Victim Advocate; District Attorney

Jackson County Employment Opportunity

The primary goal of the Jackson County Victim Assistance Program is to provide support, information, and resources to victims of both adult and juvenile crimes committed in Jackson County. The program provides advocacy services to crime victims and assists them as they move through the criminal justice system.

• Pass a criminal background check prior to hire.
• This position is represented by union group SEIU.

Performs advocacy work and restitution duties for the Jackson County Victim Assistance Program and performs complex administrative work to support the department. Performs a full range of duties with only occasional instruction or assistance within a framework of established procedures.

(The following duties represent some of the principal job duties; however, they are not all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.)

• Initiates contact with victims and/or witnesses in felony and misdemeanor criminal cases by letter, telephone, and/or interview; explains criminal justice system, statutes, and procedures; advises victims of rights. Provides initial contact and on-going liaison between victims and the Prosecutor’s office.
• Provides advocacy for victims, provides referrals, escorts victims to hearings, provides support to victims throughout the legal process.
• Provides outreach to the community.
• Gathers restitution information. Researches, determines, and orders restitution.
• Works closely with attorneys to arrange appointments and appearances at trial and hearings; coordinates schedule and travel arrangements; attends interviews and court with victim providing emotional support.
• Gathers and inputs statistical data; creates and runs reports.
• Interfaces with social service agencies providing victim support services and refers victims for appropriate short- and long-term needs; assists victims in completing complex forms and applications necessary to receive services.
• Assists the public in person and by telephone; answers questions regarding processes and procedures.
• Adheres to regulatory requirements, collective bargaining agreements, County and departmental policies and procedures, required trainings, as well as safe work practices.
• Develops and maintains effective internal and external working relationships at all levels.
• Has regular and reliable attendance. Overtime may be required.

• High school diploma or equivalent AND five years progressively responsible experience in legal or social services or counseling working directly with clients; OR
• Any combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job.

None

Requires knowledge of and ability to explain judicial procedures, case processing, work related laws and codes, and legal terminology. Knowledge of dynamics of violence, victimization, crisis counseling, victim’s rights, and office and basic bookkeeping practices and procedures. Excellent oral and written communications skills to establish rapport and to deal effectively with victims, attorneys, the general public, other county offices and agencies, often under stressful conditions, using courtesy, tact and good judgement.

Skill in operating standard office equipment such as computers, calculators, and photocopiers. Ability to work quickly, accurately, and thoroughly with close attention to detail to meet deadlines; to work independently, prioritizing and organizing work with a minimum of supervision; to establish and maintain filing and record keeping systems; to make accurate mathematical calculations, and ability to collaborate with law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, and Prosecutors’ offices in the community.

Ability to work in an office environment; requires the ability to exert a small amount of physical effort in sedentary to light work involving moving from one area to another; may require some moderate lifting, bending, reaching, kneeling and some climbing of…