DA Victim Witness Assistant

Weld County Government • Greeley, CO

7d • $28 - $36

About The Position

The Victim Witness Assistant advocates for victims, their families, and witnesses to minimize the negative impact of the criminal justice system. The role has a dual focus: supporting and educating victims as they move through the criminal justice system, and assisting Deputy District Attorneys with prosecution by managing cases involving witnesses subpoenaed for court hearings. Bilingual English and Spanish skills are highly desirable.

The position provides mandated services to victims of felony and misdemeanor crimes, including needs assessments, referrals, assistance with compensation and restitution applications, case records management, and help with safety planning and court-related needs. It supports victims and witnesses through court appearances and case events, coordinates interviews and travel, prepares witnesses for testimony, and serves as a liaison among judicial officials, agencies, and community members.

The role also includes public outreach and professional development, as well as following District Attorney’s Office policies and strict confidentiality requirements. The position is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and eligible for overtime pay. The posting states that it will remain open until filled.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Criminal Justice, or a closely related field, or equivalent education and experience.
• Knowledge of criminal justice and prosecution principles and practices, crisis intervention, counseling and interviewing techniques used in victim/witness programs.
• Knowledge of human behavior.
• Knowledge of record-keeping and reporting procedures.
• Knowledge of routine software and business applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and databases.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to victim/witness programs.
• Considerable knowledge of Victim’s Rights Enabling Legislation, Colorado criminal statutes, rules of procedure, and criminal justice components and procedures.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare and/or correct correspondence and applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients from varied socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and community members.
• Ability to oversee court case management and evaluate and apply program policies and procedures.
• Ability to respond effectively to conflict situations and people in conflict.
• Ability to provide empathetic support to victims and witnesses and extract pertinent information from interviews and reports.
• Skill in using common office machines and computer-based word processing, spreadsheet, and file-maintenance programs.
• Must pass a criminal background check before the employment start date.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual English and Spanish skills are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide mandated direct services to victims of felony and misdemeanor crimes, including initial contact, needs assessments, community referrals, and assistance with victims’ compensation and restitution applications.
• Maintain case records and files, and collect and report restitution and statistical information.
• Locate victims and witnesses as needed and notify them when trial or other court dates are vacated.
• Obtain interpreters for victims and witnesses when needed.
• Develop action plans and provide conflict resolution to address victim and witness needs and support effective prosecution.
• Intervene with employers to explain the judicial process and legal obligations related to employees testifying, and educate employers about re-victimization and support during healing.
• Assist victims and witnesses with safety planning, safe-house referrals, transportation coordination, and communication with police and District Attorney staff about threats, tampering, or stalking.
• Refer victims and witnesses to victim service agencies, therapists, and support groups for ongoing counseling and therapy.
• Accompany victims and witnesses to court as needed; explain the criminal justice process, courtroom setting, and pretrial procedures; and answer questions about judicial processes.
• Explain HIV testing to sexual assault victims and provide follow-up support, including advising them about results and appropriate services.
• Coordinate interviews with individuals and officials involved in cases, attending interviews as required.
• Manage trials and other critical events by coordinating with prosecutors and investigators, contacting witnesses about case status and appearance times, arranging local and out-of-state transportation and lodging, and planning pretrial meetings.
• Prepare victims and witnesses for testimony, correspond with them about travel and case status, and provide phone updates.
• Serve as a liaison among judicial officials and agencies, mediate differences between witnesses and judicial personnel, and encourage victim and witness participation in the judicial process.
• Conduct outreach and provide agencies and the public with information about the Victim Witness Assistance Unit and its activities.
• Attend relevant seminars, conferences, workshops, classes, and professional meetings; review professional materials and maintain professional contacts.
• Follow the Weld County District Attorney’s Office Policy Manual and strict confidentiality and information-release guidelines.
• Travel to other jurisdictions for special prosecutions or to remote offices as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time