Victim Witness Coordinator

Olmsted County•Government Center, MN

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Under supervision, is responsible for managing, coordinating, monitoring and providing trial assistance for juvenile and criminal cases within the County Attorney's office. Establishes communication with victims and witnesses for their advocates, advises victims of their statutory rights, keeps victims and witnesses informed of the status of files, provides victims and witnesses with information, locates witnesses required for effective prosecution and assists with case management. Attends court hearings with victims and witnesses. Supports a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Paralegal Studies, Social Work, Criminal Justice or related field and one (1) year of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.
OR Associate's degree from an accredited college in Legal Studies, Criminal Justice, or related human/social services field and three (3) years of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.
OR Combination of education and experience equivalent to five (5) years of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.
Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver's license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.
Knowledge of criminal procedure and its application to crimes and crime victims from initial prosecution through final dispositions
Knowledge of Minnesota Statutes, including but not limited to: 611A, 609.4424, 609.2247 and 609.344
Knowledge of law enforcement investigative procedures
Skill in the use of computers and technology
Ability to be tactful and adept in dealing with a wide variety of people including the public, in difficult and stressful situations
Ability to work with and manage materials in a confidential manner
Ability to organize workload to effectively prioritize and meet multiple demands and deadlines
Ability to work cooperatively with coworkers as a team player
Ability to work independently on a variety of assignments
Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions, adhere to schedules and perform work assignments
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department personnel, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, experts and the general public
Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing

Nice To Haves

Direct experience working with crime victims.

Responsibilities

Administers programs and implements policies to keep victims and witnesses informed of the status of their case as it moves through the legal system, provides them with information and emotional support, explains concepts of a criminal/juvenile trial and of testifying in a criminal/juvenile trial
Locates and establishes initial personal line of communication with victims regarding availability, case consultation and litigation preparation, advises victims of statutory rights and their right to compensation through the Minnesota Crime Victims Reparations Board, and assists in obtaining application forms
Assists attorneys with case analysis, preparation of witness testimony and coordination of appearances in court, including attending mandatory meetings such as weekly attorney meetings and bi-weekly judges' meetings with updates on trial status and victim/witness participation
Serves as liaison between victims and attorneys, consulting with attorneys regarding witness preparation and victim opinion
Schedules and participates in interviews with witnesses to assist attorneys in gathering facts and evidence
Develops reports and maintains documentation of witness information, including making supplemental reports of pre-trial interviews, file notes and contact information.
Manages current database of information for victims including contact information, maintains reports and records documenting victim services rendered and compiles statistical data regarding victim contact
Interprets and explains policy, regulations, statutes and operating procedures to victims and witnesses
Assists victims and witnesses in securing time off from employment and, where required, travel, lodging and child care, and escorts victims to court and provides information and emotional support throughout the court process.
Advises victims of availability of support services and encourages and assists victims in contacting and commencing the utilization of those services
Acts as liaison to social services agencies which result in mutual partnerships and coordinates with Olmsted County Victim Services to ensure effective communication and provision of services
Provides victims with information to apply for restitution and to obtain return of property
Develops, plans and makes recommendations to enhance the victim/witness programs
Provides instruction to and works with student interns in the delivery of victim programs
Performs related tasks as assigned