VICTIM WITNESS SPECIALIST

Mesa County, CO

1d•$27 - $37•Onsite

About The Position

Provide assistance to victims and/or witnesses of felony, juvenile and misdemeanor constitutional crimes through direct services of the Victim Witness Programs. (The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or marginal duties that may be required. Mesa County reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of this job at any time. All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents.) Assist victims in filling out necessary forms (i.e., Victim Compensation Applications, Victim Impact Statements, affidavits). Inform victims of constitutional rights, including rights afforded under the Colorado Crime Victims’ Rights Act (VRA), and explain court proceedings. Notify victims and witnesses of hearings and cancellations. Assist in travel and lodging arrangements when required for court events. Coordinate appearance of victims and witnesses for meetings, trials and other hearings. Maintain and manage multiple forms of communication including phone calls, email, text messaging, task management systems, and written correspondence to ensure timely and accurate information sharing with victims, witnesses. Assist Director of Victim Services in providing training to law enforcement and other agencies or entities that request training on victim rights issues, including VRA compliance. Serve on related boards and participate in appropriate task forces as assigned. Interact with courts, probation, pretrial services, law enforcement, victims, and prosecutors in a professional and effective manner. Have knowledge of all law enforcement reports necessary to assist in prosecution and assess any special needs of crime victims. Meet with victims regularly to ensure that their constitutional rights are being upheld, and that they are adequately informed of the criminal justice process. Attend court proceedings with victims and refer to appropriate community resources. Enter victim information in Action to ensure accuracy of victim contact information. Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation of all victim and witness interactions in Action. Entries must be completed as soon as practicable and reflect objective, clear, and professional language. Effectively manage a high-volume, fast-paced, and revolving caseload while maintaining accuracy, organization, and responsiveness to victim needs. Demonstrate the ability to multitask, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment. Work collaboratively as a team player while also demonstrating the ability to function independently with minimal supervision and sound judgment. Oral and written communications must be clear and effective across all communication platforms. Performs other related duties as assigned. If assigned to the Domestic Violence caseload, Victim Specialist will be responsible for the following duties: Monitor cases for changes in victim/offender relationship; ensure all cases that meet DVRT (Domestic Violence Response Team) criteria are referred and reviewed for additional services. Work with community partners to help ensure victim safety. Cover other Victim Specialists as needed. Demonstrate professionalism, composure, and appropriate interpersonal skills during performance of tasks, duties, and responsibilities that take place in this adversarial system. This includes contentious interactions (in person, by phone, electronically, or by written correspondence) with opposing counsel, upset individuals, defendants, victims, witnesses, law enforcement, and members of the public, often resulting in mental and physical stress. Demonstrate professionalism, composure, and appropriate interpersonal skills in reviewing and/or discussing information pertaining to criminal cases. These cases require frequent exposure to assaults and murders, including but not limited to physical assaults, verbal abuse, sexual assaults (upon adults and children), and child abuse. Discovery may include exposure to gruesome, disturbing, and/or sexually explicit photographs, images, and recordings.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, social work, sociology, criminal justice, or related field and two (2) years of related experience.
Any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the job.

Responsibilities

Assist victims in filling out necessary forms (i.e., Victim Compensation Applications, Victim Impact Statements, affidavits).
Inform victims of constitutional rights, including rights afforded under the Colorado Crime Victims’ Rights Act (VRA), and explain court proceedings.
Notify victims and witnesses of hearings and cancellations.
Assist in travel and lodging arrangements when required for court events.
Coordinate appearance of victims and witnesses for meetings, trials and other hearings.
Maintain and manage multiple forms of communication including phone calls, email, text messaging, task management systems, and written correspondence to ensure timely and accurate information sharing with victims, witnesses.
Assist Director of Victim Services in providing training to law enforcement and other agencies or entities that request training on victim rights issues, including VRA compliance.
Serve on related boards and participate in appropriate task forces as assigned.
Interact with courts, probation, pretrial services, law enforcement, victims, and prosecutors in a professional and effective manner.
Have knowledge of all law enforcement reports necessary to assist in prosecution and assess any special needs of crime victims.
Meet with victims regularly to ensure that their constitutional rights are being upheld, and that they are adequately informed of the criminal justice process.
Attend court proceedings with victims and refer to appropriate community resources.
Enter victim information in Action to ensure accuracy of victim contact information.
Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation of all victim and witness interactions in Action.
Effectively manage a high-volume, fast-paced, and revolving caseload while maintaining accuracy, organization, and responsiveness to victim needs.
Demonstrate the ability to multitask, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Work collaboratively as a team player while also demonstrating the ability to function independently with minimal supervision and sound judgment.
Oral and written communications must be clear and effective across all communication platforms.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Monitor cases for changes in victim/offender relationship; ensure all cases that meet DVRT (Domestic Violence Response Team) criteria are referred and reviewed for additional services.
Work with community partners to help ensure victim safety.
Cover other Victim Specialists as needed.
Demonstrate professionalism, composure, and appropriate interpersonal skills during performance of tasks, duties, and responsibilities that take place in this adversarial system.
Demonstrate professionalism, composure, and appropriate interpersonal skills in reviewing and/or discussing information pertaining to criminal cases.