Victim Witness Assistant Job Lansing area,Michigan USA,Social Work

Under the supervision of the Chief Assistant Prosecutor and/or the Office Administrator, ensures implementation of victims’ rights as mandated by law, including attending court hearings, trials, and witness management. Provides crisis intervention and emotional support to victims and/or witnesses regarding criminal justice.

Sends informational packets to victims of crime to inform the victim of the charges filed and their rights under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act. Provides victims with impact statement to complete and return if they choose to take advantage of their rights under law.

Informs victims, by letter, email or telephone, of court dates and actions taken. Ensures that statutory requirements regarding notification are fulfilled at each step during prosecution of the case.

Liaise with law enforcement agencies to gather victims contact information or next of kin information when necessary to establish contact and abide by the Crime Victims’ Rights Act.

Upon request, promptly forward victim contact information to the tether company to allow victim notifications to be enabled when an individual charged with a criminal offense is released from custody.

Scan pretrial release orders into the office file maintenance program for record-keeping. If the release order includes no-contact provisions, ensure victim is notified by mail or email regarding the terms of the order.

Advises victims of hearings and final dispositions which includes providing forms to be completed by the victim and assists with the preparation of such statements.

Upon conviction, provide victim impact statements, restitution documents, and victim contact information to various probation departments. Act as a liaison with local probation department during the duration of a defendant’s term of probation. Act as a liaison with local courts to provide victim information to facilitate restitution payments and future contact.

Enter court dates and other important information into case management system. Upon receipt of Judgement of Sentence and Order of Probation/Order of Disposition from court, accurately enter sentence/disposition information into the office file maintenance program. Mark non-public cases accordingly to maintain confidentiality. Assists victims in completing applications for compensation to recover some of the expenses incurred as a result of the crime.

Provides victims with information that may assist in filing a claim.

Follow the appropriate procedures to obtain approval grant approval for fund allocation through Direct Victim Needs (DVN) and follow through to fulfill the victim’s specific needs.

Meets and/or assists victims in preparing for court and provides support by familiarizing them with the court process. Serves subpoenas to victims and to other witnesses outside of the office with the assistance of the prosecuting attorney.

Attends hearings and trials with victims as requested.

Upon receiving notification that a subpoena was unsuccessful in being served or delivered, promptly contact the victim or witness to obtain an updated address. Notify clerks to ensure the subpoena is reissued and sent to updated address.

Provide coverage for other advocates and witness management assistant when necessary.

Schedules appointments with the assistant prosecutors for victims and explains court procedures and their rights to these individuals.

Provides crisis intervention and assistance to victims in obtaining Personal Protection Orders, reporting threats, and shelter referrals or counseling.

May mentor interns, and volunteers, includes making work assignments and reviewing work products.

Coordinates travel, stay, and dining arrangements for witnesses attending court from outside the area.

Coordinates language interpreters for witnesses attending court and meetings. Utilizes Language Line to communicate with victims and witnesses when necessary.

Facilitate the collection and submission of medical release forms from victims, ensuring timely receipt of medical records. Collect and review restitution documents to provide to the court. Scan and upload various documents into office file maintenance program in a timely and accurate…