Crime Victim Advocate

Success in this role requires independent judgment, initiative, and the ability to work under pressure with tight timelines. The role involves decisions with serious consequences and requires intimate familiarity with the criminal justice system, victim rights, and community attitudes.

• Interviews and counsels victims, assesses needs, responds to crisis situations, provides resources, and makes referrals to community agencies.
• Assists victims in developing short and long term plans to deal with their victimization.
• Orients victims to the criminal justice system. Works with deputy prosecuting attorneys in responding to victim questions about the legal process and procedures in the criminal justice system. Gives ongoing case status information. Explains victim rights.
• Provides emotional support and crisis intervention to victims during trials and court hearings, and assists them with victimization issues. Helps victims to prepare oral and written impact statements to the court.
• Works closely with deputy prosecuting attorneys to assist victims or witnesses subpoenaed into court with diverse concerns, including emotional issues and the need for additional law enforcement protection.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check.

• Two or more years of experience in criminal justice or social casework.
• Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in sociology, psychology, or related criminal justice field.
• Additional education or experience may substitute for the recruiting requirements.