Victim Witness Advocate

Middlesex County DA's Office • Woburn, MA

3h • Onsite

About The Position

The primary goal of the Victim Witness Bureau is to reduce the level of secondary injury associated with the aftermath of crime and to 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), and those additional services provided as a policy of the Bureau within the Office of the District Attorney. Victim Witness Advocates are assigned to work with assistant district attorneys in all of Middlesex County’s superior, district, and juvenile courts. In addition, specialized advocates are assigned to the Child Protection Unit, Elder and Disabled Persons Protection Unit, Appeals Bureau, Homicide and Unsolved Unit and the Domestic Violence Program. These compassionate and dedicated professionals are an integral part of the prosecution team. Advocates work with those impacted by crime, guiding them through the criminal justice system, accompanying them to interviews and hearings, and ensuring that they are aware of their rights. Advocates also provide referrals to community resources, including emergency shelter and rape crisis counseling. The criminal justice system can be confusing and difficult to navigate. Advocates explain the court process and offer support, and informs you of the role expected of you as a victim or witness.

Requirements

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to assess and address issues and matters in a timely fashion
• Ability to multi-task, refocus and re-prioritize in a high volume and fast paced environment
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to raise issues and/or questions to supervisor in a timely manner if unable to respond or beyond scope of responsibility
• Excellent organizational and project completion skills, with a strong attention to detail
• Proven ability to meet firm deadlines
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and professional workplace etiquette
• Strong personal character, integrity, judgment and maturity in handling sensitive & confidential matters
• An understanding of the role of a modern prosecutor’s office within the criminal justice system and the community
• A sincere interest in the public sector and the work of the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office
• Authorization for the Middlesex District Attorney's Office to verify the accuracy of education and employment information.
• Willingness to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check.

Responsibilities

• Work with assistant district attorneys in all of Middlesex County’s superior, district, and juvenile courts.
• Provide services mandated by the Massachusetts Victim Bill of Rights (M.G.L. c. 258B).
• Guide victims and witnesses through the criminal justice system.
• Accompany victims and witnesses to interviews and hearings.
• Ensure victims and witnesses are aware of their rights.
• Provide referrals to community resources, including emergency shelter and rape crisis counseling.
• Explain the court process and offer support to victims and witnesses.
• Inform victims and witnesses of their expected role.

Benefits

• Vacation: 2 weeks per year, with the ability to carry over up to two weeks each calendar year
• Sick leave: unlimited accrual at a rate of 4.5 hours/bi-weekly pay period
• Personal days: 3 personal days per year
• Healthcare, Dental and Vision plans (both individual and family)
• Retirement benefits
• State pension benefits, vesting at 10 years of service

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed