Victim Witness Program Assistant

City of Lynchburg•Lynchburg, VA

About The Position

The Victim Witness Program Assistant will provide a variety of administrative assistance to Victim Witness Advocates as well as direct assistance to victims and witnesses of crime occurring in the City of Lynchburg. The Program Assistant will initiate contact with victims of crimes to assess safety, provide information, and assist victims in understanding and navigating the criminal justice system. The Victim/Witness Assistance Program protects the rights of victims and witnesses of crime set forth in the Code of Virginia (§ 19.2-11.01) Crime victim and witness rights.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice, social work, sociology, or psychology, or other closely related field.
Previous experience in working within the criminal justice system, the civil and criminal protective order process assisting crime victims or individuals in crisis.
Must successfully pass criminal background check.

Responsibilities

Receives warrants and police reports from legal assistants and enters victim information, tracks cases and documents services provided to victims into the Victim Services Data Collection system.
Receives, screens and directs inquiries both by phone and in person, from victims, other service providers, attorneys, law enforcement and the general public.
Provides direct services including contact with victims to assure victims are provided information related to court appearances and hearings, as well as informing them of changes in the time and date of those appearances and hearing.
Assesses the victim's emotional, physical, safety and financial needs; makes referrals to community resources; provides information regarding the Virginia Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund and assists with the application process.
Processes incoming and outgoing program mail; answers telephone inquiries related to program; maintains, organizes, and keeping up to date records and files.
Provides court information and support to victims and/or petitioners and witnesses.
Provides appearance information to witnesses; provides employer intercession services when requested; seeks to resolve any appearance problems to assure witness appearance in court.
Works with victims in determining accurate restitution by compiling documentation, including estimates, medical bills, insurance documentation etc.
Works as a liaison between victims, witnesses and prosecutors.
Works with social service agencies, law enforcement agencies, social services and community organizations to provide a coordinated community response for crime victims and the victimization experienced.
Participates in ongoing training, classes, courses, to stay appraised of any changes in laws, and in the provision of direct services to victims of crime.
Works with volunteers and student interns in coordinated effort to provide services within the victim/witness assistance program.
Performs other duties as assigned.