Victim Advocate​/District Attorney

Victim-Witness Advocate

The purpose of this job is to perform administrative work functions and to provide information, support and referral services to victims of crime. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, handling crisis calls; interviewing victims; acting as a liaison between victims, attorneys and the court system; providing referral resources, information and assistance; providing case status reports to victims; accompanying victims in court;

recruiting/supervising volunteers, interns and community service workers; preparing reports, forms and other documentation; maintaining records; and performing additional tasks as assigned.

The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Acts as a liaison between victims of crime, attorneys and the court system.

Communicates with victims of crime by telephone, by mail or in person; interviews victims; notifies victims of case status throughout various stages of the court process.

Provides referral information to victims for other service agencies.

Accompanies victims to court for support and information purposes.

Sets up restitution and failure to pay restitution hearings.

Assists victims with victim compensation fund applications.

Attends/coordinates/corresponds with panelists, judges, and probation departments.

Recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers, interns, and community service workers.

Prepares grant/funding proposals; prepares grant statistical reports to meet grant requirements.

Prepares and/or generates routine correspondence, letters, memoranda, forms, reports, logs and other documents via computer and/or typewriter.

Maintains logs of unit activities (e.g., incoming/outgoing calls; incoming visitors; outgoing correspondence; etc.).

Maintains computerized data file of biographical statistics on all victims assisted by the program.

Organizes, manages, and maintains victim case files.

Prepares defendant case files with appropriate victim information; obtains prior police reports for case files of current defendants.

Prepares departmental files; maintains file system of departmental records.

Receives, opens and reviews incoming mail; prepares outgoing mail; processes returned mail.

Copies and distributes correspondence, memoranda, reports and other related materials.

Answers the telephone; provides information; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.

Responds to routine requests for information from officials, employees, members of the staff, the public or other individuals.

Communicates with other social service agencies to exchange information.

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the District Attorney's Office and the Victim-Witness Assistance Program as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Victim-Witness Advocate.

Knowledge of departmental procedures and methods as required in the performance of duties.

Knowledge of applicable Georgia laws, criminal court procedures, and county policies.

Knowledge and understanding of the physical, mental, and emotional impact of crime on victims.

Knowledge of the financial, professional, and mental health services available to victims of crime.

Knowledge of word processing, database, and/or other software programs relevant to the position.

Knowledge and ability to operate various machinery and equipment including a motor vehicle, computer, printer, typewriter, calculator, copy machine, and telephone.

Knowledge of the terminology used within the department.

Knowledge of grant regulations and requirements.

Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other staff members.

Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.

Ability to compile, organize, prepare and maintain an assortment of records, reports and information in an effective manner and according to departmental and/or governmental regulations.

Ability to plan, organize and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.

Ability to comprehend and apply regulations and procedures of the department.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations.

Ability to utilize and understand computer applications and techniques as necessary in the completion of daily assignments.

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a motor vehicle, computer, printer, typewriter, calculator, copy machine, and telephone. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. This position requires: walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, seeing, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally.

Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for sedentary work.

Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional,…