VICTIM ADVOCATE - District Attorney Office : Job Details

Job Type Full-timeDescriptionProvides advocacy and support for victims of crime and their family members during the judicial process. Assists victims and witnesses in understanding and navigating the criminal court systems processes, explores their options and rights when utilizing these systems, develops safety plans and access to needed community resources. Maintains collaborative relationships with, but not limited to Prosecutors, Law Enforcement, Court Commissioners, Judges and other advocacy staff. Assists in the support and preparation of quality legal documents. Maintains confidential case and file materials. Assists in Court as needed. Able to work within crisis-oriented environments.Requirements Victim Advocate Job Duties: Represents the District Attorney's Office by providing victim support and services once a case has been referred to the District Attorney's Office for criminal prosecution including victims of domestic abuse, individuals at risk and child abuse. Provides education regarding the legal system, victim rights and information on available benefits and services by assessing victim's needs. Ensures victims are informed of court hearings and case status by direct communication via telephone contact, electronic mail and in writing. Maintains communication with victims and family members by sending trial progress letters and assists attorney as needed with victim/witness trial preparation. Maintains case and victim confidence by keeping victim/law enforcement/attorney information confidential. Receives, processes and documents victim's estimates relating to restitution to include medical bills, value of damaged property or repair estimates. Acts as liaison to victim service providers such as Crime Victims Reparations, Children's Advocacy Centers, Domestic Violence and Rape Centers Produces information by transcribing, formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving, copying, and transmitting text, data, and graphics; coordinating case preparation, case filing, and trial. Represents attorney by communicating, obtaining and relaying information to victims; following-up on delegated assignments; knowing when to act and when to refer matters to attorney. Documenting and inputting information into prosecutorial software system and other databases as required by office policy. Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations. Enhances department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.RequirementsSkills and Qualifications:A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Criminal Justice or related field or at least two years experience providing case management or similar service in a social service setting.Certification in domestic violence programs preferredKnowledge of the Domestic Violence system through direct work experience considered.Ability to work with a broad range of cultural and ethnic group while maintaining a sensitivity to client needs , domestic violence issues, substance abuse and mental health issues.Willingness to work flexible hours and adjust schedule on a weekly basis including some evenings and weekends.Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and manage time successfullyDocumentation Skills, including data input, Meeting Planning, Telephone Skills.Office Experience - General, PC Proficiency, Word and/or WordPerfect proficiency, PowerPoint, Excel and OutlookBilingual skills and bicultural experience strongly preferred.Verbal Communication, Internal Communications, Dependability, Professionalism, Interpersonal Skills.Salary RangeStarting salary commensurate with experience -with benefits, paid health for employee, retirement benefits.