Victim Advocate G117 State Court Solicitor

Columbus Consolidated Government•Columbus, GA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for assisting victims and witnesses of crime in understanding and navigating the criminal justice process. Collaborating with the Columbus Police Department, Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jail to identify the victim early in the process and provide aid and guidance. Establishes contact with victims and witnesses of crimes; shares information about the program; collects personal contact information. Advocates for and provides support and encouragement to victims, in the courtroom, at home, in the hospital, at funerals. Corresponds with Jail, Columbus Police Department, Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, Probation, to obtain information about the status of defendants; provides victims with information. Increase the number of services provided to early-identified victims. Attending first appearance hearings. Assists victims and witnesses in making transportation, travel, and hotel arrangements to attend court. Refers victims to other social service agencies and programs as appropriate; serves as liaison between victims and other agencies. Attends court hearings, bond hearings, guilty pleas, trial hearings, and arraignments; acts as liaison between prosecutors and victims/witnesses to provide support and share information and status. Requests medical releases for the Solicitor General’s Office to obtain information on the victim’s injuries for trial and for use in preparing Victim Compensation Claims. Compiles and submits victim compensation claims to the Georgia Crime Compensation Program. Attends victim meetings and training programs of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and other related training. Orders and maintains office supplies. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of the criminal justice system and legal terminology.
Knowledge of victim compensation programs and available resources.
Knowledge of state court practices and procedures.
Skill in basic accounting.
Skill in operating office equipment such as a computer and related software, calculator, fax machine, and telephone.
Skill in interpersonal relations.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Completion of specialized training in the occupational field.
Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

Responsibilities

Assisting victims and witnesses of crime in understanding and navigating the criminal justice process.
Collaborating with law enforcement and jail personnel to identify victims early and provide aid.
Establishing contact with victims and witnesses, sharing program information, and collecting contact details.
Advocating for and providing support and encouragement to victims in various settings.
Corresponding with relevant agencies to obtain defendant status updates and relay information to victims.
Increasing services for early-identified victims.
Attending first appearance hearings.
Assisting victims and witnesses with travel and accommodation arrangements for court appearances.
Referring victims to other social service agencies and acting as a liaison.
Attending court hearings and acting as a liaison between prosecutors and victims/witnesses.
Requesting medical releases to obtain injury information for trial and compensation claims.
Compiling and submitting victim compensation claims.
Attending victim meetings and training programs.
Ordering and maintaining office supplies.
Performing other related duties as assigned.