Victim​/Witness Services Provider

Victim/Witness Advocate

This position is responsible for providing information, referral and support to citizens and law enforcement officials who have been victims or witnesses of crimes committed in Walworth County pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 950 and 1997 Wisconsin Act 181.

SCHEDULE Days:
Monday - Friday

Work Hours:

8:00 a.m.

- 4:30 p.m. Hours Per Shift: 8 Shifts Per Pay Period: 10 Position FTE: 1.0 Applications are being accepted from current County employees as well as member of the public.

This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Provide information, referrals for services and support to citizens and law enforcement officials who have been victims or witnesses of crimes committed in Walworth County in compliance with Chapter 950, 1997 Wisconsin Act 181, Marsy's Law, and as criminal court processes and procedures; inform victims of their rights and explain the court process; provide support, guidance and referral throughout the court process to develop rapport and facilitate cooperation.

Assist victims and witnesses with questions and concerns about possible crimes prior to any case filing.

Schedule and attend appointments with victims; memorialize meetings in case management system (PROTECT).

Attend court hearings with victims to assist them in exercising their rights to speak at hearings in which their rights are implicated, in compliance with Marsy's Law.

Assist victims with restitution questions; research and discuss issues with claim qualifications with prosecutors; file restitution requests with the Court; assist prosecutors in preparation of restitution hearings; document and file payments made by Crime Victim Compensation.

Review and file victim impact statements.

Advocate on behalf of the victims and witnesses; inform prosecutors of victim's requests, including requests for speedy disposition.

Refer victims to appropriate agencies for financial, housing, medical or therapeutic needs; maintain a close relationship with New Beginnings, the Walworth County Alliance for Children and the Department of Health and Human Services to assist with mutual clients/victims.

Ensure victim information is accurately entered in the case management system (PROTECT); assist prosecutors and county law enforcement agencies with victim and witness location; update current contact information for victims and witnesses as necessary.

Assist in the timely return of property held as evidence to victims of crime.

Coordinate protection of victims and witnesses through police agencies, witness protection and other agencies; refer victims to SAFE AT HOME when safety is a concern.

Assist prosecutors with trial preparation by coordinating the testimony of victims and witnesses during trial; schedule interpreters as needed for court hearings and/or meetings.

Create forms/templates for use by victim/witness services; update letters as needed.

Arrange transportation and hotel accommodations for victims and witnesses attendance in court; notify all witnesses of cancelled trials in a timely fashion; provide employer and/or medical intercession on behalf of victims and witnesses.

Participate in Multi-Disciplinary Team (M-Team) meetings as victim/witness representative to determine prosecution status and the need for services of victims and their families for both charged and uncharged cases; request and schedule meetings on behalf of the District Attorney's office.

Attend Core Team meetings for Special Bulletin Notices (release of sex offenders); locate and contact victims for notices of release.

Cooperate with the Crime Victim Resource Center, the Crime Victim's Complaint Board, and the District Attorney's office, in formal or informal inquiries regarding victim's rights compliance.

Actively recruit and interview new speakers for the Victim Impact Panel; contact and arrange speakers when needed; attend Victim Impact Panels when necessary.

Manage and maintain office supplies and brochures for the Victim/Witness program; maintain informational board in the lobby of the Judicial Center and in the District Attorney's office; update information as needed regarding programs and services offered.

Comply with victim's rights for Child Sexual Assault Material cases (formerly known as Child Pornography); work with law enforcement regarding child identification; document CSAM series names, country of origin, point of contact and attorney representation; contact DOJ for any possible victim impact statements on file.

Participate in any training necessary to improve performance and efficiency.

Other duties as assigned.

Demonstrate a commitment to county safety and risk management efforts.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with…