Witness/Victim Coordinator

City of Great Falls•Great Falls MT, MT

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Responsibility for assisting the City Attorney’s office, primarily the Criminal Division, in a variety of tasks designed to provide efficient delivery of statutorily mandated services, to victims and witnesses of violent crime identified in cases handled by the Criminal Division, including coordinating witness and victim involvement, interviewing, investigating facts, preparing documents, maintaining files, and administering grants that fund victim services provided by the Criminal Division. This position reports to and performs work under the general direction of the City Attorney.

Requirements

Graduation from a college, university or similarly accredited educational institution with a degree in sociology, psychology, human services, criminal justice, paralegal studies, or a closely related field.
Minimum of three years of related experience and/or training preferred.
Must authorize and pass a criminal background check.
Possession of a valid Montana driver’s license.
Ability to appreciate, comprehend and account for needs, problems, attitudes and behavior patterns of emotionally vulnerable individuals.
Ability to effectively interview, present information and respond to questions from victims, witnesses, City departments, Municipal Court, elected officials, and the general public.
Ability to establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with victims, witnesses, co-workers, supervisors, outside attorneys, court officials and the general public, including the handling of difficult situations.
Ability to understand and adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines regarding criminal justice information and private employment or other information and demonstrate integrity in handling confidential information.
Ability to work independently, to adapt to change in the workplace, including unexpected delays or events, and to react well under pressure.
Possesses and maintains proficient knowledge of criminal legal terminology, procedures, practices and processes.
Possesses working knowledge of standard office equipment (including computer, photocopier, fax, multi-function telephone, and other equipment); and use equipment and materials properly.
Possesses working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, PineTech, FullCourt, records management, and/or other software to complete assignments.
Ability to adhere to applicable ethical standards and policies.
Ability to interact constructively with others in a collaborative “team” setting; treat others with respect and consideration regardless of status or position.
Possesses proficiency to effectively write reports, business correspondence, and records for attorney review and approval. Additionally, is proficient in editing, grammar and spelling.
Ability to be punctual in delivery of services and in attendance.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of three years of related experience and/or training preferred.

Responsibilities

Interviews victims, witnesses, law enforcement and other individuals to obtain information on a variety of complex and sensitive subjects; determines information appropriate for release.
Effectively interviews, presents information and responds to questions from victims, witnesses, City departments, Municipal Court, elected officials, and the general public.
Assists in coordinating testimony and absences from employment for witnesses/victims to attend hearings, trials and other required appointments.
Acts as liaison between attorneys, victims, witnesses, members of external agencies and the general public.
Confers with law enforcement officials, prosecutors, victims and witnesses regarding cases and case status.
Investigates cases to assist victims and witnesses to be prepared for hearing, trial or other disposition.
Ensures records and files related to work performed are accurate and up to date and electronically stored; maintains records of contact and documentation with victims for grant and other purposes.
Assists in obtaining return or appropriate disposition of property held as evidence or via restitution requests.
Attends court proceedings as necessary and provides competent information to Municipal Court.
Coordinates and supervises grant process for Victim Witness program including preparing grant proposals, applications and periodic reports, researching grant availability, and preparing and submitting grant related material to the City Commission for approval.
Obtains and accurately relays information to and from attorneys, departments, witnesses and the general public regarding cases and office procedures, while following applicable laws and regulations when releasing information.
Performs other duties as assigned.