Victim/Witness Program Specialist (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL)

This position works 37.5 hours per week. 

This position performs is responsible program work in the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to assist victims and witnesses in understanding and participating in the criminal justice system. The position allocated to this class is responsible, under the general direction of the Supervising Attorney and the Office Administrator, for the efficient and effective administration of the Prosecutor's Victim/Witness Program. This class differs from classes in the clerical series by its primary assignment to provide direct assistance to and advocacy for citizens involved as victims or witnesses in the criminal justice system.

TOTAL COMPENSATION: $55,740 - $78,010 annually. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.

• Serves as an advocate for and provides trauma informed services and direct assistance to victims of and witnesses to crimes. 
• Contacts victims of a crime to inform them of the charges, their rights, how the court process works, and gives them resources, such as crime compensation, VINELink - a victim notification system, etc. 
• Coordinates "Meet and Greets" with the prosecuting attorney and victim(s) of each case assigned, which is the initial meeting between the victim, advocate, and attorney; and coordinates other meetings that involves the victim or witness, such as "Defense Interviews," and further interviews with the prosecutor. 
• Accompanies victims to criminal justice offices and court hearings and transports victims and witnesses to court.
• Notifies victims and witnesses regarding trial dates and other hearings; and providing assistance with victim impact statements, including speaking in court on behalf of a victim if requested.
• Provides assistance with restitution requests; and crisis intervention.
• Assists victims with applying for Crime Victim Compensation benefits through the Department of Labor and Industries, which includes identifying and notifying crime victims of the availability of compensation and assisting them with application forms and procedures.
• Acts as liaison between different components of the criminal justice system and victims/witnesses.
• Maintains close contact with Deputy Prosecutors, paralegals and other office staff in order to notify victims and witnesses of case status and scheduled events.
• Inputs and updates contact information in case management database system (currently known as CaseMan).
• Maintains records and statistics on cases handled, services provided and volunteer hours donated for periodic reports.
• Coordinates travel arrangements for victims and witnesses for trails with the Court Administrator’s Office, including processing Auditor’s warrants for witness fees and travel expenses.
• Maintains files with current information about local, state and federal resources available to crime victims and witnesses.
• Assists in writing and publishing a newsletter, brochures and training materials that are distributed to victims, volunteers and community agencies.
• Facilitates bi-monthly Violent Crime Victims Support Group.
• Coordinates annual Crime Victim Rights Week activities.
• Recruits and trains volunteers to assist in the Adult and Juvenile Criminal Departments and Courthouse Information Booth.
• Assists in the development and presentation of forums to the public and to criminal justice agencies addressing victim’s rights and issues.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university degree in criminal justice, communications, counseling, social sciences or closely related field.
• One (1) year of related experience. 
• May substitute work experience for up to two (2) years of college course work. 
• Experience with legal advocacy or counseling is preferred.
• Possession of a valid Washington Driver's License at time of hire and for the duration of employment.

•  Knowledge of laws and regulations related to victim/witness rights and the criminal justice system. procedures of Superior, District and Juvenile Courts.

• Knowledge of procedures of Superior, District and Juvenile courts in the State of Washington.
• Knowledge of local, state, federal and private victim/witness program resources and agencies.
• Knowledge of research, interviewing and investigation techniques and methodology.
• Knowledge of office practices and procedures including data processing.
• Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with public clients and public and private officials, including attorneys, law enforcement, and court and social workers.
• Skilled in the use of computers and software related to the performance of the job.      
• Ability to conduct interviews in person and by phone to accurately access the needs of victims and witnesses
• Ability to research and analyze data and formulate logical conclusions.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, laws and regulations. 
• Ability to prepare complex reports, documents, notices and descriptions.
• Ability to give presentations.
• Ability to work independently within broad program goals and objectives. 
• Ability to use standard office equipment including, phones, copiers, calculators, fax machines, computer and related software applications. 
• Ability to work quickly, accurately and thoroughly with close attention to detail to meet deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain filing and record keeping systems.