Victims Assistance Coordinator

Hays County•San Marcos, TX

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Lead Victims Assistance Coordinator, the Victims Assistance Coordinator provides direct services to victims of crime and their families in Hays County. The role addresses a variety of problems and situations according to established criteria, and its work affects the County’s Victim’s Assistance Program and the well-being of victims and their families. Individuals in this position serve at the pleasure of the current elected official. The position provides information, advocacy, emotional support, referrals, and practical assistance to victims throughout the criminal justice process. It also supports prosecutors and investigators, helps coordinate court-related matters, processes victim-related documents and applications, maintains records and statistics, and works with community agencies and multidisciplinary teams. Essential functions are illustrative rather than comprehensive; other duties may be assigned, and reasonable accommodations may be made.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or knowledge equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, in Criminal Justice, Behavioral Science, or a closely related area; an equivalent combination of experience and training may substitute for the educational requirement.
Three years of victim assistance or related social work experience.
Attend and complete the basic TLETS Course.
Ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily; reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Responsibilities

Maintain positive working relationships with community agencies to secure resources for victims and their families.
Serve as the first contact for victims of misdemeanor, felony, violent and non-violent, property, and family crimes filed with and accepted by the Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office; maintain contact and provide information throughout the criminal justice process as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Provide limited counseling to victims of violent crime.
Assist victims in accessing rights under Chapter 56 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, advocate for eligible assistance and benefits, and help obtain information and complete loss value information, Victim Impact Statements, and Crime Victim Compensation Applications.
Refer victims to counseling, social services, shelters, and other agencies.
Keep victims informed of case status by mail, email, and phone; provide emotional support; and independently determine appropriate responses to victims and families.
Enter victim information and document all contacts and attempted contacts in Odyssey.
Prepare victim information packets, including felony pre- and post-indictment letters, misdemeanor filed and unfiled letters, information about the criminal justice system and available services, Victim Impact Statements, and Crime Victim Compensation applications.
Assist prosecutors and investigators with victim and witness interviews and coordinate appointments and trial appearances as requested.
Attend jury trials with victims during their testimony to provide emotional support.
Follow up on special requests from prosecutors and investigators.
Obtain restitution information from victims, identify alternate means of compensation for damages resulting from criminal behavior, and process restitution orders after gathering required documents.
Provide ongoing support information, resource materials, and referrals for additional services.
Process Witness Fee Claim Forms when necessary.
Process U visa applications upon request after a case is closed.
Assist in training interns and maintaining victim waiting rooms.
Translate for victims who do not speak English.
Schedule appointments and interviews with victims.
Process Protective Order Applications and set and attend Protective Order hearings with petitioners.
Attend bond increase hearings with victims.
Attend and participate in monthly Multidisciplinary Team and Sexual Assault Response Team meetings.
Assist with presentations to community agencies regarding victims’ rights.
Accompany victims to court proceedings, including jury trials and protective order hearings, and accompany investigators and prosecutors to victims’ homes, hospitals, schools, workplaces, and counselors’ offices.
Perform routine administrative tasks, including filing, scanning, emailing, copying, and establishing, maintaining, and organizing case files.
Prepare daily logs of the numbers and types of victim contacts; assist with statistical recordkeeping; and prepare felony and misdemeanor intake cover sheets with victim information.
Testify when called upon.
Perform other duties as assigned.