Victim Witness Assistant

Hall County•Gainesville, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Provides assistance to victims and/or witnesses to decrease trauma and prepare for the court process. Make initial contact with crime victims prior to committal hearing in instances where committal hearing is not waived. Make initial contact with crime victims by phone or letter immediately upon receipt of case. In this initial contact, inform victims of the Victims’ Bill of Rights and the Victims’ Compensation Program Arrange initial interviews with victims and/or family members. At this time, inform families of the history of the case and assess the safety of the victim. Provide information about the criminal justice process. Refer victims to appropriate resources such as domestic violence shelters, counseling centers, rape crisis centers, etc. Assist victims in completing Victims’ Compensation applications. Advocate on behalf of victims regarding outstanding medical bills, repair bills, and other costs incurred because of crime. Serve as a liaison between prosecutors, investigators, court personnel, and various community agencies and the victim throughout the criminal justice process. Notify victims of all hearing, including but not limited to: Committal/Preliminary Hearings, Bond Hearings, Grand Jury, Arraignment, Trial or Plea. Assist Victims and/or family members in completing Victim Impact Statements. Provide victims with information on victim assistance from the Department of Corrections and Parole Board. Provide follow-up services as needed for victims after case closure. Collect and maintain statistical data as required. Make travel arrangements for victims/witnesses who come from out of town for court. Be available to them as needed to help show them around the community. Coordinate witnesses as needed for court hearings. Attend meetings for various task forces and/or coalitions that the District Attorney’s Office participates in. Performs other relevant work as assigned. Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree is required.
Knowledge of the dynamics of physical and sexual child abuse and rape victimization.
Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.
Knowledge of laws relating to Victim Witness Program.
Knowledge of the court processes involved with child abuse and sexual assault cases.
Ability to tactfully and sincerely obtain case related information.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing); operate a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
Incumbents must continuously be able to think analytically; handle stress and emotion, concentrate on tasks, remember names and other details; examine and observe details; make decisions, and adjust to change.
Incumbents must also continuously direct others; meet deadlines; stay organized; use math/calculations and use a keyboard/type.
Essential functions frequently require the ability to move about inside the office; and move/transport items up to 10lbs.
Essential functions occasionally require the ability to bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs, and twisting at the waist, hips or knees; reach overhead; push or pull; and repetitively use hands/arms/legs.
Essential functions regularly require the ability to use effective verbal and written communication; and use of hand/eye coordination and fine manipulation to use equipment.
Essential functions continuously require the ability to either work with others or work alone.

Nice To Haves

2-3 years of experience in criminal justice field and/or Victim Advocacy preferred.
Any equivalent combination of education and experience, which provides the minimum level of qualifications, stated above.

Responsibilities

Make initial contact with crime victims prior to committal hearing in instances where committal hearing is not waived.
Make initial contact with crime victims by phone or letter immediately upon receipt of case.
Inform victims of the Victims’ Bill of Rights and the Victims’ Compensation Program.
Arrange initial interviews with victims and/or family members.
Inform families of the history of the case and assess the safety of the victim.
Provide information about the criminal justice process.
Refer victims to appropriate resources such as domestic violence shelters, counseling centers, rape crisis centers, etc.
Assist victims in completing Victims’ Compensation applications.
Advocate on behalf of victims regarding outstanding medical bills, repair bills, and other costs incurred because of crime.
Serve as a liaison between prosecutors, investigators, court personnel, and various community agencies and the victim throughout the criminal justice process.
Notify victims of all hearing, including but not limited to: Committal/Preliminary Hearings, Bond Hearings, Grand Jury, Arraignment, Trial or Plea.
Assist Victims and/or family members in completing Victim Impact Statements.
Provide victims with information on victim assistance from the Department of Corrections and Parole Board.
Provide follow-up services as needed for victims after case closure.
Collect and maintain statistical data as required.
Make travel arrangements for victims/witnesses who come from out of town for court.
Be available to them as needed to help show them around the community.
Coordinate witnesses as needed for court hearings.
Attend meetings for various task forces and/or coalitions that the District Attorney’s Office participates in.
Performs other relevant work as assigned.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.