Victim Witness Specialist

The Victim Witness Specialist assists victims and witnesses of crimes requiring crisis response services by providing information and assistance, support, referral, and advocacy services. This position also coordinates program volunteers.

• Provides information to victims regarding Victim Witness services based on current victim’s right and services information; responds to concerns; provides information and assistance with court proceedings.
• Uses knowledge of court procedures, legal terminology, and other information to explain and assist victims and witnesses with understanding the criminal justice system; resolves problems associated with court appearances.
• Uses tactful and effective communication with victims; ensures notification of victims regarding scheduled court dates, plea offers, and other case-related developments; schedules witness preparation meetings; notifies witnesses of cancelations or changes to scheduled appearance dates.
• Provides and maintains secure waiting area during court proceedings and assists with accompanying witnesses to and from courtroom.
• Demonstrates empathy to provide moral support during court proceedings and advocates on behalf of victims to the Court and prosecutor.
• Illustrates essential assessment aptitude to assist prosecutors with case analysis and witness/trial preparation.
• Verifies and determines amount of restitution owed to crime victims employing precise calculation skills; obtains information regarding restitution amounts; verifies completeness and accuracy of information; contacts individual victims, insurance companies, attorneys, or other parties as necessary; determines if property has been recovered and/or returned.
• Transfers awareness of community‑based programs and resources to victims and witnesses; provides literature on and refers victims and witnesses to appropriate community agencies for financial, housing, medical, and emotional needs.
• Adheres to strict record keeping and retention of confidential communications; files and maintains correspondence from victims and witnesses and distributes as appropriate.
• Practices customer service with professionalism and integrity; returns phone calls to assist the program staff with public communication; greets and assists walk‑in customers as needed.
• Assists with victims and witnesses waiting in the victim witness waiting room to testify at court hearings by escorting them to and from court and providing in‑court support as required.
• Attends training seminars, conferences, and conventions to maintain current knowledge of victim witness law, pending legislation, and other issues.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

• Two (2) years post‑secondary education in a human services or criminal justice related field.
• One (1) year of record‑keeping with emphasis on report preparation, statistics, and case records.
• One (1) year of extensive use of written and oral communications skills.
• One (1) year of providing functional guidance and direction to others.
• Appointment will be conditional upon successful completion of a fingerprint‑based criminal background check.
• Must have valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and access to private transportation for work‑related duties.
• Must possess and maintain personal automobile insurance in the amount of $100,000/$300,000.

• Three (3) years of experience providing victim/witness services involving interviewing, counseling, or referring others to community resources.
• Experience or training with dynamics of domestic violence.
• Experience or training in public speaking, interviewing, leadership, public relations, and teaching.
• Experience with Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Illness (DSM) IV, particularly post‑traumatic stress, mood disorders, and dissociative disorders.
• Experience or training in the criminal justice system.