Victim Witness Specialist

Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys•Louisville, KY

16h

About The Position

The Victim Witness Specialist serves in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky in Louisville, Kentucky. The role provides routine assistance and liaison services to crime victims and witnesses to facilitate prosecutions, working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, federal law enforcement, and other state and local agencies. Responsibilities increase in scope and complexity as training and experience progress.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Must meet the qualifications for the GS-9 level through at least one of the following: specialized experience, education, or a combination of education and experience.
Specialized experience: one full year equivalent to the GS-07 level in Federal service, including experience supporting communication needs in a victim-witness or similar program; assisting attorneys with victim-witness trial preparation and information; collaborating with law enforcement personnel and/or social service providers; and conducting or assisting with workshops, seminars, presentations, and/or meetings.
Education: a related-field master’s or equivalent graduate degree, or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree. Related fields may include Criminal Justice or Social Work.
For a combination of education and experience, graduate education must exceed one full year.
Graduate education must be from an accredited college or university and demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for the position.
All qualification requirements must be met by the announcement closing date.
Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
Initial appointment is conditioned on satisfactory pre-employment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing; continued employment is subject to a favorable background investigation.
May be required to complete a one-year probationary period.

Responsibilities

Assess victims’ immediate needs for assistance.
Provide attorneys with information regarding witnesses and victims.
Prepare victims and witnesses to deliver testimony in court.
Provide victims and witnesses with information about the criminal justice process, court proceedings, and available means of seeking financial restitution.
Maintain relationships with a network of federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel, agency investigators, and social service organizations.
Conduct presentations, workshops, seminars, and meetings for law enforcement, agency specialists, and community organizations.
Provide in-court support to victims before and during hearings and trials, including courtroom orientation and facilitating opportunities to consult with case prosecutors and other staff members.