Victim Witness Coordinator

Crime Victim Assistance Program

Provides information, support, and referrals to victims of crime; performs related work as required.

The primary function of an employee in this class is to provide crime victims with information concerning their rights and general information on the court process and procedures, ensuring that the victim is informed of all developments and decisions regarding their case. The employee also provides general support and referrals to agencies and providers to crime victims. The work is performed under supervision of the County Prosecutor, with considerable latitude granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative.

The principal duties of this class are performed in a public office building.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (will vary by assignment)

• Contacts crime victim, assesses the victim's condition and status, and provides information, general support, referrals to social and service agencies, shelter referrals, assistance with the legal system, and other assistance;
• Explains victim rights, legal procedures and processes, and terminology;
• Sets appointments with attorneys;
• Informs victims of court dates and accompanies them, as needed;
• Serves as liaison between victim and the assigned prosecuting attorney, informing victim of decisions, developments, and related information and relaying victim reactions, concerns, and wishes to the attorney;
• Assists victims in applying for protective orders, compensation, and restitution;
• Assists victims in establishing safety and security measures, including but not limited to, jail release notifications, emergency telephones, safety alarms, and other measures;
• Assists with support measures such as translation, child care, and related measures to ensure victim attendance in court;
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date victim information files;
• Ensures victim impact statement is completed and distributed to all participating parties;
• Performs community and public relations, provides information to community and civic groups, and serves on advisory and task force groups;
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Cross-trains to perform duties of other department support positions;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competency Requirements

• Knowledge of methods, practices, procedures, and objectives of crime victim assistance and counseling;
• Methods, practices, and objectives of crisis intervention;
• Police response and investigative methods and procedures;
• Victim assistance resources available, including but not limited to, social and service agencies, shelters, counseling and support groups, financial and other aid, and related sources;
• Applicable federal, state, local, and County laws, statutes, codes, and ordinances;
• Operation of standard office equipment, including a personal computer and job-related software;
• Operation of specialized case management system;
• English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and composition;
• Current office practices and procedures;
• Court system, legal proceedings, legal terminology, and preparation of legal documents.

Ability to:

• Analyze issues, independently make decisions, and exercise good judgment in completing tasks;
• Operate standard office equipment, a personal computer using program applications appropriate to assigned duties, and specialized case management and tracking system;
• Transcribe, prepare, and proofread legal documents;
• Prepare and proofread correspondence, memos, reports, and related documents;
• Maintain confidentiality of information and records prepared and processed;
• Respond appropriately to public inquiries and provide good customer service;
• Maintain records efficiently and accurately and to research and prepare clear and concise reports;
• Follow oral and written instructions;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County employees, supervisory personnel, local elected and appointed officials, crime victims, and the public, under sometimes stressful conditions;
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Perform basic mathematical and arithmetic functions;
• Work independently, with infrequent and unstructured supervision;
• Cross-train into other Department specializations to offer assistance and support, as needed;
• Perform multiple tasks simultaneously, including handling interruptions, and return to and complete tasks in a timely manner;
• Perform time management and scheduling functions, meet…