Deputy Director of Victim Witness Services - Crime Response Program

The Dane County District Attorney's Office, Victim/Witness unit, has a full-time (1.0 FTE) vacancy for a Deputy Director of Victim/Witness Services in Madison, WI. This position will be in the Crime Response Program and will be responsible for the oversight of 24/7 trauma and crisis programming and services.  This is an in-office position with very limited remote work hours, if any.

The Eligibility List created will be used to fill future vacancies over the next six (6) months. All are encouraged to apply.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION 

As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women and racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION 

Under the direction of the Director of Victim Witness Services, the Deputy Director is responsible for the administration and management of a multiple component program serving crime victims, their families and witnesses. Program development and oversight to ensure the efficient and effective operation of programs in the area of victim/witness services. Implement and evaluate victim/witness services as mandated by the Wisconsin Constitution and Wisconsin Statutes. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Develop and sustain pertinent programs consistent with mandatory service requirements, evidence-based practice and cultural responsiveness.  Direct supervision of Victim Witness Unit case managers, trauma specialists, on call staff/contractorsand administrative legal assistant staff. Identify staff development needs and assist in staff development and training. Grant management; obtaining and maintaining program funds; assist with completion and submission of reports to funding sources. Act as liaison with other units of government and law enforcement agencies; provide local and statewide training and technical assistance; represent the office on matters pertaining to victim/witness issues. Participate on local and statewide committees, councils and commissions. Respond to public inquiries e.g., delays in charging decisions or office decision not to charge a case. Manage small caseload. Complete special projects and tasks assigned by the Director. Although candidate must have the knowledge, skills and abilities to competently perform all job duties and tasks set forth in this position description, specific assignments will be delegated at the discretion of the director and will be based on individual’s unique experience and expertise.

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor’s degree in social work, behavioral science or human services field and three (3) years of professional social work or closely related experience of which one (1) year must have included direct work with crime victims involved in the criminal justice system. Plus one (1) year of supervisory or lead work experience. A master’s degree in a relevant field or law degree will be substituted for one (1) year of the required work experience.

Must have a valid driver’s license, or access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. Must be able to work irregular hours, beyond 40 hours and be present primarily in the office. Must be able to respond to staff emergency requests during and after hours. Availability to work as required occasionally during nights, weekends, and in the aftermath of mass violence and/or community wide crime events. Also refer to “Physical and Environmental Work Requirements” section below.

Background Check Statement:

Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job’s responsibilities. Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record.  However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position’s responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant’s criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

For Bilingual Positions:

1. Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, etc.). 
2. Applicants being considered for bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process prior to employment. This will primarily consist of passing an oral language proficiency assessment from English to foreign language and foreign language to English, but may require additional language testing, such as written translation, if it is an essential function of the job. 

*If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications/ examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position’s bilingual designation.

Physical and Environmental Work Requirements: 

Ability to mentally/emotionally handle stressful situations and maintain professionalism given the sensitivity of matters. The work environment is stressful, which includes working with extremely stressed individuals and groups in highly volatile situation. The office is fast paced. 

Thorough knowledge and understanding of victimization, post-traumatic stress, and trauma informed practices. Knowledge of or a demonstrated interest in the criminal justice and juvenile justice systems. Knowledge of procedures required to advance cases through criminal justice system. Knowledge of social work principles and practices. Knowledge of evidence-based practices and scientifically reliable social science research. Knowledge of community resources available to assist victims/witnesses. Efficient public relations skills. Ability to work effectively with police, prosecutors, judges and service agencies as a client advocate. Ability to analyze systems and recommend changes for greater efficiency and effectiveness. Ability to develop program initiatives that address current issues and service gaps as well as engage in staff in successful organizational change efforts. Ability to develop and prepare a budget. Ability to organize, direct and coordinate the work of professional staff. Ability to work primarily in the office supervising staff on site and those working remotely. Ability to utilize racial equity toolkit. Ability to guide, supervise and develop professional staff. Ability to coordinate a variety of functions in a timely manner. Ability to establish record keeping and data collection systems. Ability to prepare reports on activities. Ability to maintain professionalism, at the same time exhibit compassion. Must be strong in the area of multi-tasking, quick and accurate responses to variety of requests from staff and public.