Victim Specialist

City of Brockton•Brockton, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The primary goal of the Brockton Police Department's Victim Assistance Program is to assist victims in the immediate crime aftermath and to reduce the instance and/or level of secondary victimization associated with the court process. The victim specialist will aid in the prosecution of criminal cases by ensuring that crime victims and witnesses are provided with the entitlements and services mandated by the Massachusetts Victim Bill of Rights (M.G.L. c. 258B), along with those additional services specifically provided as a policy of the Brockton Police Department's Victim Assistance Program. The Victim Specialist will provide information, support, and advocacy services to victims, witnesses, and their families throughout the criminal justice process.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a social studies, social service, criminal justice or related field
One to three (1 - 3) years of victim advocacy experience preferred
Superior interpersonal and communication (both written and verbal) skills
Ability to work effectively in a high-pressure environment with multiple deadlines without sacrificing quality
Interest in and respect for the public sector and the work of the Brockton Police Department, along with a working knowledge of the criminal justice system
The ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity regarding the information shared by victims, witnesses, and family members as well as that learned in the Brockton Police Department
A general knowledge of office practices and legal principles
Must have a valid Massachusetts Driver's License and a reliable vehicle

Nice To Haves

Multilingual skills highly recommended

Responsibilities

Explain to victims, witnesses, and family members the court process and their rights throughout that process
Provide crisis intervention for victims, witnesses, and family members
Gather and maintain statistical data for reporting purposes and program evaluation
Accompany victims, witnesses, and family members to court and, when appropriate, work with the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office Victim Assistance Unit
Provide written and verbal notification to victims and witnesses regarding arrests, arraignments, pre-trial conferences, motions, hearings, grand jury appearances, trials, defaults, dispositions, restitution hearings, sentencing, and appellate proceedings
Assess and evaluate victim needs and assist with referrals for appropriate services including shelter, mental health counseling, peer support groups, emergency financial assistance, protection, and relocation
Provide formal and informal education and training to criminal justice and community agencies regarding victim rights and victim witness services
Participate in and/or facilitate community discussions
Performs other duties as assigned by the Community Engagement Supervisor