Victim Witness Advocate

Albany County Government•Laramie, WY

23h

About The Position

Provide notifications, services, and support to victims and witnesses, as required by the Wyoming Victim Bill of Rights. Serve as a liaison between the victims, witnesses, and prosecutors within the Albany County and Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the City of Laramie Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on criminal prosecution of cases in Municipal, Circuit, District, and Juvenile Court. Provide presentations to partners and community/student organizations, participate in multidisciplinary teams addressing victims’ issues, outreach / educational programming, and engage and educate the community on services and resources available to victims of crimes. Supervision Received and Exercised: Receives supervision from the County and Prosecuting Attorney, and the Program Coordinator, as directed by the County and Prosecuting Attorney. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Important and essential duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Initiate correspondence with crime victims, provide notification as to their rights as a victim in the criminal justice system, as well as provide them with a point of contact for all future court proceedings. Keep victims and witnesses informed of the status of their case as it moves through the legal system, provide them with information, and explain basic concepts of criminal/juvenile proceedings. Assist in scheduling meetings with victims and witnesses, coordinate victim and witness court attendance, attend meetings and court hearings with victims and witnesses, and participate in staff meetings. Document victim and witness contact notes and maintain current statistical database and client management system. Assist victims and witnesses in coordinating subpoenas, travel, lodging, childcare, time off from employment, and attendance for trials as needed. Escort victims and witnesses to court and provide support throughout the court process. Advise victims of the availability of support services and encourage and assist victims in contacting and commencing the utilization of those services. Advise victims of their rights to compensation through the Wyoming Division of Victim Services Compensation Program and assist with application forms. Provide victims with information to request restitution, provide a victim impact statement, and assist them with return of property. Act as liaison with multiple other community agencies. Orient, train, and oversee volunteers and interns. Provide Program presentations to partners and community/student organizations. Engage and educate the community on services and resources available to victims of crimes.

Requirements

Must be a self-starter, have strong written and verbal communication skills, emotional intelligence, and excellent interpersonal skills; utilize said skills to interact with citizens, attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and other employees; must possess the ability to establish good rapport with individuals, often under difficult circumstances; must be able to delegate and prioritize tasks and contribute to the team by accomplishing tasks as assigned in a timely and organized manner, accurately and precisely; fluent in Microsoft applications; professional phone etiquette; attend work as scheduled and/or required.
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience.
One (1) year of general office experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a victim service agency or legal setting preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Initiate correspondence with crime victims, provide notification as to their rights as a victim in the criminal justice system, as well as provide them with a point of contact for all future court proceedings.
Keep victims and witnesses informed of the status of their case as it moves through the legal system, provide them with information, and explain basic concepts of criminal/juvenile proceedings.
Assist in scheduling meetings with victims and witnesses, coordinate victim and witness court attendance, attend meetings and court hearings with victims and witnesses, and participate in staff meetings.
Document victim and witness contact notes and maintain current statistical database and client management system.
Assist victims and witnesses in coordinating subpoenas, travel, lodging, childcare, time off from employment, and attendance for trials as needed.
Escort victims and witnesses to court and provide support throughout the court process.
Advise victims of the availability of support services and encourage and assist victims in contacting and commencing the utilization of those services.
Advise victims of their rights to compensation through the Wyoming Division of Victim Services Compensation Program and assist with application forms.
Provide victims with information to request restitution, provide a victim impact statement, and assist them with return of property.
Act as liaison with multiple other community agencies.
Orient, train, and oversee volunteers and interns.
Provide Program presentations to partners and community/student organizations.
Engage and educate the community on services and resources available to victims of crimes.