Victim Services Assistant

GENERAL PURPOSE: Under general supervision, provides direct assistance and support to crime victims throughout the criminal justice process; Assesses victims’ needs and safety and assists victims in securing safety measures; Informs victims of their Crime Victims’ Rights; Accompanies victims to court and provides advocacy services; and acts as a referral source for victims to access community services.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reviews copies of the police reports by the Casa Grande Police Department to be familiarized with the case prior to contacting the victims.
• Initiates contact with victims via telephone or in person prior to the Initial Appearance/Pretrial date to follow up on their cases.
• Informs victims about their constitutional rights, case status, court dates, court proceedings and the criminal justice process.
• Informs victims of the right to confer with the prosecutor about the plea agreement or disposition of the case.
• Provides support and empathetic listening to victims; assists victims with safety planning.
• Informs victims about Domestic Violence and the impact of violence on children.
• Assists victims with filing Orders of Protection or Injunctions Against Harassment.
• Assists victims with completing Victim Impact Statements that describe the emotional, physical and financial impact they have suffered as a direct result of the crime.
• Assists victims with filing Restitution or Victim Compensation claims
• Escorts victims to court to provide support and advocacy.
• Provides victims with information about community resources or services available.
• Documents case notes and tracks victim support services.
• Follows up on the collection and distribution of restitution monies to victims.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Education and Experience:
High School Diploma; At least two (2) years’ experience working in the field of criminal justice, social work, victim advocacy, or case management; Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the responsibilities of the position.

Special Requirements: Bilingual (Spanish/English) skills are preferred/desirable.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of the Criminal Justice System with an emphasis in Crime Victims’ Rights. 
• Knowledge of methods and standard practices for advocacy, crisis intervention, and counseling.
• Knowledge of the operation of a personal computer and applications for word processing, graphic presentations, database management, etc.
• Knowledge of case management record keeping.
• Knowledge of Policies and Procedures.
• Knowledge of community resources available in various situations; social service agencies and their locations and referral acceptance information.
• Skill in interpreting laws and regulations.
• Skill in interacting with people of different social, economic and ethnic backgrounds.
• Skill in assessing the needs of individuals experiencing a crisis and engage appropriate intervention techniques.
• Skill in making decisions, maintaining composure and working effectively under stressful conditions and emergency situations.  
• Maintaining confidentiality of victim information obtained in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes.
• Listening and communicating professionally and effectively, both orally and in writing.