Victim Witness Assistance Advocate I

Richland County Government•Denver, CO

About The Position

The Victim Witness Assistance Advocate I provides assistance and coordinates support for victims and witnesses of crimes throughout the criminal justice process. The role helps protect their legal rights, provides information and referrals, and offers emotional and practical support. Work is performed under general supervision, with the employee developing methods and work sequences within a general outline. The position also performs related work as required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
High school diploma or equivalent, plus experience, education, or training equivalent to four years of college education.
Valid state driver’s license.
Must maintain OVSEC (Office of Victim Services and Education Certification) certification.

Responsibilities

Establish communication and cooperation with victims, family members, and witnesses, and inform them about available services and other pertinent information.
Serve as a liaison between victims and witnesses and law enforcement, investigators, attorneys, court personnel, service providers, medical facilities, insurers, government agencies, and community and private organizations.
Receive, process, and distribute victim impact statements; help victims complete them; assist with interviews; and review statements, reports, and other documentation to determine victims’ needs.
Inform crime victims of their legal rights and help ensure those rights are protected.
Identify victims’ needs and refer them to appropriate resources and crisis counseling; assist with applications for orders of protection as needed.
Provide emotional and moral support and refer victims to agencies that can address physical, social, or psychological injuries or anxieties.
Keep victims informed about bond hearings, jail releases, and court hearings; provide courtroom orientation and accompany victims in court when requested.
Transport victims to court, shelters, medical appointments, meetings, and other locations as necessary.
Help prepare victims and witnesses to testify in court.
Attend pre-trial meetings, bond and parole hearings, and trials; provide testimony on behalf of victims as necessary.
Assist victims with compensation applications for medical expenses, lost wages, counseling, funeral expenses, and other eligible costs; calculate losses and expenses for restitution determinations.
Provide follow-up services to victims and their families.
Establish and maintain accurate, current case files.
Help develop and implement educational programs and training for law enforcement officers and citizens on victimization and related issues.
Coordinate program activities with social service and government agencies to better serve victims and witnesses.
Maintain current directories, procedures, and reference materials, and stay aware of agencies that provide relevant victim and witness services.
Respond to inquiries, assistance requests, concerns, and complaints within the area of responsibility.
Compile data and prepare records and reports for the department, County, and other agencies.
Perform administrative and clerical duties, including coordinating and facilitating meetings, preparing reports and correspondence, maintaining files, copying and filing documents, processing mail, handling faxes and telephone calls, and entering and retrieving computer data.
Attend training, workshops, seminars, and conferences and read professional literature to maintain job knowledge and awareness of changing legislation affecting program operations.
Perform other duties as assigned.