Victim Witness Specialist

Community Violence Intervention Center • Grand Forks, ND

5d

About The Position

The Victim Witness Specialist assists law enforcement and the States Attorney’s Office in identifying and responding to the needs of crime victims and witnesses. This role acts as a liaison between the prosecuting attorney, victims, and witnesses, informing them of their rights and assisting them in pursuing those rights. The specialist helps victims understand their feelings after victimization, informs them about criminal charges and procedural steps in the justice system, and attends court proceedings. They also provide information and assistance with compensation options, victim impact statements, witness fees, property return, and securing safe waiting areas. Additionally, the role involves informing victims and witnesses about counseling and support options, assessing personal injury and property crime victims, maintaining accurate records, compiling monthly statistics, and serving on community and state-wide boards and committees as assigned. The goal is to be life-changing for those served.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, or a human service-related field.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including active listening, empathy, and clear written and verbal expression.

Nice To Haves

• Previous victim/witness experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist law enforcement and the States Attorney’s Office in identifying and responding to the needs of crime victims and witnesses.
• Act as a liaison between the prosecuting attorney, victims, and witnesses.
• Inform victims and witnesses of their rights under the law and assist them in pursuing those rights.
• Assist victims in understanding what they may be feeling after the victimization.
• Inform victims of criminal charges filed against a defendant and the procedural steps in the adult and juvenile criminal justice systems including notification of hearings, cancellations, and final dispositions.
• Attend court proceedings with or on behalf of crime victims.
• Inform victims of the outcome of the proceedings.
• Assist with witness preparation and courtroom orientation.
• Provide information and assistance with compensation options.
• Assist with victim impact statements, witness fees, property return and secure a safe waiting area.
• Inform victims and witnesses of appropriate counseling, treatment, or support options.
• Assess situations of personal injury and property crime victims and discuss appropriate options for intervention and safety.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely records of all contacts with clients and other agencies according to established guidelines.
• Record and compile monthly statistics according to established guidelines.
• Serve on community and state-wide boards and committees as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous leave package including annual leave, sick leave, and personal days
• 11 paid holidays
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 403(b) with employer match
• Potential eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness
• Participation in the ND Working Parents Childcare Relief program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level