Victim/Witness Assistant

Montgomery County•Norristown, PA

About The Position

The Victim/Witness Assistant provides direct services to victims and witnesses of crimes committed by adult offenders, in accordance with ACT 96 and subsequent victim/witness notification requirements. The position primarily provides post-trial notifications about case dispositions, parole release, and restitution awards, and advocates for victims experiencing issues during prosecution. The assistant informs victims about available services and may accompany victims of personal injury and burglary crimes to court proceedings. The role maintains a computerized victim database and contacts victims about significant case developments, particularly post-sentencing matters. The assistant performs RASA-related duties as assigned by the Victim/Witness Coordinator and must be able to assume the Coordinator’s responsibilities and duties when needed. The position requires attendance at PCCD’s Orientation for New Victim Service Providers within the first six months of employment and 10 hours of annual training as required by the grant.

Requirements

Knowledge of the criminal justice system.
Knowledge of victim/witness legislation.
Office organization skills.
Computer skills.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Compassion, empathy, and understanding toward victims.
Ability to work under pressure.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Act 33 clearance.
Act 34 criminal background clearance.

Responsibilities

Notify victims of the details of offenders’ sentences, including terms and conditions.
Process pre-release and parole consideration notices from the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole.
Attend parole hearings when the Victim/Witness Coordinator is unable to attend.
Provide advocacy and education inside and outside the courtroom when victims or their families attend court matters.
Receive calls from victims and witnesses and provide appropriate information.
Assist with the return of property seized for prosecution.
Track statistics in compliance with RASA requirements.
Update victim and witness contact information in the PMS database.
Process restitution forms when the Restitution Coordinator is unable to do so.
Process incoming mail.
File sentencing notifications.
Perform other duties assigned by the Victim/Witness Coordinator, including RASA-related duties.
Be able to assume the Victim/Witness Coordinator’s responsibilities and duties when needed.
Attend PCCD’s Orientation for New Victim Service Providers within six months of hire and complete 10 hours of training annually.