Victim Witness Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY

A Victim/Witness Coordinator is responsible for the delivery of a broad array of services to victims and witnesses of crime as defined by the Crime Victims Bill of Rights, as well as for program development through appropriate public relations, public education and the recruitment of additional program resources.

A Coordinator is a member of one or more Trial Teams and/or specialized prosecution units and must be capable of prioritizing workload and balancing competing demands for service. This individual must possess a thorough understanding of the basic principles of victim assistance and must be familiar with the structure and function of the various law enforcement and social service agencies in the County.

This individual must be able to communicate effectively with individuals and groups both orally and in written correspondence and must also be comfortable and effective in public speaking situations.

This position requires a bachelor's degree in criminology, social work, sociology or related field from an accredited institution.

Located in south-central Pennsylvania, York County Government offers many exciting and challenging opportunities to learn and grow in a career while making a difference in the lives of York County residents. Each County department meets a unique need in the community and provides an opportunity for both professional growth and personal satisfaction. York County offers a competitive wage and benefit package.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the provision of services between the criminal and juvenile justice systems and victims and witnesses.
• Ensure that victims and witnesses understand the protections afforded to them against intimidation or harassment as a result of their participation in the criminal justice process.
• Notify victims of their opportunity to provide input at critical stages of the criminal and juvenile justice process, including plea negotiations, victim impact statements at sentencing/disposition, and input at parole/review and other inmate release proceedings.
• Provide support and court‑related services to victims of crime as defined by the Crime Victim’s Rights Act, including: court accompaniment, restitution information and assistance to determine amount, supportive counseling, advocacy with social service and criminal justice agencies; employer/creditor/school intervention; and explanation of and preparation for court proceedings.
• Assist with the notification of victims and witnesses for appearance for court proceedings during the trial term and notification of victims and witnesses in the event of the rescheduling of court appearances.
• Establish contact between the office and the victim (or victim's family) as soon as possible after the incident in cases of serious personal injury or death, so as to establish a support system.
• Act as a referral source for victims who need further assistance in counseling, financial aid, housing or other special needs resulting from their status as a victim.
• Facilitate the judicial process for victims and witnesses through employer intercession, transportation assistance and information on childcare services.

All supervisory personnel are responsible for holding themselves and their subordinates accountable for EEO, ADA, sexual harassment and Aids‑in‑the‑Workplace policies adopted by the County of York.

Requirements are representative of minimum knowledge, skills and abilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the ability or aptitude to perform each duty proficiently, and comply with County policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and other published guidelines. This job description will be periodically revised to reflect changes in the workload or workforce.

The following items apply to the essential job functions of the position: