Victim Advocate – Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office

Position Information

Job Title:

Victim Advocate

Position:
Full Time

Salary: $51,658.00 – $77,565.00 Yearly

Under the supervision of a higher classified employee, provides for and coordinates the court appearances of victims and witnesses for the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, coordinating with the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney on criminal cases. Keeps victims and witnesses advised of case status, provides information on the criminal justice process, attends court hearings, assists with victim compensation and the application process, assists with travel arrangements and accommodations when necessary, ensures witness fees are processed, provides community resources and compiles data for reports.

Works with victims of all crimes including co‑victims of homicides, domestic violence and sexual assault victims.

• Contacts victims of domestic violence, criminal sexual conduct crimes and family members in any death case once a warrant is authorized to explain court process, notify of bond conditions and assess any needs.
• Provides victims in felony and misdemeanor cases information on the court process.
• Analyzes police reports to obtain pertinent information regarding victims/witnesses and case information.
• Determines need for and requests Interpreters for court hearing for victims/witnesses.
• Coordinates and attends victim/witness meetings with the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.
• Notifies victims and witnesses by phone and letter of date and time of scheduled court appearances and adjournments.
• Assists the prosecuting attorney throughout the court process.
• Attends court proceedings with victims and explains the criminal justice process.
• Provides crisis intervention to victims/families/witnesses.
• Acts as a liaison between the victim and other Criminal Justice Agencies such as Law Enforcement Agencies, Courts, and Probation/Parole.
• Assists Assistant Prosecuting Attorney with the trial preparation for victims and witnesses in the case.
• Provides information and referrals to community services and resources as needed.
• Reviews jail calls and jail visits to obtain evidence of possible forfeiture by wrongdoing, witness tampering, or threatening behavior, as well as assessing risk factors and victim safety.
• Informs victims of the Michigan Victim Information and Notification Everyday (MI-VINE) and registers interested victims for automated telephone notification of court information.
• Provides a safe and private area for victims while they await court appearances.
• Assists with travel and accommodations for victims and witnesses out of the area as needed.
• Assists victims with the completion of Victim Impact Statements, Restitution forms and compensation applications for the Crime Victim Services Commission.
• Organizes victims and witnesses to be called for testimony by compiling lists from information submitted by the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.
• Provides tours of the courthouse/courtrooms and provides court orientation to victims/witnesses.
• Provides subpoenaed witness information to ensure witness fees are paid.
• Assists victims in the recovery of stolen property contacting policy agencies and determining what property can be released prior to trial.
• Provides victims with information regarding services available to them through the County Jail, Department of Corrections and the Parole Board.
• Attends High Risk Community Team Meetings for safety planning for victims when parole releases are imminent.
• Provides victim with notification and information should a defendant appeal a conviction.
• Coordinates services between the Prosecutor’s Office and other service providers such as Safe House Center, Washtenaw Child Advocacy Center, SANE/SART Program, SAPAC.
• Provides back-up coverage for the Victim/Witness Unit and performs related work as assigned.

• Michigan Court System and Michigan Laws
• Issues of domestic violence, sexual assault, the impact of trauma on individuals and crisis intervention.
• Independent decision making using sound, independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Community services and resources
• Excellen…