Victim Support Specialist

El Paso County•El Paso, CO

About The Position

This position assists and supports victims of violent crime and their families as they progress through the criminal justice system. The specialist initiates contact with victims, provides information and referrals, helps with victim compensation applications and impact statements, and offers ongoing support through the conclusion of court cases. The role also coordinates witnesses, works with legal professionals and other agencies, maintains case and victim data, and prepares statistical reports. The position receives general supervision and may provide subject-matter expertise or limited guidance to other employees.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent education.
Three years of experience working with victims. An associate’s degree in a related field may substitute for one year of required experience; a bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for two years.
Knowledge of the criminal justice system and processes.
Knowledge of laws and board guidelines covering victim compensation, victims’ rights, victim impact statements, and restitution.
Knowledge of the psychological nature of victimization, particularly domestic violence.
Knowledge of community resources and services.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ability to perform accurate, timely data entry.
Excellent customer service skills and strong written and oral communication skills, including communicating with individuals under stressful conditions.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, manage multiple tasks, and ensure accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to communicate effectively with victims, families, leadership, government officials, agencies, legal professionals, law enforcement, managers, and the public.
Ability to speak, read, and write English clearly and fluently; read and interpret charges, legal documents, statutes, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations; write reports and business correspondence; and present information and respond to questions.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts, collect and compile basic statistics, and apply common-sense understanding to instructions and problems in standardized situations.
Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a telephone, computer, copier, and calculator.
Valid driver’s license that must be maintained.
Must pass a conditional post-offer background investigation and reference check.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, or a related field.
Experience working with victims in a legal or law enforcement environment.
Victim Advocacy certificate.
A secondary language.

Responsibilities

Initiate contact with victims of violent crime soon after the crime and arrange follow-up meetings, engaging with victims and families compassionately and professionally.
Provide victims and families with information about emergency assistance and ongoing social services, assess needs, and make referrals based on knowledge of local resources.
Assist victims with victim compensation applications, victim impact statements, and understanding the Victims’ Rights Amendment.
Meet with walk-in clients when possible or help schedule appointments.
Provide ongoing support through case closure, including court orientation, court accompaniment, and hearing notifications when requested.
Maintain knowledge of court processes and proceedings and inform victims about proceedings as often as necessary.
Coordinate with attorneys, paralegals, and investigators to support victims’ experience with the criminal justice system.
Document significant contacts and conversations with victims, family members, and service providers.
Coordinate witnesses for trials and hearings; monitor witness lists; inform attorneys and paralegals of witness status and potential conflicts; and provide basic investigative assistance to locate victims or witnesses.
Obtain victim information for the Department of Corrections, Parole Board, Attorney General’s Office, and other agencies as requested.
Collect and maintain accurate statistics on victims, contacts, and crime data; enter data into the victim database; and compile data and produce statistical reports.
Perform other duties as required.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance.