Victim Witness Program Advocate

Spotsylvania County is committed to maintaining a drug free workplace. Employees are prohibited from manufacturing, distributing, possessing or using controlled substances such as marijuana. A positive drug test result, confirmed use or impairment can be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination in accordance with our personnel policies.

A positive pre-employment drug test will also disqualify a candidate for hire.

Under general supervision, provides assistance in the Victim Witness Program, which is designed to reduce the trauma of victimization and to encourage crime victims and witnesses to cooperate with and participate in the criminal justice system. Position is responsible for providing direct services to victims and witnesses, performing clerical tasks, and assisting in the delivery of services required by the Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act. Reports to the Victim Witness Program Director.

This position is essential.  Personnel occupying this position may be scheduled to work irrespective of weather conditions and/or when general County offices are closed.

• Assists with the overall administration of the Victim Witness Program in support of the prosecutorial functions of the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney Office.
• Coordinates services for citizens who participate in the Criminal Justice System; and is assigned to a caseload of felony and misdemeanor victims and witnesses in order to facilitate court appearance and provide mandated services. 
• Informs, explains, and assists victims in obtaining protective orders; offers other protective services to victims and witnesses including obtaining warrants, trespass orders, stalking protective orders, police protection, and courtroom protection.
• Provides emotional support and guidance to victims and witnesses; provides support services such as follow-up counseling, and/or support groups; provides crisis referrals to victims and witnesses of crimes.
• Explains the criminal justice process including hearing, continuance, grand jury, trial, etc.; explains victims’ and witnesses’ options in the criminal justice process; provides courtroom tours; provides case status to victims and witnesses; provides information to victims concerning developments in investigations and adjudication of their cases; provides victims and witnesses with final disposition of their cases within thirty working days.
• Monitors and documents direct and generic victims and witnesses served; monitors and documents services provided to victims and witnesses; compiles data and prepares reports to maintain statistical data.
• Arranges appointments with attorneys to meet with victims and witnesses in preparation for court; keeps attorneys informed of red flag cases and any concerns, questions, or issues that may arise.
• Accompanies victims and witnesses to court and meetings with law enforcement, prosecutors, and other criminal justice agencies.
• Provides direction to victims concerning Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund; provides written materials and informs victims about compensation available; advises and assists victims concerning the application process; acts as a liaison between victims and Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund; provides follow-up on claims filed; informs victims of other financial assistance and social services available.
• Provides written materials and an explanation of victim impact statements; assists victims in completing and filing victim impact statements.
• Advises victims concerning appearance in court on a subpoena; explains rights to employers, if necessary.
• Provides information to victims and witnesses of their right to be notified by the Department of Corrections or local jail in cases of escape, name change, transfer, release, or discharge of prisoner; assists in the completion and forwarding of VINE notification request forms.
• Escorts crime victims to court proceedings and assists with transportation or travel arrangements related to the adjudication of cases.
• Informs victims and witnesses of confidentiality forms; assists in the completion and submission of forms.
• Advises victims of interpreter services when required and coordinates such services.
• Assists in the prompt return of any property held for evidentiary purposes, except in cases of a pending appeal or a compelling law enforcement purpose for retaining the property.
• Performs other related duties as required.

High School Diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Advocacy, Legal Services preferred or additional experience in related human services field. Experience and/or knowledge of the Criminal Justice System is preferred. 

• Knowledge of the methods, procedures, and policies of the County of Spotsylvania as such pertains to the performance of the essential duties of Victim-Witness Program Advocate. 
• Knowledge of principles and practices of providing assistance to the Victim-Witness Program. 
• Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations pertaining to the essential duties and responsibilities of the position. 
• Knowledge of the organization of the department, and of related departments and agencies. 
• Clearly understands any occupational hazards and adheres to any safety precautions inherent in performing the essential functions of the work. 
• Knowledge of terminology and related professional languages used within the department as such pertains to work responsibilities. 
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain cooperative and effective relationships with intra- and interdepartmental personnel, as well as any external entities with whom the position interacts.
• Ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things. 
• Ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions from immediate supervisor. 
• Ability to read policy manuals, reports, forms, special events information and brochures, calendars, descriptions, procedures, and correspondence. Ability to prepare reports, records, correspondence, and other program documents using prescribed formats. 
• Ability to apply rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral diagrammatic, or schedule form.
• Ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively using standard English. 
• Ability to utilize mathematical formulas. Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. 
• Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instruction. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal levels of stress.
• Ability to communicate respectfully and professionally.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to operate a variety of office machines including computers, calculators,  copiers, and facsimiles. Must be able to exert up to 40 pounds of force occasionally, up to 40 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Physical requirements are for light work. Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape. Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using office equipment. Requires the ability to handle a variety of office equipment such as computers, telephones, copiers, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand coordination. Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of colors. Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing: perceiving the nature of sounds by ear.) Must be able to communicate via telephone.