provide a working atmosphere free from discriminatory insult, intimidation and other forms of harassment.

What This Job Offers

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